This is Pauls Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 18:21. 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. As the story continues, the disciples are still in Philippi, where they will be for the balance of chapter 16. Some are once born and never experience conversion but still know and follow Jesus. Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. Sermon #7 . W.A. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: June 29, 2014 Donald Bloesch 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. Use this children's sermon in your kids church, Sunday School, or children's ministry teaching. Charles Dickens 27 When the jailer woke up and saw . - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation Paul is accompanied by Silas (15:37-38), and they are later joined by young Mark (16:1). 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. Acts 16:25-34 I'm New Issues of ultimate reality, issues that deal with politics and suffering. So that the surfer doesnt have to wait for another one. 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! Jump to: New Testament. read more, Scripture: He is on the lookout for people who will be obedient to Him and step out by faith and follow. 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? G.K. Chesterton As was true when Jesus was tried, these accusers avoid honest accusation. **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD Paul and Silas in Prison. However, even though Peter was bound with chains and sleeping between two soldiers, an angel freed him (12:6-11). 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. Luke has told us about two occasions in the past when God opened prison doors, allowing disciples to escape. Perhaps Paul and Silas persuaded them to stay. He would take his own life before suffering the shame of not doing his job for Rome. 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. * 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. Theme: Paul and the Pythoness The proclamation of the Gospel continues, this time to the jailer and all who were in his househis family and possibly servants as well. SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY (PROVERBS 15:1-15) PROVERBS 15:1-15 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Acts 16:16-34 May 16, 2010 . John Updike Acts 16:11-40 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreters Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. In some cases, they kidnap the children. Look up John 10:9 and compare Luke 13:24-27. TANSTAAFL is an acronym for the old adage, "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch," reportedly coined by Robert Heinlein. Some are born again, some are born again and again and again (that describes me and Im not done yet.) This missionary journey has . They did not shrink in fear from the challenge of being inside prison walls, whether as inmates or missionaries. Then they threw them in prison, in the deepest cell, and placed their feet in the stocks. 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. A) IN JAIL FOR As we pass through this life, we can expect our share of difficulty and trouble, John 16:33; Job 14:1. Penal Statistics Data reports that read more, Scripture: Acts 16:16-40, Denomination: G.F. Handel We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. he asks. Suddenly When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely (v. 23). (v. 27). Mark, Luke, and John for your sermon, homily, bible study, or reflection. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE NOTE OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. Graham Greene 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. Paul says, Dont you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? (Romans 6:16). This is the point. Mark Twain Ive had congregants on the cover of Forbes Magazine. Dave Mallett Miles Davis iv, pp. Lee Lever says: May 12, 2016 at 12:04 pm The jailer demonstrates his new faith by taking care of their wounds and by being baptized. 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). Acts 23. This shifting of scope is capable of bringing an effective Christian ministry down to its knees. "Nathan, that bee is more afraid of you than you are of him," she said. They are probably duumvirs, a word that comes from the Roman duo (meaning two) and vir (meaning man). In reporting this, Luke clearly sees problems on two levels. read more. Why did God say maybe? soothsaying. The authorities would typically imprison anyone whom they had first flogged. He calls us to present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification (Romans 6:19). He has a greater purpose that we often do not understand. Feb 12, 1989. Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak. "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. Paul Preaches In Athens #1 -Acts 17: 15-21. 0:07. Lydia, a seller of purple (and probably affluent), offered them the hospitality of her home, which they accepted (16:15). When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. 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. Colin Gunton George Hunsinger 16 And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed By Dr. Keith Wagner. "Yep," the mutt replies. Follow Desiring God on Facebook . 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). Holiness. 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). The conversion of the Jailor and his family reminds us that no matter what, Gospel must be preached. Acts 17:16-34: The Unkown God Proclaimed, Part 2: 09/28/97: Dr. Phil Newton: Acts 18:1-11: A Calming Promise: 10/05/97: Dr. Phil Newton: Acts 18:24-28 . Lesson 20 - Luke 21:1-38 . When they had brought them to the magistrates (strategois) (v. 20a). I seek to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Max L. Stackhouse The jailers question reminds us of the peoples response to Peters sermon at Pentecost, where they asked, Brothers, what shall we do? (2:37). Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. Apparently, this slave girl was quite good at predicting the future and brought home a lucrative profit for her owners. Instead, just as Jesus accusers did, they concoct misleading charges to make it easier to get a guilty verdict. 