The Acts of the Apostles August 31, 2014 Bob Eckel 1 “Acts 16:16-40 “Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey: Part 2 1” Acts 16:15-24 – Paul and Silas are Beaten and Jailed –We’re in Philippi now. –Notice as they went to prayer – what do you envision here? The river with Lydia et al?

The Acts of the Apostles August 31, 2014 Bob Eckel 2 “Acts 16:16-40 “Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey: Part 2 ” damsel – young girl, bondservant who had a spirit of divination (python in Greek mythology) met them –Python was the serpent who guarded Delphi and was slain by Apollo. –being demonized – present active participle implies gradation –soothsaying – the practice of divination »This is the manner in which she made her living. –Why was she attracted to Paul et al and cried out? »Multiple motives possible, some worthy others not. »These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. »Demons do cry out – Mark 1:23,24; 3:11; 5:6,7; Luke 4:34 »And her behavior continued for days. And after being grieved Paul’s response was to command by the name of Jesus Christ that the spirit be cast out. –What was Paul grieved about? –Another woman saved to follow? Are there demonized people today? –If so how would we respond? –What was the response of her masters?

The Acts of the Apostles August 31, 2014 Bob Eckel 3 “Acts 16:16-40 “Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey: Part 2” hope of their gains gone – Acts 19:24-27 –An issue even today? One of two physical attacks by Gentiles on apostles. –The 2 nd in Acts 19 The appeal was to the magistrates, or the commanders of the Roman army. –Typically two per Roman colony. –Was it because Paul, Silas and others were Jewish or Christian? »‘Christianity was viewed as an illicit religion’ – in Rome –The accusation was that they were teaching customs that were not lawful for them to receive. Apostles were stripped naked (humiliation), beaten, and cast unto prison. –Paul records three beatings with rods - II Cor 11:25 –And remember persecution is a privilege for the believer – Phil 1:28-30 –And the jailor further sent them to the inner prison and fastened their feet in stocks.

The Acts of the Apostles August 31, 2014 Bob Eckel 4 “Acts 16:16-40 “Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey: Part 2” »Typically reserved for the most dangerous prisoners. Acts 16:25-34 – Paul and Silas’ Heavenly Response –They prayed and sung praises to God – heavenly citizenship portrayed. And the prisoners noted. An earthquake followed, e.g. Acts 4:31 when the gospel was spread. –Foundations of the prison shaken, the doors of the prison were opened and the stocks released. –What was the jailer’s response – verse 27? Why? –Acts 12:19 revisited? –Where have all the prisoners gone? –What was Paul’s response – verse 28? How important was this in what followed? –An unexpected comfort for sure. –The jailer said ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’

The Acts of the Apostles August 31, 2014 Bob Eckel 5 “Acts 16:16-40 “Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey: Part 2” From whence did this inquiry arise? –From suicidal ideation? –Or was Paul and Silas’ testimony well known in Philippi? Notice the jailer said do. But the response was believe (not do)! –Does this verse teach that an entire household will be saved when one is saved? »See Acts 2:39. »No, but it implies the process of salvation is the same, i.e. by faith. »And notice this in fact occurred (verses 32-34). »What do you envision the baptism here to be? Acts 16:35-40 – Paul Appeals to Roman Justice –The beginning of a novel Pauline signature. He exercised his full rights as a Roman citizen when needed. And notice who responded, not just the rhabdouchos or lictors (policemen), but the magistrates themselves. –Vincent quotes Cicero:

The Acts of the Apostles August 31, 2014 Bob Eckel 6 “Acts 16:16-40 “Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey: Part 2” »"It is a dreadful deed to bind a Roman citizen; it is a crime to scourge him; it is almost parricide (murder of a parent) to put him to death." –They actually asked them to depart – very humbly and politely I’m sure. »Why was this important? »How does this relate to the church in the world system today? –And note where they went – to Lydia’s. »A place of great comfort, fellowship but not for long. »On to Thessalonica - Phil 4:15,16