Acts 16:16

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, as we {G2257} went {G4198} to {G1519} prayer {G4335}, a certain {G5100} damsel {G3814} possessed {G2192} with a spirit {G4151} of divination {G4436} met {G528} us {G2254}, which {G3748} brought {G3930} her {G846} masters {G2962} much {G4183} gain {G2039} by soothsaying {G3132}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Once, when we were going to the place where the minyan gathered, we were met by a slave girl who had in her a snake-spirit that enabled her to predict the future. She earned a lot of money for her owners by telling fortunes.

Berean Standard Bible

One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as we were going to the place of prayer, that a certain maid having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:16 recounts a significant encounter in Philippi where Paul and his companions, on their way to a place of prayer, were met by a young enslaved woman possessed by a spirit of divination. This woman, through her demonic ability to foretell the future, generated substantial financial profit for her masters, setting the stage for a direct spiritual confrontation that would challenge both the forces of darkness and the economic exploitation prevalent in the Roman world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the conversion of Lydia, a prominent businesswoman in Philippi, and her household, marking a foundational moment for the nascent Christian community in this important Roman colony. The missionary team, consisting of Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke (who joins them at this point, indicated by the "we" passages), had established a base of operations. The narrative flows from the positive reception of the Gospel by Lydia to a direct confrontation with a demonic power, illustrating the spiritual opposition that often arises when the kingdom of God advances. The phrase "as we went to prayer" connects this event to the regular spiritual discipline of the apostles, suggesting that their spiritual readiness was key to recognizing and confronting this spiritual challenge. The subsequent verses detail Paul's deliverance of the woman, leading to the imprisonment of Paul and Silas, and ultimately, the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his family, showcasing the ripple effect of this single encounter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, enjoying special privileges and populated by many Roman citizens, which meant Roman law and customs were deeply ingrained. The city was a melting pot of Roman, Greek, and local Thracian cultures. Divination, soothsaying, and various forms of pagan worship were common and widely accepted practices. Oracles, like the famous one at Delphi, played a significant role in public and private life, offering guidance and predictions, often for a fee. The "spirit of divination" mentioned here directly references the Python spirit associated with the Delphic oracle, indicating a recognized form of pagan spiritualism. Slavery was also a pervasive institution in the Roman Empire, and enslaved individuals were often exploited for their skills or perceived supernatural abilities, as demonstrated by the masters profiting from the young woman's soothsaying. This context highlights the direct clash between the liberating truth of the Gospel and the oppressive, idolatrous systems of the Greco-Roman world.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 16:16 introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the reality of **spiritual warfare**, demonstrating that the advance of the Gospel is not merely a human endeavor but a direct challenge to the forces of darkness. The "spirit of divination" is a tangible manifestation of this opposition, requiring divine power to overcome. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **demonic influence and deception**, revealing how malevolent spirits can operate through individuals, mimicking spiritual gifts or providing information that, while seemingly supernatural, is not from God. This calls for **discernment**, a theme emphasized elsewhere, such as when John urges believers to [test the spirits](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Testing the Spirits") to determine their origin. Thirdly, the passage exposes the **exploitation and injustice** inherent in the practice of slavery, particularly when vulnerable individuals are commodified for financial gain. The woman's masters profit "much gain" from her bondage, illustrating the pervasive social evils that the Gospel confronts. Finally, this encounter sets the stage for the **triumph of Christ's power over paganism and idolatry**, as the true authority of Jesus is demonstrated to be superior to all other spiritual powers, a recurring motif in Acts, seen also in the confrontation with Simon the sorcerer in [Samaria](/acts/8-9-24 "Acts 8:9-24 - Simon the Sorcerer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **damsel (Greek, _paidískē'_):** From G3814. This word is a feminine diminutive of "child" or "servant," specifically referring to a young girl or, more precisely in this context, a female slave or servant. Its use here emphasizes her youth and vulnerability, highlighting the tragic reality of her exploitation and bondage.
