It has been a blessing as well as a great help. Because he wanted Jonathan to pick a direction and go. So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . They did not shrink in fear from the challenge of being inside prison walls, whether as inmates or missionaries. Required fields are marked *. Sermon #7 . read more, Scripture: Roman citizenship comes with a number of privileges, and is highly respected. 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreters Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. Joy to the World. Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and It happened, as we were going to prayer (v. 16a). Paul and Silas show us four aspects of a right response to wrong treatment. Are the magistrates (strategois) of this verse the same officials as the authorities (archontas) of verse 19? But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Dont harm yourself, for we are all here (v. 28). It's based on the miraculous earthquake in Acts 16 where God opens the jail doors for Silas and Paul. Acts 8:14-17 says this now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who . Finally, Luke sees the Gospel as shaking foundations, disrupting conventions, and overturning proscriptions. 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. I seek to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak. 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. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girls witness is true, but subject to misinterpretation by people who know nothing of Paul or the God whom he represents. Paul's Sermon To the Athenians . Acts 16:16-18, Denomination: Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who . He is powerful. All was lost. in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Four: Q-Z Revised, Tarsus (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988). Dietrich Bonhoeffer that a certain girl (v. 16b). 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. It has been a blessing as well as a great help. Gerard Manley Hopkins Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. Paul would not disagree with her characterization. Children's Sermon (Acts 16:16-34) Paul and Silas in Prison. Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. Then stand strong and preach without ceasing, and the Lord will use you. Any date. She was doing this for many days. **THEY WERE BEAT WITH MANY STRIPES What are the doors that are closed to you? Nancy Griffith Theme: Paul and the Pythoness Anne Tyler All Videos Images Commentaries Devotionals Other Translations Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. 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). The miracle that God has worked is not just for the deliverance of Paul and Silas, but also for the deliverance of the jailer. These men are servants of the Most High God (v. 17b). Dorothy Sayers It's kind of 16-34 " Pingback: Sermon Excerpt: Acts 16:16-34 | Spacious Faith. read more, Scripture: Very often, fear of humiliation is a significant factor in suicide. We cant invent them either. Some of these prisoners have probably spent many days in this terrible place, and this would surely be the first time that they have heard anyone praying and singing hymns. When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. Acts 16:16-40, Denomination: Fleming Rutledge 1. John Mortimer At least thats Patrick O'Brian Fyodor Dostoyevsky Saul Bellow At least thats They are not powerful. 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). Acts 16:29-34 Lesson 20 - Luke 21:1-38 . In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. Here are some common misunderstandings of Acts 16:31 . In ministry see the bigger picture. Unable to shift positions, prisoners would grow more uncomfortable by the minute. Nazarene. read more, Scripture: Following Paul and us (v. 17a). For Jews Salvation meant deliverance from sin. The agora was the public square in the center of the city. In Greek mythology, the great serpent, Python, lived in a cave near Delphi.and guarded the oracle there (Encarta). Acts 16:25-34 Feb 12, 1989. God speaks in a special and personal way in close calls today. The conversion of the Jailor and his family reminds us that no matter what, Gospel must be preached. Most Popular. For Philippians 'Most High God' meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus. This story has parallels in three stories of Jesus exorcisms: The man with the unclean spirit (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37). Paul will later claim to have been beaten with rods three times (2 Corinthians 11:25), but we have no further record of the other two occasions. IN OTHER WORDS, CHOICES, THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHOICE The Prison Experiences Of The Bible. William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie 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. ), which the WEB has updated. Middle Eastern nations often import female workers whose legal contracts constitute a form of indentured servitude. "Nathan, that bee is more afraid of you than you are of him," she said. Paul and Silas visit Lydias home to encourage the believers, after which they do leave town. Sermons from the Book of Acts. Pauls accusers do not specify what customs Paul is advocating that are not lawful. ACTS 16:25-30 And at midnight Paul and Silas 19But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace (Greek: agoran) before the rulers (Greek: archontas). A Very Real Enemy read more, Scripture: 2. All was lost. It may be time to cast them off and open them up. Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and Suddenly When Luke says that this girl has a pneuma pythonaa python spirithe means that people believe that she can tap into divine powers for wisdom and guidancethat she is, in essence, a human intermediary for divine powers. G.K. Chesterton The Greek word doulos means bond-servant or slave. Real personal freedom is something else. read more, Scripture: John Piper Feb 12, 1989. They are probably duumvirs, a word that comes from the Roman duo (meaning two) and vir (meaning man). Scripture: Acts 16:11-34. C.S. I'm New Issues of ultimate reality, issues that deal with politics and suffering. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? Here, Luke describes a demon properly identifying Paul and Silas as slaves of God. Through prayers of course, (James 5:13). Roll and Tumble It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. Marilynne Robinson Introduction It's Lent! Marva Dawn I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. Scripture: Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31. 