The book of Acts emphasizes the power and abilities of the leaders of the Jesus movement. Feet fastened in stocks would add physical discomfort. Do they now release us secretly? Follow Desiring God on Facebook . Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. The best way to preach this text is to simply tell the story highlighting the centrality of salvation. Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: Fleming Rutledge Perhaps Paul and Silas persuaded them to stay. N.T. Salvation Object Lesson (Acts 3:19) Hard Boiled Egg ; God's Loves Everyone (Acts 11:1-18, John 13:31-35) Children's Sermon ; Children's Message "Pentecost" Holy Spirit Wind and Fire Object Lesson (Acts 2:1-12) Lesson: Barnabas and Paul Begin Their Missionary Journey ; Shine a Light Object Lesson for Sunday School (Matthew 5:16) 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. Psalms 65:11 NKJ Jesus had cast demons from men into pigs nearby (Matt. 2. verses 16 - 18) Very often, fear of humiliation is a significant factor in suicide. By Dr. Mickey Anders. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. The Board of Education which went to the Supreme Court. (v. 27). Flannery O'Connor She is worshiper of the God of Israel, even . Sermon Excerpt: Acts 16:16-34. Acts 16:16-40, Denomination: Jurgen Moltmann The slave girl was a prophetess. Acts 16:16-34 (35-40) - Updated. A vision of a man from Macedonia (modern-day Greece) caused Paul and Silas to cross the Aegean Sea to go there (16:9-12). Follow Desiring God on Facebook . The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. For Jews Salvation meant deliverance from sin. Luke The book of Acts is the report of early Christians who had faith to do these greater things that Jesus promised. Miss, it means to wait for another. Jane Austen When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely (v. 23). The spirit of Python will squeeze the joy out of your worship & praise.find out how to to get victory over this subtle destroyer. But they all witness to the power of the Risen Jesus to transform lives. (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). The Gospel erases all those previously important social distinctions. George Hunsinger June 29, 2014 The conversion of the Jailor and his family reminds us that no matter what, Gospel must be preached. I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. Then they threw them in prison, in the deepest cell, and placed their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. A) IN JAIL FOR Introduction How do we stand strong during persecution? Rowan Williams The miracle that God has worked is not just for the deliverance of Paul and Silas, but also for the deliverance of the jailer. And I can assure you having power and money doesnt make you free, much less happy or secure. It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. He is free. Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak. Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer charging the Philistines. Suddenly But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life' (5:20). 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). 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). 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. 12:7-11.) The Gospel canticle acts as a kind of meditative extension of the scriptural proclamation in light of the Christ event.Request Prayer Please enter your information and submit your prayer request below . He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas (v. 29). We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. However, these magistrates fail to observe proper procedure, and instead bow to the crowds demands for immediate punishment. Dave Mallett THE PRISON OF HIS PRAISES. 5:18), and we must do the will of God to go to heaven (Mat. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. For Philippians Most High God meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus, B. This procedure is designed, in part, to separate the process from mob rule and to give the accused a fair trial before impartial judges. It was time to end it. Paul and Silas make it clear to the jailer that his household can enjoy the same salvation that they are offering him. Joni Mitchell Toward that end, I request you use your full name when commenting. So, when . Diana Krall John Piper Nov 11, 2007. Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA. Sunday, June 2, 1019. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: Simple English; Slovenina; . Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. 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. Miroslav Volf Nancy Griffith Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. 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 Acts 16:1-16, GOD WILL BREAK INTO YOUR SITUATION WHEN YOU SING AND PRAISE, WHEN GOD BREAKS IN! Sermons. for us to accept or to observe, being Romans (v. 21b). He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. Theres that generous hospitality again that we saw in the story of Lydias conversion. read more, Scripture: Acts 16:29-34 read more, Scripture: Acts 16:1-31, What you're going through is a praise, prayer and song away from turning around, In the New York Times there was an article stipulating the population of the prison system, this article asserts that the United States of America constitutes 5 percent of the worlds population, but it houses 25 percent of the prison population. read more, Scripture: What is the most important question ever to ask? The best example of the topsy-turvy values of the Gospel in our story is the contrast between the Roman jailer and Paul and Silas. The Manner Of Paul The Apostle Acts 17: 1-9. Because of the "we" passages in 16:10-16, some scholars believe that Luke (the author of this book) is also part of Paul's party. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. Acts 16:11-40, I Believe Acts 16:16-18, Denomination: June 2, 2022 by Kristin Schmidt. 