* **possessed (Greek, _échō'_):** From G2192. Literally meaning "to hold" or "to have," this verb is used here in the sense of being held or controlled by something. In this context, it signifies that the young woman was under the direct influence and control of the "spirit of divination," indicating a state of demonic possession rather than merely having a skill.
* **spirit of divination (Greek, _Pýthōn'_):** From G4436, combined with G4151 (_pneûma_). The term _Pýthōn_ specifically refers to the mythical serpent or dragon killed by Apollo at Delphi, whose spirit was believed to inspire the Pythian priestess of the famous Oracle of Delphi. Thus, this was not merely a general 'fortune-telling' ability but a specific, recognized demonic power associated with pagan prophecy in the Greco-Roman world, making the confrontation highly significant.
* **soothsaying (Greek, _manteúomai'_):** From G3132. This verb means "to divine" or "to utter spells," specifically referring to divination or foretelling the future through pagan or demonic means. It clearly distinguishes her practice from true prophecy inspired by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing its illicit and ungodly origin.
* **gain (Greek, _ergasía'_):** From G2039. This word denotes "occupation," "work," or "profit." In this context, it explicitly refers to the substantial financial profit or revenue that the enslaved girl's "soothsaying" brought to her masters. It underscores the economic motivation behind her exploitation and the masters' vested interest in maintaining her demonic bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as we went to prayer":** This clause sets the scene, indicating the regular practice of the missionary team. Their journey "to prayer" (likely to a Jewish proseuchē or place of prayer by the river, as mentioned in [Acts 16:13](/acts/16-13 "Acts 16:13 - The Place of Prayer")) highlights their spiritual discipline and the divine appointment of this encounter. It suggests that spiritual readiness often precedes spiritual confrontation.
* **"a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us":** This introduces the central figure of the encounter. The "damsel" (a young, likely enslaved woman) is described as "possessed with a spirit of divination," clearly identifying the supernatural, demonic source of her abilities. The "spirit of divination" (Greek _pneuma Pythona_) links her power to the famous pagan oracle at Delphi, signifying a recognized form of occult practice.
* **"which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying":** This final clause reveals the economic exploitation at the heart of the situation. The girl's demonic ability was not for her own benefit but for the significant financial profit of her "masters." The term "soothsaying" (Greek _manteuomai_) further clarifies that her practice was a form of pagan fortune-telling, distinct from genuine divine prophecy, and was a lucrative business for those who owned her.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the encounter with the demon-possessed girl immediately hints at the spiritual opposition and conflict that will characterize Paul's ministry in Philippi, leading directly to his imprisonment. The contrast between the apostles "going to prayer" and being met by a "spirit of divination" creates a powerful **juxtaposition**, highlighting the spiritual battle between divine truth and demonic deception. The description of the girl as a "damsel" (a young, vulnerable female) and the explicit mention of her "masters" gaining "much gain" through her "soothsaying" serves as a form of **social commentary**, exposing the injustice and exploitation inherent in the institution of slavery and the commodification of human beings for profit, especially through illicit means. The specific naming of the "spirit of divination" as a _Python_ spirit acts as an **allusion** to well-known pagan oracles, immediately signaling to the Greco-Roman audience the nature and power of the spiritual force at play.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:16 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the pervasive nature of demonic influence in the world, even in seemingly mundane settings. The encounter underscores that the Gospel's mission is not merely to preach doctrines but to confront and dismantle the strongholds of darkness, liberating individuals from spiritual bondage. It highlights the contrast between true divine power and deceptive demonic counterfeits, urging believers to cultivate discernment. Furthermore, the verse implicitly connects spiritual oppression with social injustice, as the enslaved girl's demonic possession is directly linked to her economic exploitation, revealing that the Gospel's redemptive work extends to both spiritual and societal liberation.

