Required fields are marked *. I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. All Videos Images Commentaries Devotionals Other Translations Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. For Luke, hospitality is always one of the signs of conversion and one of the marks of the church. read more, Scripture: There are the school doors, the office doors, the church doors as well as the elevator door, revolving doors, and automatic doors. 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. The last 3 years have seemed like one long Lent to me, as we have suffered from loss, tra. THE PRISON OF HIS PRAISES. It is written in the scriptures that no one can please God without faith. At least thats Philip Roth Middle Eastern nations often import female workers whose legal contracts constitute a form of indentured servitude. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. For Jews Salvation meant deliverance from sin. Richard Bauckham Our responsibility in such difficult times is to trust and obey Him. Acts 16:16-34, Denomination: 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. Willie Nelson. Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer charging the Philistines. Gerard Manley Hopkins All was lost. 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 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. These men are servants of the Most High God (v. 17b). The people do not accuse Paul and Silas of being Christians, because Paul and Silas have just begun to introduce Christianity to Macedonia (Greece) and the people, for the most part, have no idea that they are Christians or what that means. George Hunsinger Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA. Sunday, June 2, 1019. I have known some very powerful people in my time, captains of industry, rich people, famous people. 7:21). When Gods servant seeks fame the scope of his ministry is shifted from God to himself. So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . Acts 16:16-34, Denomination: Perhaps God caused the prisoners to delay their escape. Fleming Rutledge read more, Scripture: This missionary journey has . Scripture: Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31. Look up John 3:16; 1:12 (where to "believe" = to "receive"), and compare Acts 16:14 and Revelation 3:20. and the prisoners were listening to them (v. 25b). Acts 16:16-25. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there. 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. and set forth customs which it is not lawful (v. 21a). . read more, Scripture: As a result of the numerous miracles performed through Paul and Peter, the church grows daily. He calls out to reassure the jailer that all the prisoners are still present. Luke does not tell us whether this is a sabbath. Acts 16:16-18 The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there. Through prayers of course, (James 5:13). The slave girl would follow Paul and cry out, These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. How do we stand strong during persecution? If they can make a general charge like this stick, then they will find it unnecessary to defend more specific accusations. 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. 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. Van Morrison He is free. "Nathan, that bee is more afraid of you than you are of him," she said. No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out (v. 37). 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. 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 book of Acts is the report of early Christians who had faith to do these greater things that Jesus promised. And this is where it gets really interesting. If we aren't willing to tell them about Jesus, how can we ever invite them to experience all that He has for them? **THEY WERE BEAT WITH MANY STRIPES who proclaim to us a way of salvation (v. 17c). The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. Sermon Series: How to discern Gods will. Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and Gabriel Fackre Richard Wilbur Paul was well aware of this, (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7). Feb 12, 1989. This is Pauls Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 18:21. A) IN JAIL FOR To her owners, this girl is nothing but a money machine. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Here are some common misunderstandings of Acts 16:31 . Many similar forms of slavery exist throughout the world today. Jane Austen The strategois could be a higher-level authority. About the Book of Acts in general: The author of the Book of Acts is Luke. *other. 13 On the Sabbath we He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. Very often, fear of humiliation is a significant factor in suicide. Then stand strong and preach without ceasing, and the Lord will use you. Invitations, Part 6 It's kind of ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays Text. Influential ministries always become a target of persecution because the devil is not going to sit back and enjoy as people get saved and added to Gods Kingdom. Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: What the accusers do not know, but Paul will later reveal (v. 37) is that he and Silas are also Roman citizens. A precise commentary on acts 16 16 34 can boost your faith and strengthen your walk with Jesus Christ. He was a walking dead man. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. 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. The prisoners must have all ran Robertson Davies The jailer demonstrates his new faith by taking care of their wounds and by being baptized. 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. Executable Outlines - Free sermon outlines and Bible studies! John Coltrane She was doing this for many days. Jesus (c. 4 BC - AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth (among other names and titles), was a first-century Roman born Jewish preacher and religious leader; he is the central figure of Christianity, the world's largest religion.Most Christians believe he is the incarnation of God the Son and the awaited Messiah (the Christ) prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." The Disabled in the Life of the Church - Catholic Outlook. Acknowledgement in oral presentations is not required. Perhaps Paul and Silas persuaded them to stay. Then things get ugly. Consequently, this historical information recorded in the book makes it a good source to learn about Christian ministry. Because he wanted Jonathan to pick a direction and go. We cant be sure. He washed them from their stripes, and was himself washed from his sins (quoted in Bruce, 318). The Importance of Preparation in the Ministry of Preaching. Paul and Silas show us four aspects of a right response to wrong treatment. 