In Continue reading "Commentary on Acts 16:16-34" "Look how much bigger you are. This story has parallels in three stories of Jesus exorcisms: The man with the unclean spirit (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37). read more, Scripture: Like Lydia earlier (v. 15), these new converts extend genuine hospitality to Paul and Silas. read more, Scripture: The jailer, on the other hand, is not free. But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! It came out that very hour. Acts 16:25-34 Not only have Paul and Silas remained in prison, but the other prisoners have done the same. Acts 20. John Updike Acts 16:16-30, People have always longed to know what the future holds but we don't need to know the future - we just need to know He who holds the future in His hands! Through prayers of course, (James 5:13). Acts 16:25-34 HCSB. Our responsibility in such difficult times is to trust and obey Him. People believed that this oracle provided divinely inspired wisdom to humans, so Greeks associated the python with divine inspiration. The Bible teaches us by direct command to be grateful. He was a walking dead man. This is Paul's Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 - 18:21. Picture for a moment how many doors we walk through every day- the bedroom door, the bathroom door, the front door, the back door, the car door, and the garage door. ROBERT RAYBURN SERMONS BOOK OF ACTS. Acknowledgement in oral presentations is not required. He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. Scripture: Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Acts 16. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation John 14:21. I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. Oscar Peterson 16-34 " Pingback: Sermon Excerpt: Acts 16:16-34 | Spacious Faith. They could accuse Paul and Silas of persuading people to join a cult not recognized by the Roman government, but by this time officials do not usually prosecute people for this transgression. being Jews (v. 20b). The jailers question reminds us of the peoples response to Peters sermon at Pentecost, where they asked, Brothers, what shall we do? (2:37). In a world where Christian ministry has become a profession, most ministers cant help but succumb to these distractions. Model sermons available on Lifeway.com, in biblical order. Acts 16:16-34 May 16, 2010 . I remember it like it was yesterday. G.F. Handel While surely that phrase means more than escape from prison, in Acts the Lukan author includes three prison escape miracles in which Jesus does indeed set captives free. He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. A. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. A Sermon by Alex Evans, Pastor. Why did God say maybe? Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. This parallels the situation that Jesus faced, where the crowd demanded that he be punished and the authorities bowed to the demands of the crowd (Luke 23). Marva Dawn Michael Connelly Jurgen Moltmann read more, Scripture: Willie Nelson. The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. These stories are intended to show that even powerful men, using their utmost to stifle the Gospel, cannot defeat the people whom God has sent to proclaim the Gospel. The Blue Hornets Luke does not tell us whether this is a sabbath. Besides, if that bee stings you, his stinger will . This is exactly what Paul and his companions have come to do. Earlier, when Jesus exorcised the unclean spirit, the demon came out of him, having done him no harm (Luke 4:35)much like the spirit leaves this slave-girl (v. 18c). George MacDonald Fraser, Bob Dylan Philippi is in a seismically active area, so it would not be unusual to experience an earthquake therealthough an earthquake this violent would be unusual. Then they threw them in prison, in the deepest cell, and placed their feet in the stocks. A chapter by chapter and verse by verse study of Acts taught by Pastor Paul LeBoutillier of Calvary Chapel Ontario, Oregon. Acts 16:11-40, I Believe Colin Gunton Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. This is the point. Sermon: Faithfulness is the Key to God's Blessings, Sermon Notes: The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Sermon Notes: Healing a Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda, Sermon: The 3 kinds of prayer: Ask-Seek-Knock, New Year Sermon: An old Challenge for a New Year, Fathers Day Sermon: Qualities of a Godly Father. In Acts 16:16, Paul continues his search for a "place of prayer," but again is sidetracked, but this time by a woman of a very different sort. Permission is granted for non-profit use of these materials. When you do the Spirit of God will move. Barclay, William, Daily Study Bible: Acts, (Edinburgh: The Saint Andrew Press, 1976), Bock, Darrell L., Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Acts (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), Bruce, F. F., The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Book of Acts (Revised)(Grand Rapids: William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), Chance, J. Bradley, The Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary: Acts (Macon, Georgia: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc., 2007), Craddock, Fred B.; Hayes, John H.; Holliday, Carl R.; and Tucker, Gene M., Preaching Through the Christian Year, C (Valley Forge: Trinity Press, 1994), Farris, Lawrence W., in Van