Acts 16:16-18 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

The kingdom of light revealing itself.

On the borders of Europe where many false spirits were at work. Divination and soothsaying, the resort of men in their blindness—a testimony at once to their moral helplessness and their recognition of a higher power. The credulity of men was made a source of sordid traffic both by philosophy and false religion. Hence the trouble in the mind of Paul. It was not for his own sake, but for the gospel's.

I. TRUTH NEEDS NO FALSEHOOD TO HELP IT . The Church of Rome has acted very differently. Had it not been stopped, the gospel would have been regarded at Philippi as another form of divination. Simplicity the greatest strength.

II. THOSE THAT ARE RESTING ON THE ROCK CAN AFFORD TO WALT . " After many days " the spirit was cast out.

III. The kingdom of Christ brought into collision with the kingdom of Satan reveals ITS VICTORIOUS MIGHT . So throughout the history. "That very hour." The Name of Jesus Christ exalted, all the more for the evil device against it. Mercy to the deluded and miserable. Judgments to the deceivers. The swine and the spirits perish together.—R.