2. Acts 16:16-18 16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18 She kept this up for many days. Acts 16:16-18 16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18 She kept this up for many days.

3. Most people in the city probably knew by now what Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke were doing. This information was not evidence for her ability to predict the future. But demons could bring an unusual knowledge of things and events to their hosts (Acts 19:11-17). The translation as given in the NIV is incorrect in this instance. There is nothing in the original language (Greek) that says she could predict the future. This is an interpretation based on beliefs expressed in Greek mythology. The phrase is “a spirit of Python.” Most people in the city probably knew by now what Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke were doing. This information was not evidence for her ability to predict the future. But demons could bring an unusual knowledge of things and events to their hosts (Acts 19:11-17). The translation as given in the NIV is incorrect in this instance. There is nothing in the original language (Greek) that says she could predict the future. This is an interpretation based on beliefs expressed in Greek mythology. The phrase is “a spirit of Python.”

4. This girl did have a demon or evil spirit. In Greek mythology, Python was a snake or dragon that was the demon of the oracle cult of Delphi. This was the famous Delphic Oracle of the Greek legends. The constrictor reptile we call “python” got its name from this mythical snake. This girl did have a demon or evil spirit. In Greek mythology, Python was a snake or dragon that was the demon of the oracle cult of Delphi. This was the famous Delphic Oracle of the Greek legends. The constrictor reptile we call “python” got its name from this mythical snake. Delphi, Greece

5. This girl might have had supernatural knowledge of many things but not the future. Only God knows that. God had told Moses that if anyone could accurately predict the future that would be a sign that the person who did so was His prophet (Deuteronomy 18:21 & 22). Some said Jesus had a demon because He could heal and tell the future. (Matthew 12:24-32). This girl might have had supernatural knowledge of many things but not the future. Only God knows that. God had told Moses that if anyone could accurately predict the future that would be a sign that the person who did so was His prophet (Deuteronomy 18:21 & 22). Some said Jesus had a demon because He could heal and tell the future. (Matthew 12:24-32). Deut. 18:9 “You shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

6. Acts 16:18-20 Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her. 19 When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. Acts 16:18-20 Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her. 19 When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. Ruins of Marketplace at Philippi Paul again suffering for the Faith Christian service is a fierce spiritual struggle with a sophisticated and deceitful enemy “Spiritual Warfare”

7. Acts 16:20-23 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice." This was not the first time false charges were brought against Jesus or His disciples. The accusation that they were Jews shows that the Jewish presence in Philippi must have been limited. Acts 16:20-23 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice." This was not the first time false charges were brought against Jesus or His disciples. The accusation that they were Jews shows that the Jewish presence in Philippi must have been limited. Roman Magistrate’s Ring – About 150 AD

8. v21 What is the difference between the reason the men were mad at Paul and Silas and the reason they gave for having them arrestedv21 What is the difference between the reason the men were mad at Paul and Silas and the reason they gave for having them arrested

9. Acts 16:22-24 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. Acts 16:22-24 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. Prison at Philippi (Rebuilt)

10. Acts 16:25-27 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. This was no ordinary earthquake and everyone there knew it. Acts 16:25-27 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. This was no ordinary earthquake and everyone there knew it.

11. Acts 16:26-30 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:26-30 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

12. Scripture: “After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.“ Acts 12:19 (NIV) v30 What kind of salvation do you think the jailer was concerned about?

13. We have already noted that the penalty for a Roman jailor or guard who allows someone to escape was death. This jailor preferred to die by his own hand that in the horrific way the Romans would have killed him. This jailor and all the prisoners knew this could be nothing but an act of God done to free Paul and Silas. The jailor must have been listening to the words and songs of Paul and Silas. He knew they had the message of salvation. We have already noted that the penalty for a Roman jailor or guard who allows someone to escape was death. This jailor preferred to die by his own hand that in the horrific way the Romans would have killed him. This jailor and all the prisoners knew this could be nothing but an act of God done to free Paul and Silas. The jailor must have been listening to the words and songs of Paul and Silas. He knew they had the message of salvation.

14. Acts 16:31-34 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God- he and his whole family. Acts 16:31-34 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God- he and his whole family.

15. Scripture: “You believe that there is one God. Good! even the demons believe that and shudder.” James 2:19 (NIV) v31 Does this verse mean that salvation is by belief alone? If someone were to ask “how do I get to Westminster Abbey?” You might say “Go to London”. There are more details involved in finding the Abbey, but the statement “Go to London” would be true even though it might not include all the details. That was like the short answer that Paul gave.