Harn, Roger (ed. Joy Recovered. It's based on the miraculous earthquake in Acts 16 where God opens the jail doors for Silas and Paul. As far as we can tell, Paul does not free this slave girl out of kindness. Denomination: Church Of God The prisoners must have all ran Being his Apostles, Paul and Silas exhibited a scene of Faith during their . into the marketplace(agoran) (19b). Quite simply, it means even if something appears to be free, there's always some kind of catch. Here are some reflections from a sermon I preached in 2010. Witness how God can ta, When The Chains Come Off - Acts 16:16-34 - May 22, 2011 Lyle Lovett IT WAS A BAD SITUATION Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: Acts 16:29-34 He Came to Earth that Winter Night A Christmas Hymn, He came to dwell among us A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, In the Dark A Sermon for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A, Displaced Persons A Sermon on Jeremiah 29: 1-14. . We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. Life is filled with close calls and narrow escapes' The Voice In A Close Call Acts 16:10-34 We were entering the highway at an entrance notorious as a black spot for fatal accidents. Acts 16:16-25. Perhaps God caused the prisoners to delay their escape. The best way to preach this text is to simply tell the story highlighting the centrality of salvation. These men are servants of the Most High God (v. 17b). And we stayed there several days. A) IN JAIL FOR Mark Twain By characterizing Paul and Silas as Jews and themselves as Romans, Pauls accusers are trying to establish a bad-guy, good-guy contrastwith themselves being the good guys. He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. Toward that end, I request you use your full name when commenting. The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. They accuse Paul and Silas of creating a public disturbancea charge that city officials must take seriously no civil official can tolerate a public disturbance. George Herbert It is a dramatic story, which I think would make a great screenplay for an action movie. While that girl was following, to Paul and us she cried out saying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you a (the)1 way of salvation.". read more, Scripture: He could be asking what he must do to be saved from execution by the authorities. Acts 16:16-34Open Doors. For Jews Salvation meant deliverance from sin. All was lost. Holiness. Brevard Childs He calls us to present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification (Romans 6:19). He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God (v. 34). All Videos Images Commentaries Devotionals Other Translations Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. It seems likely that their prayers are prayers of praise and petitions for guidance rather than prayers for release. She is worshiper of the God of Israel, even . Nancy Griffith Bible Study & Sermon Videos; acts 2:16-36 niv; Acts 2:16-36 Niv. This strikes fear in the heart of the magistrates, because they do not have the authority to beat and jail Roman citizens without due process of law. There are two stories of salvation in Acts 16, and it feels as though Dr. Luke has picked these two stories for their very different feel and color. Acts 17. Kudoz. Today is the Seventh and final Sunday in Easter and we have had several readings from the Book of Actsthat emphasize the power of Jesus resurrection during the rise of the early church. Dorothy Dunnett Ultimately the words of the demon within her were getting more of a hearing than the proclamation of the Gospel itself! This girls witness is true, but subject to misinterpretation by people who know nothing of Paul or the God whom he represents. Acts 16:16-40, Denomination: There are the school doors, the office doors, the church doors as well as the elevator door, revolving doors, and automatic doors. It is similar to Peters salvation formula at Pentecost, Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (2:38). 12:7-11.) Jump to: New Testament. Hes got the keys. soothsaying. [Image: Marnie Pix] 1. [Image:Marnie Pix], A. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Breaking chains, Opening Doors A Sermon on Acts 16:16-34, https://anchor.fm/sunday-on-the-commons/episodes/Open-DoorsBroken-ChainsGuest-Preacher-the-RevDrRichard-LFloydJune-22019-e48v6m. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. Kapitulli 2: (Christ) Rescue of the Lost Lamb. Acts 18. At least thats The strategois could be a higher-level authority. All was lost. Alan P.F. Sermon Seeds. C. H. Spurgeon, vol. A precise commentary on acts 16 16 34 can boost your faith and strengthen your walk with Jesus Christ. Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer charging the Philistines. They never did get to bed that night. The prisoners must have all ran I have only listed the points and a couple of comments under each point of each sermon to give the preacher a remembrance which the Holy Spirit can lead on and speak through the man of God. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? This procedure is designed, in part, to separate the process from mob rule and to give the accused a fair trial before impartial judges. read more, Scripture: 1. read more, Scripture: Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. In fact it is certain to be a day like absolutely no other that has gone before. Paul and Silas in Prison. This verse probably summarizes a longer proclamation. Matthew 22:17. When you do, nothing can prevent you from moving forward. **THEY WERE BEAT WITH MANY STRIPES Some are born again, some are born again and again and again (that describes me and Im not done yet.) You see, that will be the day that I die. Townes Van Zandt Paul understands the pressure that the jailer is under and the possibility that he will commit suicide. Any date. It is the slave-girls owners who bring Paul and Silas before these strategois (magistrates). They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house (v. 32). They are not free. Acts: 1: Sharing Christ in All Places : 1:1-14: While You Wait : 2:21-42: A New Community : 4:23-36: A Winning Witness : The jailer is a functionary of the most powerful empire in the known world. When the jailer relays that information to Paul and Silas, Paul says, They have beaten us publicly, without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: They claimed that Paul and Silas were teaching customs that were against their laws. What the accusers do not know, but Paul will later reveal (v. 37) is that he and Silas are also Roman citizens. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. Every morning and every evening the head of a Jewish household would pray, giving thanks that God had not created him a Gentile, a woman or a slave. It hardly seems coincidental that the first three conversions which take place at Philippi, come from those three despised categories. It came out that very hour (v. 18c). Luke gives us no information concerning the content of these prayers, but the hymn-singing makes it clear that Paul and Silas are anything but depressed, defeated prisoners. Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. Donald Bloesch To her owners, this girl is nothing but a money machine. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. read more, Scripture: The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. "You talk?" The Christian As A Citizen -Acts 16: 35-40. Lydia, a seller of purple (and probably affluent), offered them the hospitality of her home, which they accepted (16:15). Flannery O'Connor Sermon Series: How to discern Gods will. The jailers question can be understood on two levels. Max L. Stackhouse It happened, as we were going to prayer (v. 16a). Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. For heathens, it meant freedom from superstitious powers, C. These words the fortune teller uttered rang a bell in the minds of all. (Full sermon is posted here .) Paul and Silas are singing in the stocks. Last time, we saw that Paul heard God and because of his obedience, the gospel entered Europe. The slave girl would follow Paul and cry out, These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.. Paul and Silas were aware that God brought them to Philip for the purpose of planting a church. read more, Scripture: Chris Botti The owners accuse Paul and Silas of disturbing the peace and being Jews, a bit of Roman anti-Semitism, and the crowd riots, and beat them within an inch of their lives. The Gospel is addressed to all sorts and conditions of people, to women and men, to Jews like Paul, to Gentiles like Lydia, to rich people like Lydia, to poor people like the slave girl with the demon, to powerful people like the Roman jailer and to powerless people, like slaves. Anthony Trollope He is free. This missionary journey has taken Paul from Jerusalem north to Antioch of Syria and then westwards through the interior of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He washed them from their stripes, and was himself washed from his sins (quoted in Bruce, 318). When she confronts Paul and . God was waiting for someone to choose to As this story continues through the end of chapter 16, the following morning the magistrates send word to the jailer to let Paul and Silas go. Let us all make a note to ourselves that in our most difficult time, at our darkest hour, we could take a page from their book and just sing a good hymn. 5:18), and we must do the will of God to go to heaven (Mat. Dave Mallett Blessings. The Gerasene demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). Acts 23. 63). It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. Middle Eastern nations often import female workers whose legal contracts constitute a form of indentured servitude. This is the same verb used earlier in Acts 4:2 to describe the feeling of the Sanhedrin over the preaching of the apostles (ie., that Jesus was raised from the dead), and it is the word found in LXX Gen 6:6 for God's grief over the sin of the world prior to the flood. Acts 16:16-34 Songs in the Night . God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God Ways to Follow. Last time, we saw that Paul heard God and because of his obedience, the gospel entered Europe. **THEY WERE BEAT WITH MANY STRIPES So, there they are, at midnight, in the stocks, singing their hearts out, when: Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyones chains were unfastened., I definitely want that part in my movie. read more, Scripture: Sermon Acts 16:16-34 A Faith That Liberates. Pingback: My Top Ten Posts of 2022 | When I Survey . Lutheran. Dorothy Sayers The jailer made them feel at home, dressed their wounds, and thenhe couldn't wait till morning!was baptized, he and everyone in his family. Consequently, this historical information recorded in the book makes it a good source to learn about Christian ministry. Nazarene. 