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. The jailer is ordered to "guard them carefully.". The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. John Coltrane James Taylor Then things get ugly. It has been a blessing as well as a great help. P.D. We cant invent them either. Dorothy Sayers **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL As Greeks, they would be inclined to equate Most High God with Zeus. Walt Whitman Sermon. read more, Scripture: 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. This is Pauls Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 18:21. Baptist. David Lodge Seeing that the jailer would commit suicide if they escaped, Paul and Silas chose his life and salvation over their own liberation (Acts 16:25-34). This introduced the Gospel to the continent of Europe for the first time (Turkey is in Asia and Greece is in Europe). Let me share with you some of my musings. Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and Invitations, Part 6 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. The jailers question can be understood on two levels. 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. ROBERT RAYBURN SERMONS BOOK OF ACTS. When the angel delivered Peter from prison in an earlier instance, Herod executed the guards for dereliction of duty (12:19). The jailer demonstrates his new faith by taking care of their wounds and by being baptized. read more, Scripture: 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. This is exactly what Paul and his companions have come to do. (16:7) 644. Paul and Silas were so strong in the Lord that they prayed and sang hymns instead, A. Eventually, allegations turned into a riot. First, the girls owners have enslaved her for the purpose of enriching themselves. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation Paul and his companions found a place of prayer outside the city of Philippi on the sabbath (16:13). Lutheran. Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer charging the Philistines. It has been proved that church growth reaches its peak in the face of persecution. In Greek mythology, the great serpent, Python, lived in a cave near Delphi.and guarded the oracle there (Encarta). He places the two missionaries "in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks" (16:23-24). Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. The conversion of the Jailor and his family reminds us that no matter what, Gospel must be preached. read more, Luke shares with us the story of the salvation of the Pythoness - 1. N.T. Playing Favorites. This exorcism demonstrates Gods power over demonic spirits. In ministry see the bigger picture. Willie Nelson. Apparently, this slave girl was quite good at predicting the future and brought home a lucrative profit for her owners. And Your paths drip with abundance. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? 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). Lesslie Newbigin 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. Lutheran. However, even though Peter was bound with chains and sleeping between two soldiers, an angel freed him (12:6-11). G.K. Chesterton Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (v. 30). Luke As the story continues, the disciples are still in Philippi, where they will be for the balance of chapter 16. He became very upset, and his mother tried to calm him. Witness how God can ta, When The Chains Come Off - Acts 16:16-34 - May 22, 2011 Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. Kapitulli 2: (Christ) Rescue of the Lost Lamb. Charles Dickens 2. read more, Scripture: read more, Scripture: Here, Luke describes a demon properly identifying Paul and Silas as slaves of God. Sermon Excerpt: Acts 16:16-34. Acts 18. B. Acts 16. Holiness. ACTS 16:25-30 And at midnight Paul and Silas The Blue Hornets Matthew 22:17. Scripture: Acts 16:11-34. 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). 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). George MacDonald Fraser, Bob Dylan Dire Straits Paul's Sermon To the Athenians . 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? At least thats 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). The authorities would typically imprison anyone whom they had first flogged. In reporting this, Luke clearly sees problems on two levels. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? Paul and Silas are bloodied from a beating, cast into a dark cell and fastened by the feet in stocks. Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. Acts 16:25-34 HCSB. It is not illegal to be a Jew, but these accusers are hoping to hook into anti-Semitic sentiments among the officials and/or the crowd. THE PRISON OF HIS PRAISES. Are the magistrates (strategois) of this verse the same officials as the authorities (archontas) of verse 19? He calls out to reassure the jailer that all the prisoners are still present. Forsyth Richard Bauckham 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. And this is where it gets really interesting. Miss, it means to wait for another. 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. soothsaying. After the earthquake breaks their shackles and opens their prison door they dont even try to run away. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (v. 31). There would be little provision for sanitation or ventilation, so the stench would be terrible. The duumvirs would be two men appointed by Rome to administer the civil affairs of the city. Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. Paul was well aware of this, (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7). This verse probably summarizes a longer proclamation. 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. 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. 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. . Max L. Stackhouse Brevard Childs Likewise he who was called being free is Christs bondservant (1 Corinthians 7:22). Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. The Importance of Preparation in the Ministry of Preaching. Richard Wilbur Some come to Christ all at once, some over time. 63). 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). No matter what your need is Jonathan Edwards 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.. 1. 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). The Disabled in the Life of the Church - Catholic Outlook. Mark, Luke, and John for your sermon, homily, bible study, or reflection. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation The Conference officially . We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie 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. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. 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 . 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! Sermon. (16:6) 643. Paul and Silas were free to serve God with their whole hearts and th James Chapel 3 from Acts 16:25-34 The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. He commands the spirit to leave the girl because she . To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to COME TO HIM. read more, Scripture: 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. The Key teachings of Jesus Christ are focused on Faith and Love. Acts 16:11-40 I seek to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. . Acts 10:34-36, 43. Jane Austen The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. Her owners dictate her every action and confiscate any money that her efforts produce. www.holytextures.com. Toward that end, I request you use your full name when commenting. Luke G.F. Handel he asks. Enduring Word exists to promote the work of Christian discipleship and evangelism worldwide, mainly through the publication and dissemination of the B. Matthew Henry Study Bible blends his inspirational notes with a full-featured KJV Bible, to enable readers to benefit from the simple piety and no-nonsense application of the biblical lessons . C.S. 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). -- Everything we do starts with an invitation to be a part of Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. 