Acts 16:23-25

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:23

Verse 23− 23.That he should keep them safe. Whereas the magistrates command that Paul and Silas should be kept so diligently, it was done to this end, that they might know more of the matter. For they had already beaten them with rods to appease the tumult. And this is that which I said of late, that the world doth rage with such blind fury against the ministers of the gospel, that it doth keep no mean in severity. But as it is very profitable for us, for example’s sake, to know how... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:14-40

The day that looked like the day of small things. It may be said, indeed, that "the kingdom came not with observation" into Europe. To the silence, modesty, and unostentatiousness of its first steps, nothing seems wanting. The notoriety came, again, not from the studied purpose of its heralds, who did their bidding in so pacific a manner, but from the vain attempt to crush them. Let us notice in some detail what we know from the present passage of Christianity's very first rooting of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-25

Five truths from Philippi. We learn— I. THAT SACRED TRUTH IS SOMETIMES FOUND ON IRREVERENT LIPS . (Verse 17.) 1. Sometimes in mockery, as with this poor Philippian slave. She probably caught up the words she heard Paul use, and in the spirit of ribaldry uttered them again. So men have sometimes preached or sung in the spirit of mere raillery and indecent mirth. 2. Sometimes in insincerity; when those who have no care to secure a livelihood by honorable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-39

An illustrious triple triumph of Christianity. Soft as the step with which Christianity entered the fair fields of Europe, and kindly as the welcome given to it then, its uniform lot was not long in making its appearance. It soon wakens close attention, it rouses strong opposition, it vindicates its genius and rights, and the luster of its moral victory must often have been felt by the faithful apostles enough of itself to compensate for the persecutions and sufferings they encountered.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-40

Truth and falsehood. The domains of truth and falsehood are in their own nature entirely distinct. This cannot be more emphatically expressed than in the inspired words which speak of God as the God of truth, and of Satan as the father of lies. The two realms are not only distinct, but contrary the one to the other. No greater injury has been done to the cause of truth than by the employment of weapons of falsehood in its defense. And, on the other hand, the most effective weapons used in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:19-34

Joy in tribulation. "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution." "We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom." The truth of these Pauline sayings had often been tested by experiences, of which this at Philippi was one of the most significant. Here, too, was one of the places where he learned to say, "Thanks be to God, who always maketh us to triumph! I. SELF - INTEREST IN ARMS AGAINST THE TRUTH . So often—especially in our day—are men's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:19-40

The first European persecution. I. It was in no way instigated by Jews, hut it proceeded from RULERS AND MAGISTRATES , under the instigation of HEATHENISH ERROR . An important distinction. Christianity, when it enlarged its sphere of operations, had to encounter the opposition of: 1. The state. 2. False philosophy regarding it as folly. 3. Heathen priestcraft, fearing the loss of their profitable superstitions. II. The method of persecution was generally... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:24

Cast for thrust, A.V. In the stocks ; Greek τὸ ξύλον , sometimes called ξυλοπέδη . The ξύλον was of different forms, and used as a punishment. Sometimes it was a kind of heavy wooden collar put on the neck of a prisoner, whence the phrase, ξύλῳ φιμοῦν τὴν αὐχένα ," To make fast his neck in the pillory." Sometimes it was what Aristophanes calls πεντεσύριγγον ξύλον , "stocks with five holes," two for the feet, two for the hands, and one for the neck. Here, as in ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:25

But about for and at, A.V.; were praying and singing hymns for prayed and sang praises, A.V.; were listening to(imperfect) for heard, A.V. Prayed , etc. Their proseuche was now the dungeon and the sleeks. But, though they were but two, the Lord was in the midst of them, according to his promise, and manifested his gracious presence in the striking deliverance which follows. Were listening to them ; ἐπακροάομαι , found only here in the New Testament. But the substantive,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:25

Light in the darkness. "But about midnight," etc. Power of facts to speak for Christ. The miracles of Christ accompanied his message. "Believe the works." We must push this evidence of facts on unbelievers, because they are not prepared to open their hearts to the truth. I. A BRIGHT EXAMPLE OF FAITH . 1. It overcame fear, shame, suffering. 2. It lay hold of the future—praying and praising, under the influence of hope. The time was midnight, but there was morning in... read more

Group of Brands