PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY - MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT.
April 12th, 2025LIGHT AND DARKNESS.
Paul, in a vision, saw "..........a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Act.16.9.NIV) Paul and Silas concluded that the Lord had called them to preach the gospel there. This narrative, has a similar edge to that of Peter when in a vision was sent to Cornelius (Acts10).
They ".... traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days." (Act.16.12.NIV) As they preach on the Sabbath, "one of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized,..." (Act.16.14-15.NIV) The fact that she was a dealer in purple clothes, the most expensive dye known in ancient Israel and the exclusive wear for royals and nobles was evident of her wealth as a business woman.
In the same city was a certain girl possessed with an evil spirit that enabled her predict the future. She was making good money for her masters until she encountered Paul. "Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her."
(Act.16.18.NIV) The source of their income ceased. As a result, her masters incited the city against Paul and Silas. They were severely beaten and thrown in prison.
While they prayed and sang at midnight, there was an earthquake, all the doors of the prison were thrown opened and all the prisoners chains fell off (vs 25-26). Jesus came to set the prisoners free, (Luke 4:18).
Acts chapter 16 contrasts light and darkness and shows that God is unstoppable. Lydia's operated her business as a God fearing woman. The damsel made money for her handlers through evil spirit that bowed and left her at the mention of the name of Jesus. As a result, Paul and Silas were prevented from preaching, but got the prisoners, the jailer and his family saved just by praising the Lord. Mission accomplished!
This was incredible! And thus ended Paul's missionary journey to Philippi.
The power of darkness is like the chaff which the wind blows away. Beware of fortune-tellers parading as prophets.
WORD: "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
(Phil.2.10-11.NIV)
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