(མཛད་པ། 16:16-24)

 

As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. (Acts 16:16-24)

 

What the evil spirit knew, that – perhaps – the girl also knew. Remember how evil spirits cried out in fear when they met the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the supreme High God (See Mark’s Gospel, chapter 1 and verses 24 & 34). Jesus was the powerful One whom Paul, Silas and Luke served; the spirit must obey him.

However the girl’s owners did not know the power and authority of that High God who could and would save Paul and Silas from the prison. Read the rest of the story next time.