* [Mark 1:23-26](/mark/1-23-26 "Mark 1:23-26 - Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to recognize that spiritual battles are not confined to ancient texts but are a present reality. Just as Paul and his companions encountered overt demonic activity, we too may face spiritual opposition in various forms, from overt manifestations to subtle deceptions. The fact that this encounter occurred "as we went to prayer" emphasizes the indispensable role of prayer in spiritual warfare and ministry. It reminds us that our spiritual strength and discernment are cultivated in communion with God. Furthermore, the exploitation of the "damsel" for "gain" compels us to reflect on our own societal injustices and the ways vulnerable individuals are still commodified or exploited today. As followers of Christ, we are called not only to discern and resist spiritual darkness but also to advocate for justice and liberation for all who are oppressed, embodying the holistic freedom that the Gospel offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the narrative of the "spirit of divination" challenge my understanding of spiritual warfare in today's world?**
* **In what ways might I be called to exercise discernment regarding supernatural claims or influences around me?**
* **What role does prayer play in my personal life and in the collective life of my community as we confront spiritual and social challenges?**
* **How does the exploitation of the enslaved girl in this passage prompt me to consider contemporary forms of injustice and my responsibility to respond?**

### FAQ

**What was a "spirit of divination" and how was it different from true prophecy?**

Answer: The "spirit of divination" (Greek _pneuma Pythona_) refers to a demonic entity that empowered the young woman to perform soothsaying or fortune-telling. The term _Pythona_ specifically links it to the Python serpent of Greek mythology, associated with the famous Oracle of Delphi. This was a recognized form of pagan, occult practice, distinct from true prophecy. True prophecy, as seen in the Bible, originates from the Holy Spirit and always aligns with God's character and revealed truth, serving to build up, encourage, and comfort the church ([1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Purpose of Prophecy")). Demonic divination, by contrast, often serves deceptive purposes, exploits individuals, and ultimately opposes God's kingdom, even if some of its predictions might coincidentally come true.

**Why did Paul confront this spirit, especially if the girl was speaking the truth about them being "servants of the most high God"?**

Answer: While the girl's pronouncements about Paul and his companions being "servants of the most high God" were factually true ([Acts 16:17](/acts/16-17 "Acts 16:17 - The Damsel's Cry")), Paul's confrontation was not about the accuracy of her words but the source and purpose behind them. Demonic entities can speak truth to gain credibility or to subtly undermine God's work by associating themselves with it. Paul recognized that this "truth" was being uttered by a spirit of divination, an unclean spirit, which was an affront to the purity and authority of the Gospel. He was unwilling to allow a demonic spirit to endorse their ministry, as it would confuse the source of their authority and potentially lead people astray. His action was a demonstration of Christ's supreme authority over all evil spirits ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), liberating the girl from her bondage and clearly distinguishing the power of God from demonic counterfeits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:16, though a narrative of spiritual confrontation, profoundly points to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "spirit of divination" represents the pervasive spiritual bondage and deception that held humanity captive before Christ's advent. Just as this enslaved girl was exploited for "much gain" by her masters, humanity was enslaved by sin and death, serving the purposes of the "prince of the power of the air" ([Ephesians 2:2](/ephesians/2-2 "Ephesians 2:2 - Prince of the Power of the Air")). Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, came to "proclaim liberty to the captives" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), breaking the chains of spiritual oppression. Paul's act of casting out the spirit in the subsequent verses ([Acts 16:18](/acts/16-18 "Acts 16:18 - Paul Casts Out the Spirit")) is a tangible manifestation of Christ's victory over demonic powers, demonstrating that the authority given to believers in His name is sufficient to overcome every stronghold of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The liberation of the "damsel" foreshadows the ultimate freedom offered to all who believe in Christ, not only from spiritual bondage but also from the economic and social injustices that often accompany it, fulfilling His mission to set the oppressed free ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 19:31

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 18:9

¶ When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

Deuteronomy 18:11

Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

1 Chronicles 10:13

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];

1 Samuel 28:7

¶ Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

Galatians 5:20

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,