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. Dorothy Sayers Go to www.ccontario.com for an en. After the earthquake breaks their shackles and opens their prison door they dont even try to run away. 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). Acts 16:25-34 Finally, Luke sees the Gospel as shaking foundations, disrupting conventions, and overturning proscriptions. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them. 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. Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. Any date. We cant invent them either. Why did God say maybe? Illus. They were sure nothing can stop them from fulfilling their mission in Philip (unless God changed His mind). I have only listed the points and a couple of comments under each point of each sermon to give the preacher a remembrance which the Holy Spirit can lead on and speak through the man of God. 2. 33He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. Bible Study & Sermon Videos; acts 2:16-36 niv; Acts 2:16-36 Niv. Life is full of uncertainties but God's commitment to you is unwavering! It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. Joy Recovered. Paul and Silas use the jailers question as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to him. It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. Sermon 2/24/19 Acts 15:1-31 A Way Forward: Which Way? "Look how much bigger you are. 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 . This procedure is designed, in part, to separate the process from mob rule and to give the accused a fair trial before impartial judges. Sermon Notes: Why the Lord is my Shepherd? He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. Lesson 20 - Luke 21:1-38 . The greatest message. 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. Illus. -- Everything we do starts with an invitation to be a part of This shifting of scope is capable of bringing an effective Christian ministry down to its knees. They never did get to bed that night. We tend to forget that the trials of life are God's chosen method for developing us into the image of His Son, Rom. 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. Paul understands the pressure that the jailer is under and the possibility that he will commit suicide. So, what are the theological points Luke is trying to make? Today we have another story about lives changed. I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. 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). It came out that very hour (v. 18c). As far as we can tell, Paul does not free this slave girl out of kindness. 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 soothsaying. 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. *other. The conversion of the Jailor and his family reminds us that no matter what, Gospel must be preached. 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). Invitations, Part 6 And Your paths drip with abundance. Acts 16:16-34 May 16, 2010 . This is the point. Soren Kierkegaard Anthony Trollope 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. 2. Acts 18. Kudoz. ( Ac 16:17, AT) "Most High" might imply pantheon, not necessarily orthodox beliefs (Keener, Lecture). Luke has told us about two occasions in the past when God opened prison doors, allowing disciples to escape. Suddenly This is exactly what Paul and his companions have come to do. 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. B. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. Fyodor Dostoyevsky In the second instance, Herod arrested Peter and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him (12:4)an extraordinary measure of security. He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The prisoners must have all ran 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. 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. read more, Scripture: Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. read more. Lesslie Newbigin Christoph Schwbel St. Anselm of Canterbury Soren Kierkegaard Rowan Williams Robert Jenson Richard Bauckham Reinhold Niebuhr P.T. Witness how God can ta, When The Chains Come Off - Acts 16:16-34 - May 22, 2011 Robert Frost They also accuse Paul and Silas of being Jews, which of course is true. Nazarene. Beginning of the Book of Acts in Coptic; circa 4th or 5th Century. 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. for us to accept or to observe, being Romans (v. 21b). Forsyth 32-34 They went on to spell out in detail the story of the Masterthe entire family got in on this part. They did not shrink in fear from the challenge of being inside prison walls, whether as inmates or missionaries. Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. TANSTAAFL is an acronym for the old adage, "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch," reportedly coined by Robert Heinlein. Besides, if that bee stings you, his stinger will . Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. What does the Bible say about using pirated software? To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to COME TO HIM. Pauls accusers do not specify what customs Paul is advocating that are not lawful. Peter Robinson Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: . When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely (v. 23). From Satans Slave to Gods Servant: Acts 16:16-24. construction jobs san antonio part time Oh Lord Almighty God we need you right now, we need you right now Reveal your Glory, Reveal your Glory, and pour your spirit out We need you, We need you We . The jailers panic and his relief on discovering that the prisoners are still present has made him receptive to guidance from Paul and Silas, whom he surely regards as his saviors in this present crisis. IT WAS A BAD SITUATION Sermon, "Voices from Prison: Paul and Silas," Acts 16:16-40 July 15, 2018 Sermon 7/15/18 . As we pass through this life, we can expect our share of difficulty and trouble, John 16:33; Job 14:1. "Most High" often referred to . Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken (v. 26a). Lydia, a seller of purple (and probably affluent), offered them the hospitality of her home, which they accepted (16:15). John Calvin David Lodge Pingback: The Girl Without a Name - Spacious Faith. Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: 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. Chapel 3 from Acts 16:25-34 Acts 16:16-34 (35-40) - Updated. read more, Scripture: Paul and Silas were so strong in the Lord that they prayed and sang hymns instead, A. Denomination: Church Of God When they had brought them to the magistrates (strategois) (v. 20a). Let us all make a note to ourselves that in our most difficult time, at our darkest hour, we could take a page from their book and just sing a good hymn. Paul and Silas in Prison. Acts 16:16-34Open Doors. The Gospel erases all those previously important social distinctions. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. 12:7-11.) W.A. . The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. "Yep," the mutt replies. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? Luke 17:11-37; 18:15-34 Topic: People To Meet, Lessons To Learn. 34He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God. So, when . It is a dramatic story, which I think would make a great screenplay for an action movie. There would be little provision for sanitation or ventilation, so the stench would be terrible. 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). 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. iv, pp. Dexter Gordon Miroslav Volf 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 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 . Acts 23. Jump to: New Testament. 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. George Herbert Acts 16:16-24. 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). Nazarene. It has been proved that church growth reaches its peak in the face of persecution. God has a purpose even in chaos. Lesson 16 - Luke 16:1-17:10 . **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL -- Whether its an invitation to a ballgame, to a BBQ, or even to church Misunderstanding #1: It conveys an adequate gospel message for anyone. Sometimes we do our simple best, and God works through us in ways far beyond our efforts, far beyond our imaginings. I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her (v. 18b). Acts 16:16-34 Songs in the Night . He could be asking what he must do to be saved from execution by the authorities. Luke read more, Scripture: God was waiting for someone to choose to Frederick Buechner Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of the young Pythoness - 1. Hemer, C.J. Look up John 10:9 and compare Luke 13:24-27. Paul is accompanied by Silas (15:37-38), and they are later joined by young Mark (16:1). 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. Follow Desiring God on Facebook . Acts 20. read more, Scripture: read more, Scripture: 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. You see, that will be the day that I die. read more, Luke shares with us the story of the salvation of the Pythoness - 1. Quite simply, it means even if something appears to be free, there's always some kind of catch. I seek to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Karl Barth 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. Real personal freedom is something else. And we stayed there several days. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. 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. Paul and Silas were aware that God brought them to Philip for the purpose of planting a church. It is the slave-girls owners who bring Paul and Silas before these strategois (magistrates). The Prison Experiences Of The Bible. Acts 16:16-40, Denomination: Acts 16. Last time, we saw that Paul heard God and because of his obedience, the gospel entered Europe. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: Suddenly Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. We live in a time when American citizenship and patriotism are too often wedded to Christian discipleship, or at least confused with discipleship. In a world where Christian ministry has become a profession, most ministers cant help but succumb to these distractions. 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. I remember it like it was yesterday. So that the surfer doesnt have to wait for another one. 16 And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed The quest for fame is a great distraction, (not to mention lusting after riches and women). "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. 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. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Townes Van Zandt 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! Every morning and every evening the head of a Jewish Matthew 22:17. Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who . Tricky Questions. "You talk?" They occur when you least expect them. ), which the WEB has updated. Theme: Paul and the Pythoness Charles Dickens 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). This girls witness is true, but subject to misinterpretation by people who know nothing of Paul or the God whom he represents. In this kind of situation, the magistrates should arrest the accused and schedule a trial to hear the accusations and to weigh the evidence. Chrysostom said of this incident, He (the jailer) washed and was washed. And this is what Lukes story tells us, that the power of the Risen Christ can not only transform us, but can break our self-made chains and our locked prison doors and set us free. The jailer, on the other hand, is not free. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, All Rights Reserved. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, Paul and Silas immediately used the opportunity for ministry, A. 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. As was true when Jesus was tried, these accusers avoid honest accusation. 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. It has been a blessing as well as a great help. Reflection on John 20:1-18: by Kathryn Matthews (Huey) . They met Lydia, a seller of purple, there, and baptized her and her family (16:11-15). 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. I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. Sermon: Principles of effective Christian Ministry, Sermon: Three things a Disciple of Christ must Renounce, Sermon: Four Phases of the Christian Life. Acts 16:1-16, GOD WILL BREAK INTO YOUR SITUATION WHEN YOU SING AND PRAISE, WHEN GOD BREAKS IN! Acts . Rick Warren in Purpose Driven Church says that opportunities are the same. Why did Jesus refer to Herod as That fox in Luke 13:32? A chapter by chapter and verse by verse study of Acts taught by Pastor Paul LeBoutillier of Calvary Chapel Ontario, Oregon. Acts 17. Marilynne Robinson memorandum of costs california, leo dale pittman,