Devotional Thoughts about Acts 16:16-36
The story opens with an account of human trafficking. A demon-possessed slave girl was exploited by owners who pocketed the income from her fortune-telling. She followed Paul and Silas around in Philippi and unexpectedly yelled that they had come as servants of the Highest God to tell them the way of salvation.
Paul commanded the evil spirit by the power of Jesus Christ to leave her. When it did, shutting down the money-making gig, the affected parties retaliated with mob justice. Paul and Silas were beaten and put into a high-security unit in prison.
There, of all places, they prayed and sang praises to God. The other prisoners heard this, which no doubt left a big impression on them, especially in light of the subsequent earthquake. We know that the jailor’s life was changed through his contact with these men whose behavior was so uncharacteristic for their surroundings.
Lord, please let me recognize Your presence when I find myself in trouble, pain or aggravation, and help me to respond with prayer and praise instead of panic.
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