Toward that end, I request you use your full name when commenting. Paul and Silas were free to serve God with their whole hearts and th There are several: God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. (I Corinthians 1: 27-29). If we aren't willing to tell them about Jesus, how can we ever invite them to experience all that He has for them? Beginning of the Book of Acts in Coptic; circa 4th or 5th Century. Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. - - - - -. Roman citizenship comes with a number of privileges, and is highly respected. Follow Desiring God on Facebook . Distracted by Many Things A Sermon on Luke 10:38-42, God Gives the Growth: A Retirement Sermon, When the Spirit comes A Sermon for Pentecost, Pity the Nation A Poem for our Time by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, The God Who Still Speaks A Sermon on John 16:12-15, We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace A Devotion on Psalm 23:4, We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace, Your Sons and Your Daughters Shall Prophesy, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Despite the attempts of many Christians to create a one size fits all template for Christian conversion, each of these people experiences the Gospel in a way particular to them. Feb 12, 1989. As the story continues, the disciples are still in Philippi, where they will be for the balance of chapter 16. Because he wanted Jonathan to pick a direction and go. 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. Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of the young Pythoness - 1. Acts 16:11-40 Intro: Having lost in a fire virtually everything they owned, the Spafford family made new plans, including a move from Chicago to France.Horatio Spafford planned the trip for his wife and four daughters to be as trouble-free as possible. Any date. The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday at 9:34 AM in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. It is difficult to imagine a more terrible place. These men are servants of the Most High God (v. 17b). Sermon Series: How to discern Gods will. Lesson 42 - Paul's Vision of the Man of Macedonia - Acts 16:6-10 641. Using an earthquake for his purposes, God opens the prison doors and unfastens the prisoners chains so that Paul and Silas are free to escape. Showing Our Love for Jesus. It was through this chaotic situation the church of Philip was born, B. They claimed that Paul and Silas were teaching customs that were against their laws. The last 3 years have seemed like one long Lent to me, as we have suffered from loss, tra. Mark Twain . What the accusers do not know, but Paul will later reveal (v. 37) is that he and Silas are also Roman citizens. Miroslav Volf God was waiting for someone to choose to In some cases, they kidnap the children. The Key teachings of Jesus Christ are focused on Faith and Love. Catherine Mowry LaCugna Gail Godwin Sermon, "Voices from Prison: Paul and Silas," Acts 16:16-40 July 15, 2018 Sermon 7/15/18 . 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 21. So things are not looking too good for our heroes. and the prisoners were listening to them (v. 25b). In this latest instance, the jailer knows that his life is forfeit if even one prisoner has escapedand all the prison doors are open, so surely more than one prisoner has escaped. **THEY WERE BEAT WITH MANY STRIPES read more, Scripture: read more, Scripture: Annie Dillard Playing Favorites. Donald Bloesch Sometimes we do our simple best, and God works through us in ways far beyond our efforts, far beyond our imaginings. Go to www.ccontario.com for an en. G.F. Handel This is very much like Jesus command to the demon, Be silent, and come out of him! (Luke 4:35). It is written in the scriptures that no one can please God without faith. Charles Dickens Lesson 16 - Luke 16:1-17:10 . I remember it like it was yesterday. Rick Warren in Purpose Driven Church says that opportunities are the same. They were flogged severely and put in jail with their feet fastened in stocks, C. The rioters would have expected the missionaries to lose morale. "You talk?" Very often, fear of humiliation is a significant factor in suicide. I thought about calling this sermon Singing in the Stocks. read more, Scripture: Text: Acts 16:35-40 Acts 16:35-40 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go." (36) So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let .read more Scripture: Acts 16:13-35. P.T. with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by Van Morrison The agora was the public square in the center of the city. The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. The jailer, on the other hand, is not free. Acts 25. 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. When Our Time Comes Tee Jackson As we experience our last days, hours, and minutes on earth, let's remain focused and finish strong in the Lord! 16It happened, as we were going to prayer, that a certain girl having a spirit of divination (Greek: pneuma pythonaa python spirit) met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling (Greek: manteuomeneprophesying). Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. However, these magistrates fail to observe proper procedure, and instead bow to the crowds demands for immediate punishment. A Very Real Enemy Her Deliverance and salvation The crowd of people were angry and the judges tore off Silas and Paul's coats and commanded that they be beaten. Many similar forms of slavery exist throughout the world today. . 7:21). who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling (manteuomeneprophesying) (v. 16d). and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyones bonds were loosened (v. 26b). This exorcism demonstrates Gods power over demonic spirits. A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." Chris Botti But they all witness to the power of the Risen Jesus to transform lives. Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. Besides, if that bee stings you, his stinger will . The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. Why did God say maybe? 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. 20When they had brought them to the magistrates (Greek: strategois), they said, These men, being Jews, are agitating our city, 21and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans. 22The multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their clothes off of them, and commanded them to be beaten with rods. Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. Then stand strong and preach without ceasing, and the Lord will use you. John Piper Nov 11, 2007. Dexter Gordon Seize the opportunity. 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. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there. you and your household (v. 31a). Learn how your comment data is processed. The miracle that God has worked is not just for the deliverance of Paul and Silas, but also for the deliverance of the jailer. Acts 2 Commentary; DON ROBINSON Sermons on Acts Acts 2:1-2 Hindering the Work of God; Acts 2,8,9,10 & 19 A Closer Look at Experience Not only have Paul and Silas remained in prison, but the other prisoners have done the same. Townes Van Zandt 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.". Nazarene. A Story With a Happy Ending Acts 16: 23-34. ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays Text. But, as we will see in the next verse, Paul and Silas hear the jailers question as having to do with his eternal salvation. Peddlers of sex and pornography often use enslaved children, male and female, for their purposes. Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. He places the two missionaries "in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks" (16:23-24). Paul understands the pressure that the jailer is under and the possibility that he will commit suicide. He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household (v. 33). The Manner Of Paul The Apostle Acts 17: 1-9. 5:18), and we must do the will of God to go to heaven (Mat. There would be little provision for sanitation or ventilation, so the stench would be terrible. Theme: Paul and the Pythoness Acts 18. 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! Dietrich Bonhoeffer 8:28-29; 1 Cor. Perhaps God caused the prisoners to delay their escape. Karl Barth All Rights Reserved. read more, Scripture: He was a walking dead man. Invitations, Part 6 Paul was excellent in recognizing and utilizing opportunities, (Acts 17:23; Philippians 1:18). Peter Robinson Date Speaker Text Title Listen; 05/26/96: Dr. Phil Newton: Acts 1:1-11: The Promise of the Father: 06/02/96: Dr. Phil Newton: . Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken (v. 26a). Jump to: New Testament. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for .Download the Sunday School lessons below. Not only can he expect to be killed if a prisoner has escaped, but he will also be humiliated before his peers, who will carry out his execution. Marilynne Robinson First, the girls owners have enslaved her for the purpose of enriching themselves. soothsaying. John Coltrane Acts 19. And this is where it gets really interesting. read more, Scripture: Pingback: My Top Ten Posts of 2022 | When I Survey . As a result of the numerous miracles performed through Paul and Peter, the church grows daily. It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. Acts 16:16-34, Denomination: The jailer understands that Paul has saved his life, so he falls down before themsignaling his obeisance. Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be Last time, we saw that Paul heard God and because of his obedience, the gospel entered Europe. *other. Sermons. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. The jailer, having been ordered to keep these prisoners secured, places them in the innermost cell at the heart of the prisonmore than likely a dungeon. Baptist. In Greek mythology, the great serpent, Python, lived in a cave near Delphi.and guarded the oracle there (Encarta). Acts 16:16-24. The Board of Education which went to the Supreme Court. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains came loose. The authorities would typically imprison anyone whom they had first flogged. Luke Because Luke is the author of the book of Acts, many scholars have concluded that Luke has joined Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy) at this point. As was true when Jesus was tried, these accusers avoid honest accusation. It was time to end it. Penal Statistics Data reports that Acts 16:11-40 Luke 17:11-37; 18:15-34 Topic: People To Meet, Lessons To Learn. They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house (v. 32). - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Four: Q-Z Revised, Tarsus (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988). ; Luke is a travel companion of the Apostle Paul. 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). Like Lydia earlier (v. 15), these new converts extend genuine hospitality to Paul and Silas. Willie Nelson. 16 And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed The boldness and attitude of Paul and Silas should speak to us. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. Home > Resources > Sermons > Acts. The note about ordering the jailer to keep them safely helps to set up the later scene where an earthquake sets them free. ACTS 16:25-30 And at midnight Paul and Silas Furiously they accused Paul and Silas of tyranny, B. Paul and Silas are still in Philippi, where we left them last week. 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreters Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. read more, Scripture: I was too young to remember the event but I can only imagine how difficult it must have . read more, Scripture: 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). Finally, Luke sees the Gospel as shaking foundations, disrupting conventions, and overturning proscriptions. he asks. -- Whether its an invitation to a ballgame, to a BBQ, or even to church Reinhold Niebuhr 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. It is a dramatic story, which I think would make a great screenplay for an action movie. B. Illus. 2. In fact it is certain to be a day like absolutely no other that has gone before. In todays sermon, I am going to present to you four principles that make Christian ministry effective as seen in Acts 16:16-34. P.D. 32-34 They went on to spell out in detail the story of the Masterthe entire family got in on this part. read more, Scripture: Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. They never did get to bed that night. Katherine Sonderegger, Adam Desnoyers document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is one of several we passages in the book of Acts (see also 16:10-15; 20:5-8, 13-15; 21:1-18; 27:1 28:16). About the Book of Acts in general: The author of the Book of Acts is Luke. He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. Consequently, this historical information recorded in the book makes it a good source to learn about Christian ministry. Nazarene. It's Lent! Acts 16:25-30, Denomination: Penal Statistics Data reports that [Image:Marnie Pix], A. Here are some reflections from a sermon I preached in 2010. This introduced the Gospel to the continent of Europe for the first time (Turkey is in Asia and Greece is in Europe). Pick a strong hymn reminding you whos in charge, such as All Hail the Power of Jesus Name or Jesus Shall Reign Whereer the Sun, which we are blessed to get to sing today. And we stayed there several days. The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. Gabriel Fackre A Very Real Enemy Anne Tyler Acts 16:16-25. Luke, the author of Acts, believed in the power of Jesus and his Gospel not only to transform lives, but to make extraordinary things happen and we have several of them in our story. Acts 16. construction jobs san antonio part time Oh Lord Almighty God we need you right now, we need you right now Reveal your Glory, Reveal your Glory, and pour your spirit out We need you, We need you We . 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. read more, Scripture: . Why did Jesus refer to Herod as That fox in Luke 13:32? 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. An Invitation Requires Truth Merchants would have their booths there, but the agora would also be where authorities would hold public court. As I said last week, Luke believes in the power of the Holy Spirit, but also in human free will, and sees no contradiction between divine guiding and human choosing. For Jews Salvation meant deliverance from sin. 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. Paul and Silas use the jailers question as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to him. JESUS WAS TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES AND HE STOPS AND SAYS The jailers question can be understood on two levels. a. George Hunsinger Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them. read more, Scripture: who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks (v. 24). David Lodge 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(v. 18). Wright And the jailer cleaned their wounds. Psalms 65:11 NKJ All was lost. The proclamation of the Gospel continues, this time to the jailer and all who were in his househis family and possibly servants as well. This story from Acts is a troubling one in many ways. He commands the spirit to leave the girl because she . John Mortimer What is the most important question ever to ask? 34He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God.