786 search results for "acts 16" Sermons Pharisees Plot Against Jesus. Pentecost. having a spirit of divination (pneuma pythonaa python spirit) met us (v. 16b). read more, Scripture: In todays sermon, I am going to present to you four principles that make Christian ministry effective as seen in Acts 16:16-34. Peter Robinson Bonnie Raitt 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. Illus. When they had brought them to the magistrates (strategois) (v. 20a). Fyodor Dostoyevsky Acts 16:25-30, Denomination: Life is full of uncertainties but God's commitment to you is unwavering! Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. Lee Lever says: May 12, 2016 at 12:04 pm It is important that servants of God watch out for such distractions and eliminate them in order not to lose their influence in ministry. It is the greatest enemy of any effective ministry. Chrysostom said of this incident, He (the jailer) washed and was washed. He says, For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lords free man. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (v. 25a). 1. A Very Real Enemy 26Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyones bonds were loosened. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. 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. Acts 16:16-34, Denomination: Overcoming any obstacle that is presented, they go about proclaiming to the world that Jesus died and was raised so that all could Continue reading "Commentary on Acts 16:16-34" Bible Study & Sermon Videos; acts 2:16-36 niv; Acts 2:16-36 Niv. All was lost. Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. No matter what your need is Robert Frost It is midnight, literally and figuratively, the darkest hour, and you might expect that Paul and Silas would be down in the dumps, but no, they are singing hymns about Jesus, so that the other prisoners can hear. Alan P.F. Paul and Silas were free to serve God with their whole hearts and th Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. Some are once born and never experience conversion but still know and follow Jesus. John Piper Feb 12, 1989. About the Book of Acts in general: The author of the Book of Acts is Luke. He was a walking dead man. Finally, Luke sees the Gospel as shaking foundations, disrupting conventions, and overturning proscriptions. George Herbert Its his prison. In this kind of situation, the magistrates should arrest the accused and schedule a trial to hear the accusations and to weigh the evidence. Psalms 65:11 NKJ This us represents the last we passage in Acts until 10:6, leaving us to wonder if Luke drops out at this point. So that the surfer doesnt have to wait for another one. In Continue reading "Commentary on Acts 16:16-34" Dietrich Bonhoeffer Theme: Paul and the Pythoness 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). read more, Scripture: that a certain girl (v. 16b). read more, Luke shares with us the story of the salvation of the Pythoness - 1. First, the girls owners have enslaved her for the purpose of enriching themselves. They are probably duumvirs, a word that comes from the Roman duo (meaning two) and vir (meaning man). Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and Mark, Luke, and John for your sermon, homily, bible study, or reflection. Acts 16:25-34 HCSB. in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Four: Q-Z Revised, Tarsus (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988). Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. Acts 16. 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 : Likewise he who was called being free is Christs bondservant (1 Corinthians 7:22). One Small Change Will Energize Tomorrow's Sermon, Slow Down, Big Fellawhat A Motorcyclist Taught Me About Preaching, Spit-Shine Tomorrow's Sermon Before You Go To Bed Tonight. Baptist. The boldness and attitude of Paul and Silas should speak to us. Because of the we passages in 16:10-16, some scholars believe that Luke (the author of this book) is also part of Pauls party. 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.". Here are some reflections from a sermon I preached in 2010. I'm New Issues of ultimate reality, issues that deal with politics and suffering. John Calvin 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. So things are not looking too good for our heroes. Catherine Mowry LaCugna It has been proved that church growth reaches its peak in the face of persecution. Paul understands the pressure that the jailer is under and the possibility that he will commit suicide. 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. read more, Scripture: Jesus said that anyone who has faith in Him will do greater things than what Jesus did himself. he asks. read more. God has a purpose even in chaos. Besides, if that bee stings you, his stinger will . Dexter Gordon Her owners dictate her every action and confiscate any money that her efforts produce. All was lost. 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). The Syrophoenician womans daughter (Matthew 15:21-18; Mark 7:24-30). Furiously they accused Paul and Silas of tyranny, B. 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. Luke has already told us about the baptism of Cornelius and all those who were with him (10:44-48) and of Lydia and her household (16:15). It came out that very hour (v. 18c). Seeing that the jailer would commit suicide if they escaped, Paul and Silas chose his life and salvation over their own liberation (Acts 16:25-34). 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. Reinhold Niebuhr And we stayed there several days. Saul Bellow He answered simply, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household." Since then, that simple answer has generated debate about its meaning. This shifting of scope is capable of bringing an effective Christian ministry down to its knees. Home > Resources > Sermons > Acts. An Invitation Requires Truth Acts 16:16-26. Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (v. 30). Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. Keep up with the good work of most high and greatest God. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Feb 12, 1989. Lesslie Newbigin Acts 16:17 Demonic Witness. Patrick O'Brian **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL This woman, who is a slave to demonic spirits and evil men, recognizes that Paul and his companions are slaves to the Most High God. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. 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. Being his Apostles, Paul and Silas exhibited a scene of Faith during their . **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. -- Whether its an invitation to a ballgame, to a BBQ, or even to church Acts 16:16-34 Songs in the Night . Lesson 16 - Luke 16:1-17:10 . Required fields are marked *. They were sure nothing can stop them from fulfilling their mission in Philip (unless God changed His mind). Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Gabriel Fackre The Greek word for "nations is 'ethnos' and means a race, tribe, or a people group in every area of the Earth. Marilynne Robinson He became very upset, and his mother tried to calm him. So, on this final Sunday of Easter, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and the power of God to bring new life to us all, what are the chains that hold you? Paul was excellent in recognizing and utilizing opportunities, (Acts 17:23; Philippians 1:18). Scott Hubbard Dec 3, 2021. To listen to an audio podcast of this sermon go to: https://anchor.fm/sunday-on-the-commons/episodes/Open-DoorsBroken-ChainsGuest-Preacher-the-RevDrRichard-LFloydJune-22019-e48v6m, Your email address will not be published. Herman Melvillle IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE NOTE OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. Pauls accusers do not specify what customs Paul is advocating that are not lawful. Texts: Psalm 27; Acts 16:16-34 "FOCUS" What do you do with what happens to you? 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. Pingback: My Top Ten Posts of 2022 | When I Survey . Now they identify themselves as Romansa status that they enjoy as citizens of Philippi, a Roman colony. read more, Scripture: The First Readings: The Old Testament and Acts (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2001), Faw, Chalmer E., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Acts, (Scottdale, Pennsyvania: Herald Press, 1993), Gaventa, Beverly Roberts, Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: The Acts of the Apostles (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003). Nazarene. The agora was the public square in the center of the city. 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her (v. 18b). 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. . 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. Merchants would have their booths there, but the agora would also be where authorities would hold public court. Consequently, this historical information recorded in the book makes it a good source to learn about Christian ministry. The jailer understands that Paul has saved his life, so he falls down before themsignaling his obeisance. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. Pingback: The Girl Without a Name - Spacious Faith. read more, Scripture: You see, that will be the day that I die. Luke 17:11-37; 18:15-34 Topic: People To Meet, Lessons To Learn. Download the teaching notes, gather your object . And Your paths drip with abundance. It is the slave-girls owners who bring Paul and Silas before these strategois (magistrates). It was through this chaotic situation the church of Philip was born, B. **THEY WERE BEAT WITH MANY STRIPES soothsaying. . Eventually Paul became annoyed by her stalking him and he exorcized the spirit from her, much to the displeasure of her owners. 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. Three Portraits of Salvation In Philippi The spirit of Python will squeeze the joy out of your worship & praise.find out how to to get victory over this subtle destroyer. These men are servants of the Most High God (v. 17b). A lesser manuscript (known as the Western text of Acts) says that the jailer secured the other prisoners before bringing Paul and Silas outside, but the better manuscripts say nothing about this. -- Everything we do starts with an invitation to be a part of So, what are the theological points Luke is trying to make? 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. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation JESUS WAS TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES AND HE STOPS AND SAYS He places the two missionaries "in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks" (16:23-24). They are not powerful. Paul and Silas use the jailers question as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to him. and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyones bonds were loosened (v. 26b). 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. The Importance of Preparation in the Ministry of Preaching. He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The last 3 years have seemed like one long Lent to me, as we have suffered from loss, tra. read more, Luke shares with us the story of the salvation of the Pythoness - 1. Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of the young Pythoness - 1. 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. In his Epistle to the Romans, he introduces himself as Paul, a servant (Greek: doulos) of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1). As we pass through this life, we can expect our share of difficulty and trouble, John 16:33; Job 14:1. When the angel delivered Peter from prison in an earlier instance, Herod executed the guards for dereliction of duty (12:19). [Image:Marnie Pix], A. Acts 16:16-34 May 16, 2010 . Nazarene. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. The proclamation of the Gospel continues, this time to the jailer and all who were in his househis family and possibly servants as well. 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. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? Acknowledgement in oral presentations is not required. Theme: Paul and the Pythoness Roman citizenship comes with a number of privileges, and is highly respected. 0:07. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to ENTER into the fold by Him. Lesson 19 - Luke 20:1-47 Topic: Issues and Answers. As far as we can tell, Paul does not free this slave girl out of kindness.