8:28-29; 1 Cor. . ; Luke is a travel companion of the Apostle Paul. They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be Anne Tyler Invitations, Part 6 Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA. Sunday, June 2, 1019. St. Anselm of Canterbury Patrick O'Brian When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. Lesslie Newbigin Christoph Schwbel St. Anselm of Canterbury Soren Kierkegaard Rowan Williams Robert Jenson Richard Bauckham Reinhold Niebuhr P.T. Herman Melvillle (Acts 16:16-40) and Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41), and against Jewish rioters on two occasions (Acts 17:1-17; Acts 18:12-17). Any duration. . Timothy and Luke seem not to be involved at this point. Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who . Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. 16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. Unable to shift positions, prisoners would grow more uncomfortable by the minute. Acts 16:1-16, GOD WILL BREAK INTO YOUR SITUATION WHEN YOU SING AND PRAISE, WHEN GOD BREAKS IN! However, even though Peter was bound with chains and sleeping between two soldiers, an angel freed him (12:6-11). A Very Real Enemy From Satans Slave to Gods Servant: Acts 16:16-24. . In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. Learn how your comment data is processed. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? Paul is accompanied by Silas (15:37-38), and they are later joined by young Mark (16:1). THE PRISON OF HIS PRAISES. No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out (v. 37). Each of these stories is different and particular in the same way that each of our stories with God are different and particular. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw . There would be no light at night, and little light during the day. Her Deliverance and salvation . This girl is neither. Sister Jensen glances at her students and taps several times on her phone. Luke 17:11-37; 18:15-34 Topic: People To Meet, Lessons To Learn. read more, Scripture: It also records the conversion of a Roman jailer and his household (16:29-34), demonstrating the ability of the Gospel to penetrate into the hearts of people from all walks of life. Acts 16:16-34 - Center for Excellence in Preaching. Acts 16:16-34, Denomination: Reinhold Niebuhr As a result of the numerous miracles performed through Paul and Peter, the church grows daily. As the story continues, the disciples are still in Philippi, where they will be for the balance of chapter 16. It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. Scripture: Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31. However, these magistrates fail to observe proper procedure, and instead bow to the crowds demands for immediate punishment. The spirit of Python will squeeze the joy out of your worship & praise.find out how to to get victory over this subtle destroyer. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you . He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. read more, Scripture: Mark, Luke, and John for your sermon, homily, bible study, or reflection. Newsome, James D. in Cousar, Charles B.; Gaventa, Beverly R.; McCann, J. Clinton; and Newsome, James D., Texts for Preaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSVYear C (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1994), Polhill, John B., New American Commentary: Acts, Vol. * This morning, as we gather for worship, delegates from the United Methodist Church around the world are gathered in St. Louis for the Special Session of General Conference. Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. Paul and Silas make it clear to the jailer that his household can enjoy the same salvation that they are offering him. What does the Bible say about using pirated software? ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays Text. They did not shrink in fear from the challenge of being inside prison walls, whether as inmates or missionaries. This is very much like Jesus command to the demon, Be silent, and come out of him! (Luke 4:35). Lesson 19 - Luke 20:1-47 Topic: Issues and Answers. ACTS 16:25-30 And at midnight Paul and Silas I have only listed the points and a couple of comments under each point of each sermon to give the preacher a remembrance which the Holy Spirit can lead on and speak through the man of God. Katherine Sonderegger, Adam Desnoyers The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie Why did God say maybe? Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. Lesson 18 - Luke 18:35-43; 19:1-48 Topic: Jesus Is Headed To Jerusalem. Paul would not disagree with her characterization. He would take his own life before suffering the shame of not doing his job for Rome. The Conference officially . Our daughter, in the seventh grade at the time, had had a terrible day with some friends at school. 2. In reporting this, Luke clearly sees problems on two levels. We get very excited at individual miracles which are not wrong by the way but not seeing that it is just a small component of a much bigger plan is dangerous because failure to grab the full picture means chances are high that we will backslide in ministry. Acts 16:16-34, Denomination: Three weeks ago Rebecca preached about Tabitha, the faithful disciple, whom Peter raised from death to life.

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