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. Jurgen Moltmann 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, Here are some reflections from a sermon I preached in 2010. 7:21). 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. Sermon Acts 16:16-34 A Faith That Liberates. We cant be sure. I want to conclude my message with three applications I was able to draw from this great passage of scripture. Texts: Psalm 27; Acts 16:16-34 "FOCUS" What do you do with what happens to you? Witness how God can ta, When The Chains Come Off - Acts 16:16-34 - May 22, 2011 They are not free. 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). Three Portraits of Salvation In Philippi The book of Acts is the report of early Christians who had faith to do these greater things that Jesus promised. I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. 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. They are probably duumvirs, a word that comes from the Roman duo (meaning two) and vir (meaning man). Nazarene. 33He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. So, this story invites us to consider our own freedom and power. The jailer is a functionary of the most powerful empire in the known world. He would take his own life before suffering the shame of not doing his job for Rome. for us to accept or to observe, being Romans (v. 21b). An Invitation Requires Truth Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. Gerard Manley Hopkins They claimed that Paul and Silas were teaching customs that were against their laws. God was waiting for someone to choose to . 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. * 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. What are the doors that are closed to you? Paul and Silas visit Lydias home to encourage the believers, after which they do leave town. Hemer, C.J. Consequently, this historical information recorded in the book makes it a good source to learn about Christian ministry. Acts 10:34-43. The jailer called for lights and saw that they were still there, and he took them outside and asked, What must I do to be saved. Now to us, this sounds like a religious question, but he may have merely been asking how do I get out of this mess? But Paul and Silas heard it as a religious question and answered, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. Which is what happened. Look up Matthew 11:28, and compare John 5:40 and 6:37. Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. Rick Warren in Purpose Driven Church says that opportunities are the same. Acts 16:16-34 May 16, 2010 . Acts 25. Follow Desiring God on Facebook . 2. 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). The magistrates come to the jail to apologize, after which they ask Paul and Silas to leave town. 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. They met Lydia, a seller of purple, there, and baptized her and her family (16:11-15). Sometimes we do our simple best, and God works through us in ways far beyond our efforts, far beyond our imaginings. Hes got the keys. The Syrophoenician womans daughter (Matthew 15:21-18; Mark 7:24-30). Acts 16:11-40 "Look how much bigger you are. Thaddeus Quince and the New Originals 8:28-29; 1 Cor. 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. Acts 16:29-34 Acts 16:11-40, I Believe To her owners, this girl is nothing but a money machine. Chris Botti The strategois could be a higher-level authority. IN OTHER WORDS, CHOICES, THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHOICE read more. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. J.S. Quite simply, it means even if something appears to be free, there's always some kind of catch. You see, that will be the day that I die. Any date. Then they threw them in prison, in the deepest cell, and placed their feet in the stocks. This us represents the last we passage in Acts until 10:6, leaving us to wonder if Luke drops out at this point. 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. In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. Many similar forms of slavery exist throughout the world today. 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. 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. ACTS 16:16-30 0:07. Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. They told the judges that Paul and Silas had brought a lot of trouble to the city. Introduction A) IN JAIL FOR All Videos Images Commentaries Devotionals Other Translations Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday at 9:34 AM in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. Paul and Silas in Prison. The Board of Education which went to the Supreme Court. Using an earthquake for his purposes, God opens the prison doors and unfastens the prisoners chains so that Paul and Silas are free to escape. 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. 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). All was lost. **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer charging the Philistines. For Philippians Most High God meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus, B. Chapel 3 from Acts 16:25-34 How do we stand strong during persecution? 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. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. It is the greatest enemy of any effective ministry. So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . Acts 16:16-25. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Life is filled with close calls and narrow escapes' The Voice In A Close Call Acts 16:10-34 We were entering the highway at an entrance notorious as a black spot for fatal accidents. Executable Outlines - Free sermon outlines and Bible studies! Commentary on Acts 16 16 34. Are you Dreaming of an effective ministry? I have known some very powerful people in my time, captains of industry, rich people, famous people. This story from Acts is a troubling one in many ways. When you do, nothing can prevent you from moving forward. 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. Hans W. Frei They could accuse Paul and Silas of persuading people to join a cult not recognized by the Roman government, but by this time officials do not usually prosecute people for this transgression. "You talk?" 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, The boldness and attitude of Paul and Silas should speak to us. into the marketplace(agoran) (19b). IN OTHER WORDS, CHOICES, THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHOICE Luke 17:11-37; 18:15-34 Topic: People To Meet, Lessons To Learn. 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 Dexter Gordon A Story With a Happy Ending Acts 16: 23-34. 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. Last time, we saw that Paul heard God and because of his obedience, the gospel entered Europe. The Gerasene demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). Scripture: Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31. Paul and Silas were aware that God brought them to Philip for the purpose of planting a church. Acts 24. --Tee Jackson Contents Letter of E Anthony Trollope When she confronts Paul and . Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Katherine Sonderegger, Adam Desnoyers read more, Scripture: While that girl was following, to Paul and us she cried out saying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you a (the)1 way of salvation.". Invitations, Part 6 Any duration. Jesus had cast demons from men into pigs nearby (Matt. John 14:21. who proclaim to us a way of salvation (v. 17c). When they had brought them to the magistrates (strategois) (v. 20a). Anne Tyler So that the surfer doesnt have to wait for another one. 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). When you do the Spirit of God will move. John Updike Paul would not disagree with her characterization. The commentators say that Actsis highly idealized and should be read as a theological narrative and not as history. Every morning and every evening the head of a Jewish 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)