A Song in the Night

The Power of God over Demonic Spirits

On the way to prayer a girl with a “spirit of python” met them. She would have been a follower of the Apollo cult in Delphi. Possessed of a demonic spirit that forecast the future for profit.

28 girls hospitalized for 'anxiety' after Ouija board game (nypost.com)

Beware of anything that deals with the Occult. The Lord is to be your guide!

The problem was not with what she said about Paul and Silas, but with the confusion it would cause those who listen. James 2:19 “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

Satan will mimic the truth in order to sow confusion.

Paul commanded the evil spirit to flee in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth!

Trust the power of God in spiritual warfare!

The Power of Prayer and Praise over Circumstances

The spiritual warfare turned to political attack from the girl’s slave masters and the city leaders.

An unjust trial where they were not given a chance to defend themselves ended in the beating and imprisonment of Paul and Silas.

Instead of protesting they were praying. Instead of sighing they were singing. Instead of grumbling they were sharing the Gospel.

Psalm 42:8-11 “By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Paul would later write to the Philippian church (most likely including the jailer and his family), to live their lives without grumbling or complaining.

Phil 2:14-16 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

Are you praising God or complaining about our circumstances?

The Power of the Gospel to Change Lives

The testimony of Paul and Silas laid the foundation. The power of God displayed in the earthquake brought about fear, but the continued presence of all those in the jail demonstrated the power of the Gospel to the jailer. Paul and Silas were more concerned for his soul than for their personal freedom!

“What must I do to be saved?” - The most important question!

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ - He is Lord God of Creation! He is Jesus Savior of mankind! He is Messiah the anointed one of God. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ means that you believe He is God become flesh. It means that you believe He died and rose again for your salvation!

He believed and immediately began caring for Paul and Silas’ wounds. His whole family was saved and baptized!

Have you trusted Christ as Lord and Savior?