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. In Acts 16:16, Paul continues his search for a "place of prayer," but again is sidetracked, but this time by a woman of a very different sort. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : Staying Faithful Thru Difficult Circumstances. The jailer, on the other hand, is not free. read more, Scripture: A) IN JAIL FOR in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Four: Q-Z Revised, Tarsus (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988). John Mortimer Lydia is moved by Pauls teaching, the jailer by the dramatic earthquake and opening of his prison, the slave girl by being freed from her demon. Catherine Mowry LaCugna Miss, it means to wait for another. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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Your email address will not be published. Where did the journey westward from Iconium take Paul and his companions? William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. As Greeks, they would be inclined to equate Most High God with Zeus. It is written in the scriptures that no one can please God without faith. 8:28-29; 1 Cor. Perhaps Paul and Silas persuaded them to stay. It was the court case that paved the way for the desegregation of our school systems. Simple English; Slovenina; . A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. But they all witness to the power of the Risen Jesus to transform lives. Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: **THEY WERE BEAT WITH MANY STRIPES This story has parallels in three stories of Jesus exorcisms: The man with the unclean spirit (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37). Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Middle Eastern nations often import female workers whose legal contracts constitute a form of indentured servitude. It would be a great encouragement to me and a contribution to the edification of the Church. Matthew 22:17. The book of Acts is the report of early Christians who had faith to do these greater things that Jesus promised. For heathens, it meant freedom from superstitious powers, C. These words the fortune teller uttered rang a bell in the minds of all. soothsaying. (16-20) Areopagus sermon (17:16-34) "God.has set a day" (17:30-31) Trial before Gallio c. 51-52 (18:12-17) . 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 Misunderstanding #1: It conveys an adequate gospel message for anyone. Kudoz. Today we have another story about lives changed. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. JESUS WAS TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES AND HE STOPS AND SAYS . W.A. Richard Bauckham I was too young to remember the event but I can only imagine how difficult it must have . "Look how much bigger you are. 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. Because he wanted Jonathan to pick a direction and go. It is the greatest enemy of any effective ministry. 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. It was time to end it. Sermons. Paul and Silas are singing in the stocks. Townes Van Zandt And I can assure you having power and money doesnt make you free, much less happy or secure. 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 16:16-30, 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! Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost; Acts 2:14-41 The First Sermon in the Last Days; Acts 2:36-41 Becoming a Christian; Acts 2:42-47 A New Community; A. T. ROBERTSON Word Pictures on Acts. In fact it is certain to be a day like absolutely no other that has gone before. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God Ways to Follow. 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. Model sermons available on Lifeway.com, in biblical order. He was a walking dead man. Paul Preaches In Athens #1 -Acts 17: 15-21. 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! 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 . 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). It came out that very hour (v. 18c). Besides, if that bee stings you, his stinger will . In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and (16:6) 642. Who directed the missionaries away from Asia? 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. Karl Barth IN OTHER WORDS, CHOICES, THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHOICE 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. who proclaim to us a way of salvation (v. 17c). We cant invent them either. A. 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. By John Raulerson It's kind of 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. Katherine Sonderegger, Adam Desnoyers 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. 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. They never did get to bed that night. Witness how God can ta, When The Chains Come Off - Acts 16:16-34 - May 22, 2011 There are the school doors, the office doors, the church doors as well as the elevator door, revolving doors, and automatic doors. Paul and Silas make it clear to the jailer that his household can enjoy the same salvation that they are offering him. The prisoners must have all ran Rick Warren in Purpose Driven Church says that opportunities are the same. 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. 17Following Paul and us, she cried out, These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of salvation! 18She was doing this for many days. Acts 16:11-40, I Believe 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. Paul was excellent in recognizing and utilizing opportunities, (Acts 17:23; Philippians 1:18). Max L. Stackhouse It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. And the jailer cleaned their wounds. Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. Executable Outlines - Free sermon outlines and Bible studies! Feb 12, 1989. 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, John Coltrane Lesson 20 - Luke 21:1-38 . This shifting of scope is capable of bringing an effective Christian ministry down to its knees. Philip Roth (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). 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. Marilynne Robinson Furiously they accused Paul and Silas of tyranny, B. Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw . read more, Scripture: The surfer cant make the wave, however. Merchants would have their booths there, but the agora would also be where authorities would hold public court. 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 : read more, Luke shares with us the story of the salvation of the Pythoness - 1. 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 Acts 21. 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 . Then stand strong and preach without ceasing, and the Lord will use you. He just spots a surfable wave and surfs it. Acts 16:16-34Open Doors. Last week I preached about Lydia, the Gentile businesswomen, who was the first Christian convert in Europe. The jailers question can be understood on two levels. All Videos Images Commentaries Devotionals Other Translations Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. She has "a spirit of divination," and because of her gifts of prophecy, her handlers have been able to amass a good deal of money from her powers of prognostication. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to ENTER into the fold by Him. God has a purpose even in chaos. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. Perhaps God caused the prisoners to delay their escape. It has been proved that church growth reaches its peak in the face of persecution. When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE NOTE OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. The Noble Brethren Of Berea -Acts 17: 10-14. 16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. The last 3 years have seemed like one long Lent to me, as we have suffered from loss, tra. Eventually, allegations turned into a riot. Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. It is a dramatic story, which I think would make a great screenplay for an action movie. 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. 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. Forsyth Acts 16:11-40, I Believe ACTS 16:16-30 This is Paul's Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 - 18:21. 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). Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak. Meanwhile, Roman readers may have approved of Paul's censure . How did God guide the missionaries in their travels? Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. Illus. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Dont harm yourself, for we are all here (v. 28). Luke 17:11-37; 18:15-34 Topic: People To Meet, Lessons To Learn. 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. This story from Acts is a troubling one in many ways. Acts 16. 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). All was lost. Dave Mallett Theme: Paul and the Pythoness When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely (v. 23). . Eventually Paul became annoyed by her stalking him and he exorcized the spirit from her, much to the displeasure of her owners. The multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their clothes off of them, and commanded them to be beaten with rods (v. 22). read more, Scripture: The Board of Education which went to the Supreme Court. Any date. Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. Acts 16:25-30, Denomination: The commentators say that Actsis highly idealized and should be read as a theological narrative and not as history. 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! Hemer, C.J. The girls real motive for confession was to draw peoples attention and build her own reputation as a fortune teller. How God Tests Those who Are Led By The Holy Spirit Acts 16: 16-24. Annie Dillard read more, Scripture: They did not shrink in fear from the challenge of being inside prison walls, whether as inmates or missionaries. The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. He then brought them out and asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Paul is accompanied by Silas (15:37-38), and they are later joined by young Mark (16:1). He could be asking what he must do to be saved from execution by the authorities. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation Home > Resources > Sermons > Acts. (16:7) 644. read more, Scripture: Acts 16:29-34 Joy to the World. Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of the young Pythoness - 1. Quite simply, it means even if something appears to be free, there's always some kind of catch. read more, Scripture: G.F. Handel Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who . However, even though Peter was bound with chains and sleeping between two soldiers, an angel freed him (12:6-11). Here are some reflections from a sermon I preached in 2010. It is difficult to imagine a more terrible place. Instead, just as Jesus accusers did, they concoct misleading charges to make it easier to get a guilty verdict. Introduction Follow Desiring God on Facebook . Nancy Griffith Go to www.ccontario.com for an en. They met Lydia, a seller of purple, there, and baptized her and her family (16:11-15). 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. But Lukes story leaves no doubt who he thinks is really free and who isnt. Sunday School Lesson December 25 Lesson 4 (KJV) Mary Rejoices Devotional Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 Background Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 Luke 1:46-55 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Sometimes we do our simple best, and God works through us in ways far beyond our efforts, far beyond our imaginings. We cant be sure. There is another reason, too, why the jailer would contemplate suicide. 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. (v. 27). Luke 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. Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. So, this story invites us to consider our own freedom and power. Acts 16:16-24. Acts 16:16-18, Denomination: St. Anselm of Canterbury Colin Gunton Picture for a moment how many doors we walk through every day- the bedroom door, the bathroom door, the front door, the back door, the car door, and the garage door. The crowd of people were angry and the judges tore off Silas and Paul's coats and commanded that they be beaten. Some are once born and never experience conversion but still know and follow Jesus. Lesslie Newbigin I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. After the people beat Paul and Silas, they were thrown in prison. So that the surfer doesnt have to wait for another one. iv, pp. "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. Last time, we saw that Paul heard God and because of his obedience, the gospel entered Europe. 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. Scripture: Acts 16:25-34. 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. Sermon of the Week Calendar All Sermons; Bible Stories; People in the Bible; Jesus' Ministry . He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. They occur when you least expect them. For Philippians Most High God meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus, B. Jurgen Moltmann The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. What the accusers do not know, but Paul will later reveal (v. 37) is that he and Silas are also Roman citizens. 1. When you are treated wrongly, entrust your soul to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. Why did God say maybe? The prisoners must have all ran with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by By John Raulerson But, as we will see in the next verse, Paul and Silas hear the jailers question as having to do with his eternal salvation. 1. 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. It was through this chaotic situation the church of Philip was born, B. read more, Scripture: Acts 2:1-4. and the prisoners were listening to them (v. 25b). The greatest message. 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). Jesus said that anyone who has faith in Him will do greater things than what Jesus did himself. Acts 16:16-34 Songs in the Night . 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. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. you and your household (v. 31a). We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. God uses people who make themselves available to Him to do in and through them what He chooses to do. The story of Lydia is full of sweetness and light. Illus. Sermon. 786 search results for "acts 16" Sermons Pharisees Plot Against Jesus. Lesslie Newbigin Christoph Schwbel St. Anselm of Canterbury Soren Kierkegaard Rowan Williams Robert Jenson Richard Bauckham Reinhold Niebuhr P.T. Showing Our Love for Jesus. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. It has been a blessing as well as a great help. Gretchen Legler Scott Hubbard Dec 3, 2021. Roman citizenship comes with a number of privileges, and is highly respected. Joni Mitchell P.T. read more, Scripture: Dorothy Sayers There are two stories of salvation in Acts 16, and it feels as though Dr. Luke has picked these two stories for their very different feel and color. Now they identify themselves as Romansa status that they enjoy as citizens of Philippi, a Roman colony. And Your paths drip with abundance. 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. In a world where Christian ministry has become a profession, most ministers cant help but succumb to these distractions. 25But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. In fact it is certain to be a day like absolutely no other that has gone before. Saul Bellow 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). Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. John Donne read more, Scripture: 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). Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: