Acts 16:24

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 16:16-24

Paul and his companions, though they were for some time buried in obscurity at Philippi, yet now begin to be taken notice of. I. A damsel that had a spirit of divination caused them to be taken notice of, by proclaiming them to be the servants of God. Observe, 1. The account that is given of this damsel: She was pythonissa, possessed with such a spirit of divination as that damsel was by whom the oracles of Apollo at Delphos were delivered; she was actuated by an evil spirit, that dictated... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 16:16-24

16:16-24 When we were on our way to the place of prayer.. it happened that a certain slave-girl who had a spirit which made her able to give oracles met us. By her soothsaying she provided much gain for her owners. As she followed Paul and us she kept shouting, "These men are the slaves of the most high God and they are proclaiming the way of salvation to you." She kept doing this for many days. Paul was vexed at this and he turned and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I order... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 16:24

Who having received such a charge ,.... So strict an one from the magistrates, was doubly careful and diligent: thrust them into the inner prison : the innermost part of it, the lowest or furthest part of the prison; so that there were the more doors, bolts, and bars, to break open, and pass through, should they attempt to make their escape: and made their feet fast in the stocks ; or "wood", a wooden machine, in which the feet of prisoners were put for security, and which we call... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:24

The inner prison - Probably what we would call the dungeon; the darkest and most secure cell. Made their feet fast in the stocks - The το ξυλον , which we here translate stocks, is supposed to mean two large pieces of wood, pierced with holes like our stocks, and fitted to each other, that, when the legs were in, they could not be drawn out. The holes being pierced at different distances, the legs might be separated or divaricated to a great extent, which must produce extreme pain. It... 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

Group of Brands