16. “What must I do to be saved.” This was the same question the Jews had asked Peter after his sermon on Pentecost. The first thing Paul told him was that he must believe. He had to learn what to believe. He knew nothing about Jesus and His death on the cross or about His command to be baptized. As soon as he knew what to believe, He obeyed. Then he rejoiced because he and his family now believed in God (verse 34). “What must I do to be saved.” This was the same question the Jews had asked Peter after his sermon on Pentecost. The first thing Paul told him was that he must believe. He had to learn what to believe. He knew nothing about Jesus and His death on the cross or about His command to be baptized. As soon as he knew what to believe, He obeyed. Then he rejoiced because he and his family now believed in God (verse 34). Ruins – Philippi, Macedonia

17. In response to that apostolic preaching, the Jailer did two things that we know about: 1) He washed the lashes that Paul and Silas has received. In doing this the Jailer was indicating his REPENTANCE. 2) He was BAPTISED along with his household. Which would means he and they would have their sins forgiven

18. DISCUSSION QUESTION: v33 Since the whole family was baptized does this mean that infants or small children were baptized If children were baptized then they must have been old enough to be believers since verse 34 says that the whole family was “filled with joy because they had come to believe in God.” If children were baptized then they must have been old enough to be believers since verse 34 says that the whole family was “filled with joy because they had come to believe in God.”

19. COMPARE FAMILY in Acts 10 and Acts 16 Cornelius and his household: 10:2 Old enough to FEAR GOD 10:33 Old enough to “hear all things commanded you by God”. 10:44 Old enough to hear and understand God’s word. 10:46 Old enough to speak in tongues and magnify God 10:48 Old enough to obey the command to be baptised and to ask Peter to stay a few days. Those in Cornelius’ household who were baptised were NOT infants.

20. Philippian jailer and his household: 16:31 Old enough to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ 16:32 Old enough to hear and understand God’s word. 16:33 Old enough to be IMMERSED safely! 16:34 Old enough to REJOICE in their salvation after being baptised Those in the jailer’s household who were baptised were NOT infants. COMPARE FAMILY in Acts 10 and Acts 16

21. Acts 16:35-37 35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men." 36 The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace." 37 But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out." Acts 16:35-37 35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men." 36 The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace." 37 But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out." Underground Prison, Philippi

22. Acts 16:37 Paul Made Three Points: 1)The officials had caused Paul and Silas to be beaten OPENLY. 2)They had done that in spite of the fact that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 3)They had also thrown Paul and Silas in prison unjustly.

23. Later we see how Paul’s Roman citizenship saves him from a bloodthirsty mob in Jerusalem. Paul demanded his rights as a Roman citizen but did not stay in Philippi to bring trouble to the disciples, most of whom were Gentiles. The townspeople were obviously prejudiced against Jews even if they were Roman citizens. Jesus did not have Roman citizenship. He could not demand and get a fair trial in a Roman court as Paul could do. Later we see how Paul’s Roman citizenship saves him from a bloodthirsty mob in Jerusalem. Paul demanded his rights as a Roman citizen but did not stay in Philippi to bring trouble to the disciples, most of whom were Gentiles. The townspeople were obviously prejudiced against Jews even if they were Roman citizens. Jesus did not have Roman citizenship. He could not demand and get a fair trial in a Roman court as Paul could do. Paul goes to Rome as Prisoner

24. Acts 16:38-40 38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left. Acts 16:38-40 38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left. The Fasces of the Roman Magistrate Christian service challenges us to care about to others Successful service requires the right attitude-- God can use anything... Most results are unseen until later...

25. Conclusion On this second missionary journey of Paul, it is the first time an Apostle has come to Europe. It is fitting that it should be Paul since he has been designated as Christ’s Apostle to the Gentiles. Leaving Macedonia, he goes to Athens, Greece, then to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, called “Achaia” in those days. After working for a time in Corinth, he returns to Asia. On this second missionary journey of Paul, it is the first time an Apostle has come to Europe. It is fitting that it should be Paul since he has been designated as Christ’s Apostle to the Gentiles. Leaving Macedonia, he goes to Athens, Greece, then to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, called “Achaia” in those days. After working for a time in Corinth, he returns to Asia.

26. The Philippian Jailer The Philippian Jailer by Ellis Jones I have a heavy duty To keep secure in jail Every kind of criminal; I know I must not fail. by Ellis Jones I have a heavy duty To keep secure in jail Every kind of criminal; I know I must not fail.

27. Tonight I sit here list’ning To things I’ve never heard. Amazing things I’m hearing About God and His word. Tonight I sit here list’ning To things I’ve never heard. Amazing things I’m hearing About God and His word.

28. Two beaten men are singing And praising God on high. I just can’t understand it. It makes me want to cry. Two beaten men are singing And praising God on high. I just can’t understand it. It makes me want to cry.

29. What is that awful rumbling? My world is torn apart. I draw my sword in terror And aim it for my heart. What is that awful rumbling? My world is torn apart. I draw my sword in terror And aim it for my heart.

30. A voice shouts in the darkness, “We’re here, don’t be afraid!” I call for lights and enter. My fear for joy I trade. A voice shouts in the darkness, “We’re here, don’t be afraid!” I call for lights and enter. My fear for joy I trade.

31. I hope for my salvation, And for my family. We learn the truth and do it. From sin we are set free. I hope for my salvation, And for my family. We learn the truth and do it. From sin we are set free.

32. Now I’m a different person. Now Jesus is mya Lord. To Him I will be faithful, And always keep His word. Now I’m a different person. Now Jesus is mya Lord. To Him I will be faithful, And always keep His word.