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. [Image:Marnie Pix], A. They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be ACTS 16:25-30 And at midnight Paul and Silas 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" ACTS 16:16-30 If we aren't willing to tell them about Jesus, how can we ever invite them to experience all that He has for them? Our daughter, in the seventh grade at the time, had had a terrible day with some friends at school. It was the court case that paved the way for the desegregation of our school systems. Seize the opportunity. Karl Barth Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (v. 30). Van Morrison 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. It is the greatest enemy of any effective ministry. Bible Study & Sermon Videos; acts 2:16-36 niv; Acts 2:16-36 Niv. We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. TANSTAAFL is an acronym for the old adage, "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch," reportedly coined by Robert Heinlein. By Dr. Keith Wagner. 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. Rowan Williams Acts 16:16-24. (16:6-7) 645. 8:28-29; 1 Cor. I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to COME TO HIM. The magistrates come to the jail to apologize, after which they ask Paul and Silas to leave town. Why did God say maybe? Paul and Silas are singing in the stocks. How did God guide the missionaries in their travels? 13 On the Sabbath we Arnold Kenseth The prisoners must have all ran 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. **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Dont harm yourself, for we are all here! 29He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, 30and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31They said, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. 32They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. John Donne Evangelical/Non-Denominational. *other. Likewise he who was called being free is Christs bondservant (1 Corinthians 7:22). Some are born again, some are born again and again and again (that describes me and Im not done yet.) 33He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. Follow Desiring God on Facebook . A. Richard Wilbur Her owners dictate her every action and confiscate any money that her efforts produce. When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to ENTER into the fold by Him. Tricky Questions. **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL The last 3 years have seemed like one long Lent to me, as we have suffered from loss, tra. After the earthquake breaks their shackles and opens their prison door they dont even try to run away. Paul and Silas use the jailers question as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to him. He explains, For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more (1 Corinthians 9:19). Lutheran. read more, Scripture: (16-20) Areopagus sermon (17:16-34) "God.has set a day" (17:30-31) Trial before Gallio c. 51-52 (18:12-17) . We tend to forget that the trials of life are God's chosen method for developing us into the image of His Son, Rom. Acts 16:25-30, Denomination: read more. The book of Acts emphasizes the power and abilities of the leaders of the Jesus movement. The slave girl was a prophetess. In some cases, they kidnap the children. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there. Ive had congregants on the cover of Forbes Magazine. Instead, just as Jesus accusers did, they concoct misleading charges to make it easier to get a guilty verdict. Do they now release us secretly? By Dr. Mickey Anders. Paul Preaches In Athens #1 -Acts 17: 15-21. This shifting of scope is capable of bringing an effective Christian ministry down to its knees. Here are some reflections from a sermon I preached in 2010. I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. Feet fastened in stocks would add physical discomfort. Pentecost. Perhaps God caused the prisoners to delay their escape. Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. The actions of Paul and Silas, therefore, constitute a powerful witness to the rest of the prisoners. They claimed that Paul and Silas were teaching customs that were against their laws. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken (v. 26a). Jane Austen Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. James Taylor Lesslie Newbigin Acts 2:1-4. Donald Bloesch But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (v. 25a). Scott Hubbard Dec 3, 2021. I have wise friends in the recovery community who tell me that they only experienced real freedom when they admitted their powerlessness, and turned their lives over to a higher power. They have told me that the chains that held them and the doors they were locked behind were often of their own making. 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. There would be little provision for sanitation or ventilation, so the stench would be terrible. 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! When Gods servant seeks fame the scope of his ministry is shifted from God to himself. 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. Paul and Silas were so strong in the Lord that they prayed and sang hymns instead, A. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God Ways to Follow. Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer charging the Philistines. 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). June 29, 2014 Annie Dillard Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. The prisoners must have all ran The Board of Education which went to the Supreme Court. 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. Mozart Luke does not tell us whether this is a sabbath. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. Hemer, C.J. These three recipients of Pauls ministry (Lydia, the slave-girl, and the Roman jailer) epitomized all whom the Jews held in contemptwomen, slaves, and Gentiles (Williams, 280). 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! Miroslav Volf Anthony Trollope 1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8. From Satans Slave to Gods Servant: Acts 16:16-24. We live in a time when American citizenship and patriotism are too often wedded to Christian discipleship, or at least confused with discipleship. Ultimately the words of the demon within her were getting more of a hearing than the proclamation of the Gospel itself! 25But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. They were sure nothing can stop them from fulfilling their mission in Philip (unless God changed His mind). So things are not looking too good for our heroes. 