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. You see, that will be the day that I die. God uses people who make themselves available to Him to do in and through them what He chooses to do. The Disabled in the Life of the Church - Catholic Outlook. Commentary on Acts 16 16 34. He calls out to reassure the jailer that all the prisoners are still present. 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. In his Epistle to the Romans, he introduces himself as Paul, a servant (Greek: doulos) of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1). 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. For Philippians 'Most High God' meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus. 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. Philip Roth A chapter by chapter and verse by verse study of Acts taught by Pastor Paul LeBoutillier of Calvary Chapel Ontario, Oregon. there's no length that God is not willing to go toto not only meet, but exceed far beyond your wildest expectations if you are willing to dare to believe He can do what He says He can do. Dare to Believe Jane Austen read more, Scripture: Gerard Manley Hopkins About the Book of Acts in general: The author of the Book of Acts is Luke. These men are servants of the Most High God (v. 17b). 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). . Sermon 2/24/19 Acts 15:1-31 A Way Forward: Which Way? Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. The book of Acts emphasizes the power and abilities of the leaders of the Jesus movement. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. ACTS 16:16-30 The girls real motive for confession was to draw peoples attention and build her own reputation as a fortune teller. 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. IT WAS A BAD SITUATION C. Paul commanded the evil spirit to come out in the name of Jesus Christand eliminated the source of distraction, A. Paul in exorcising the demon exorcised her masters source of income. 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. Ultimately the words of the demon within her were getting more of a hearing than the proclamation of the Gospel itself! Three weeks ago Rebecca preached about Tabitha, the faithful disciple, whom Peter raised from death to life. Lesson 42: The Urgent Question (Acts 16:25-34) A four-year-old boy was outdoors when a bee starting buzzing around a table nearby. Acts 16:16-18, Denomination: Peddlers of sex and pornography often use enslaved children, male and female, for their purposes. Anthony Trollope In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. Acts 16:25-30, Denomination: Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. What are the doors that are closed to you? He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household (v. 33). It has been a blessing as well as a great help. Because he wanted Jonathan to pick a direction and go. Robert Frost He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. John Piper Feb 12, 1989. Paul and his companions found a place of prayer outside the city of Philippi on the sabbath (16:13). (16:6) 643. As far as we can tell, Paul does not free this slave girl out of kindness. Acts 16:11-40, I Believe This girl is neither. Life is full of uncertainties but God's commitment to you is unwavering! Any date. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to ENTER into the fold by Him. She was doing this for many days. **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL Roll and Tumble June 2, 2022 by Kristin Schmidt. 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. A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." This girls witness is true, but subject to misinterpretation by people who know nothing of Paul or the God whom he represents. read more, Scripture: The prisoners must have all ran Invitations, Part 6 It was through this chaotic situation the church of Philip was born, 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. . The Manner Of Paul The Apostle Acts 17: 1-9. 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. 1. Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE NOTE OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. The jailer understands that Paul has saved his life, so he falls down before themsignaling his obeisance. It has been a blessing as well as a great help. Oscar Peterson Paul was well aware of this, (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7). 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). Penal Statistics Data reports that The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. For Jews Salvation meant deliverance from sin. Her Deliverance and salvation My Top Ten Posts of 2022 | When I Survey . 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. Flogged and jailed (16:22-24) The magistrates order Paul and Silas to be beaten with rods and thrown into the local jail (16:23). . read more, Scripture: The book of Acts is the report of early Christians who had faith to do these greater things that Jesus promised. verses 16 - 18) The Board of Education which went to the Supreme Court. He is free. 27The 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. The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. Suddenly Paul and Silas were free to serve God with their whole hearts and th 32-34 They went on to spell out in detail the story of the Masterthe entire family got in on this part. Why did Jesus refer to Herod as That fox in Luke 13:32? God has a purpose even in chaos. This appears to be the same place of prayer where they earlier encountered Lydia (16:13). Forsyth Are the magistrates (strategois) of this verse the same officials as the authorities (archontas) of verse 19? 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. Through prayers of course, (James 5:13). They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be 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. Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: But Lukes story leaves no doubt who he thinks is really free and who isnt.