Acts 16:18

KJV

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} this {G5124} did she {G4160}{G1909} many {G4183} days {G2250}. But {G1161} Paul {G3972}, being grieved {G1278}, turned {G1994} and {G2532} said {G2036} to the spirit {G4151}, I command {G3853} thee {G4671} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} to come {G1831} out of {G575} her {G846}. And {G2532} he came out {G1831} the same {G846} hour {G5610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She kept this up day after day, until Sha’ul, greatly disturbed, turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Yeshua the Messiah, I order you to come out of her!” And the spirit did come out, at that very moment.

Berean Standard Bible

She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment.

American Standard Version

And this she did for many days. But Paul, being sore troubled, turned and said to the spirit, I charge thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out that very hour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:18 records a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry in Philippi, where he confronts a demonic spirit that had possessed a slave girl, enabling her to practice divination for her masters' profit. After enduring her persistent, though truthful, proclamations for "many days," Paul, moved by spiritual distress, turned and authoritatively commanded the spirit to depart in the supreme name of Jesus Christ. The immediate and complete expulsion of the spirit underscores the unparalleled power and authority inherent in Christ's name over all spiritual forces, leading to the girl's instantaneous deliverance and setting the stage for significant opposition from those whose economic interests were threatened.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's second missionary journey, specifically during his time in Philippi, a significant Roman colony in Macedonia. The narrative immediately precedes this event with Paul's vision of the Macedonian man calling for help, leading him and his companions (Silas, Timothy, and Luke) to Europe ([Acts 16:9-10](/acts/16-9-10 "Acts 16:9-10 - The Macedonian Call")). Upon arriving in Philippi, their ministry initially found success with the conversion of Lydia, a prominent businesswoman, and her household ([Acts 16:14-15](/acts/16-14-15 "Acts 16:14-15 - The Conversion of Lydia")). The account then shifts to introduce a new form of opposition, not from the Jewish synagogue as often seen elsewhere, but from a pagan, economically driven source: a slave girl possessed by a "spirit of divination" ([Acts 16:16](/acts/16-16 "Acts 16:16 - The Slave Girl with a Spirit of Divination")). Her repeated declarations about Paul and Silas being "servants of the most high God" ([Acts 16:17](/acts/16-17 "Acts 16:17 - The Slave Girl's Proclamations")) were disruptive and likely a demonic attempt to legitimize their own presence or undermine the true authority of the gospel. Paul's decisive action in verse 18 directly addresses this spiritual harassment, leading directly into the subsequent persecution by the girl's masters who lost their source of income ([Acts 16:19-24](/acts/16-19-24 "Acts 16:19-24 - Paul and Silas Imprisoned")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, which meant its laws, customs, and social structures were modeled after Rome. This included a significant slave population, with slaves often serving various roles, including those exploited for their supposed supernatural abilities. The "spirit of divination" (Greek: _pneuma pythōna_) mentioned in [Acts 16:16](/acts/16-16 "Acts 16:16 - The Spirit of Divination") directly references the Python, a mythical serpent slain by Apollo at Delphi. The Oracle of Delphi was the most famous prophetic shrine in the ancient world, where priestesses, supposedly inspired by Apollo (or the Python spirit), would deliver prophecies. Thus, the slave girl's ability was understood within the pagan worldview as a connection to a powerful, albeit false, deity. Her owners profited immensely from her fortune-telling, highlighting the economic entanglement with pagan religious practices. Paul's expulsion of the spirit not only liberated the girl but also directly challenged the prevailing pagan worldview and, crucially, disrupted the financial interests of powerful individuals, setting the stage for the legal conflict that follows.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several core themes. First, it highlights the **spiritual authority** of believers, particularly apostles like Paul, to confront and overcome demonic forces. Paul's action is not merely a personal reaction but an exercise of divine power against spiritual oppression. Second, it profoundly emphasizes **the power of Jesus' name**, establishing that authority over evil spirits resides not in human strength or ritual, but solely in the person and authority of Christ. The command "in the name of Jesus Christ" is central to this theme, echoing Jesus' own teachings and commissions to his disciples ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Evil Spirits")). Third, the immediate departure of the spirit demonstrates the **absolute efficacy of Christ's authority** and the **liberating power of the gospel**. The girl is set free from both spiritual bondage and the economic exploitation that accompanied it. Finally, the subsequent reaction of her masters underscores the theme of **conflict between the kingdom of God and worldly systems** that profit from spiritual darkness and human exploitation, a recurring motif in the book of Acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grieved (Greek, _diaponéō'_):** From G1278, meaning "to toil through, i.e. (passively) be worried." This word suggests a deep spiritual burden and distress rather than mere annoyance or irritation. Paul was not simply bothered by the girl's shouting; he was profoundly troubled by her spiritual bondage and the demonic interference in the ministry. It implies a weariness or being "worn out" by the persistent demonic harassment, prompting a decisive, Spirit-led intervention.
* **command (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** From G3853, meaning "to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin." This word denotes a formal, authoritative injunction or order. It is not a request or a plea, but a direct, powerful directive issued with full authority. Paul is not asking the spirit to leave; he is commanding it, reflecting the authority delegated to him by Christ.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** From G3686, meaning "a 'name' (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)." In biblical thought, a "name" represents the person, their character, authority, and power. To act "in the name of Jesus Christ" means to act by His authority, under His power, and as His representative. It signifies that the power to cast out the spirit does not originate with Paul but is an extension of Jesus' own divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this did she many days."**: This clause emphasizes the persistence and duration of the demonic harassment. The slave girl's repeated declarations were not a one-time occurrence but a continuous, daily disruption, indicating a strategic and sustained attack by the demonic spirit against Paul and his ministry. The phrase "many days" suggests Paul's initial patience or discernment period, waiting for the appropriate moment or divine prompting to act.
* **"But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit,"**: This marks the turning point. Paul's "grief" (as discussed in Key Word Analysis) signifies a deep spiritual burden and righteous indignation against the spiritual oppression. His "turning" indicates a deliberate shift in focus and intention, directly addressing the spiritual entity rather than the girl herself. This action demonstrates spiritual discernment, recognizing the true source of the problem.
* **"I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."**: This is the core of Paul's authoritative declaration. The direct command, "I command thee," asserts his delegated authority. The crucial phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ" clarifies the source of this authority. It is not Paul's own power, but the supreme power and authority of Jesus Christ, whose name is above every name, that compels the spirit. This declaration is a direct confrontation of demonic power with divine power.
* **"And he came out the same hour."**: This final clause highlights the immediate and undeniable efficacy of Paul's command, demonstrating the absolute supremacy of Jesus' name. The spirit's instantaneous departure confirms the reality of the deliverance and the power of Christ's authority. The phrase "the same hour" emphasizes the swiftness and completeness of the liberation, leaving no doubt about the source of the power.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident in the slave girl's declarations: while her words are factually true ("servants of the most high God"), their source is demonic, creating a tension between truth and its corrupted origin. This also sets up a **Spiritual Conflict**, where the forces of darkness, even when speaking truth, seek to disrupt and undermine the authentic work of God. Paul's "grief" and decisive command represent the direct confrontation of God's kingdom with the kingdom of darkness. The **Symbolism** of "the name of Jesus Christ" is paramount, representing the person, power, and authority of Jesus himself. It is not a magical incantation but a declaration of allegiance and reliance on the supreme power of the resurrected Christ. The immediate expulsion of the spirit serves as a powerful **Affirmation** of this divine authority, demonstrating its absolute efficacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:18 powerfully asserts the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ's authority over all spiritual forces. It underscores that the gospel's mission involves not only proclamation and conversion but also direct confrontation with the powers of darkness that hold humanity in bondage. Believers are not left defenseless but are empowered by Christ to exercise authority in His name, bringing genuine liberation to those oppressed. This passage serves as a foundational text for understanding spiritual warfare, emphasizing that true deliverance comes solely through the person and power of Jesus, often incurring opposition from those who benefit from the structures of darkness.