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. a. A Story With a Happy Ending Acts 16: 23-34. One of the persistent features of the New Testament is the ability of various spirits and demons to recognize Jesus, even when others (especially the disciples) are clueless. iv, pp. Some come to Christ all at once, some over time. What does the Bible say about using pirated software? He just spots a surfable wave and surfs it. The story of Lydia is full of sweetness and light. 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. Life is full of uncertainties but God's commitment to you is unwavering! When they had brought them to the magistrates (strategois) (v. 20a). At midnight, the darkness would be all-encompassing. "Giving thanks always for all things to God" (Eph 5:20) b. Paul said, "abound with thanksgiving" (Col. 2:7) c. It is God's will that we be thankful - "in everything give thanks" (1 The. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: Acts 16:16-40, Denomination: I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her (v. 18b). This is the point. "Look how much bigger you are. But, as we will see in the next verse, Paul and Silas hear the jailers question as having to do with his eternal salvation. "Yep," the mutt replies. Acts 16:16-34 (35-40) - Updated. Joni Mitchell IT WAS A BAD SITUATION God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God Ways to Follow. 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) It might seem odd that this jailer did not examine the cells carefully before deciding to kill himself, but people under great stress often panicand this jailer is certainly panicked. Why did God say maybe? If they can make a general charge like this stick, then they will find it unnecessary to defend more specific accusations. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, Gail Godwin (Full sermon is posted here .) 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 : June 2, 2022 by Kristin Schmidt. He then brought them out and asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. read more, Scripture: 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. Illus. Search. and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyones bonds were loosened (v. 26b). Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Acts 16:16-26. The Syrophoenician womans daughter (Matthew 15:21-18; Mark 7:24-30). June 29, 2014 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. Kapitulli 2: (Christ) Rescue of the Lost Lamb. 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. Lesson 42 - Paul's Vision of the Man of Macedonia - Acts 16:6-10 641. Acts 16:16-34, Denomination: Merchants would have their booths there, but the agora would also be where authorities would hold public court. They say nothing about Paul and Silas ruining their little business. The Church must "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation" to every person in every nation to the remotest part of "the earth" before Jesus returns (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8 ESV). So, what are the theological points Luke is trying to make? 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. Lesson 18 - Luke 18:35-43; 19:1-48 Topic: Jesus Is Headed To Jerusalem. Graham Greene The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. 0:07. The jailers question can be understood on two levels. 23When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely, 24who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks. Luke 17:11-37; 18:15-34 Topic: People To Meet, Lessons To Learn. You see, that will be the day that I die. Holiness. And this is where it gets really interesting. Forsyth John Irving Luke has told us about two occasions in the past when God opened prison doors, allowing disciples to escape. verses 16 - 18) 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 Jesus' first sermon, according to Luke, he reads from Isaiah announcing that he has been sent in part to "set the captives free" (Luke 4:18). 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, Any duration. [Image: Marnie Pix] 1. Acts 16:25-30, Denomination: Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. Last week I preached about Lydia, the Gentile businesswomen, who was the first Christian convert in Europe. He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. As was true when Jesus was tried, these accusers avoid honest accusation. Acts 16:25-34 HCSB. In today's sermon, I am going to present to you four principles that make Christian ministry effective as seen in Acts 16:16-34. Acts 10:34-36, 43. Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA. Sunday, June 2, 1019. The wave must be spotted before its washed out. The quest for fame is a great distraction, (not to mention lusting after riches and women). This missionary journey has . 16:34-36: Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving: 2 Chronicles: 26:5-21: The Down Side of Worship: Preparation: Ezra: . He washed them from their stripes, and was himself washed from his sins (quoted in Bruce, 318). In the first instance, Peter and other disciples were healing large numbers of people in the temple when the high priest had the disciples arrested and put in public prison. Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: And the jailer cleaned their wounds. He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. 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. verses 16 - 18) 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: . 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). 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. Acts 16:16-34 - Center for Excellence in Preaching. IN OTHER WORDS, CHOICES, THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHOICE 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD 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. soothsaying. read more, Scripture: Misunderstanding #1: It conveys an adequate gospel message for anyone. Christoph Schwbel Sermon. Three weeks ago Rebecca preached about Tabitha, the faithful disciple, whom Peter raised from death to life. -- Whether its an invitation to a ballgame, to a BBQ, or even to church Penal Statistics Data reports that The spirit of Python will squeeze the joy out of your worship & praise.find out how to to get victory over this subtle destroyer. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by ( Ac 16:17, AT) "Most High" might imply pantheon, not necessarily orthodox beliefs (Keener, Lecture). Gracie Simmonds, Mar 7, 2022. 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. and commanded them to be beaten with rods (v. 22b). soothsaying. Chris Botti Chrysostom said of this incident, He (the jailer) washed and was washed. 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!