* [Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Serpents and Scorpions")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exalted Name")
* [Mark 16:17](/mark/16-17 "Mark 16:17 - Signs Following Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:18 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding spiritual authority and discernment. Paul's response, born out of "grief" rather than mere annoyance, teaches us the importance of spiritual sensitivity to the oppression around us. We are called not to tolerate or ignore spiritual bondage, even when it manifests in seemingly innocuous ways or speaks partial truths, but to confront it with the authority given to us in Christ. This passage reminds us that our power in ministry is not inherent but derived from the name of Jesus, empowering us to be agents of His liberating work. It also prepares us for the reality that exercising this authority, especially when it disrupts systems of exploitation or injustice, will often provoke opposition from those whose worldly interests are threatened. Our call is to prioritize the freedom of the oppressed and the glory of God, regardless of the cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Paul's "grief" teach us about our own emotional and spiritual responses to spiritual oppression in the world today?**
* **How can we, as believers, practically exercise the authority given to us "in the name of Jesus Christ" in our daily lives and ministries?**
* **In what ways might demonic influence manifest itself in our modern society, even through seemingly truthful or beneficial means, and how can we discern its true origin?**
* **What are the potential costs or oppositions we might face when we stand for truth and liberation in Christ, especially when it challenges established systems or vested interests?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul wait "many days" before casting out the spirit?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state Paul's reason for waiting, but several possibilities are plausible. First, Paul may have been exercising **discernment**, waiting for divine timing or a clear leading from the Holy Spirit. Not every spiritual manifestation requires immediate confrontation; sometimes patience and observation are necessary to understand the nature of the spiritual attack. Second, the repeated, public declarations by the spirit might have served a purpose in God's plan, perhaps to draw attention to Paul and his companions as "servants of the most high God," thus establishing their presence before the decisive act. Third, Paul's "grief" suggests that the continuous harassment eventually reached a point of spiritual burden that compelled him to act, indicating a build-up of spiritual pressure that necessitated intervention. It was not a casual act but a deeply felt, Spirit-prompted response.

**What was the "spirit of divination" mentioned in [Acts 16:16](/acts/16-16 "The Spirit of Divination")?**

Answer: The Greek phrase is _pneuma pythōna_ (πνεῦμα πύθωνα), often translated as a "Python spirit." This term directly links the spirit to the famous Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece, where the priestess (Pythia) was believed to be inspired by Apollo, who had slain the mythical serpent Python. Therefore, the "spirit of divination" refers to a demonic entity that granted the slave girl the ability to foretell the future, mimicking the pagan prophetic practices of the time. It was a genuine supernatural ability, but its source was demonic, not divine, and it was used for exploitation rather than for God's glory.

**Why was the spirit speaking truth about Paul and Silas being "servants of the most high God" ([Acts 16:17](/acts/16-17 "The Slave Girl's Proclamations"))?**

Answer: Demonic entities sometimes speak truth, but their motive is always to deceive, disrupt, or gain an advantage. In this case, the spirit's truthful declarations likely served several purposes: to appear legitimate or even aligned with Paul, thereby undermining the true authority of the gospel; to create a distraction or nuisance that hindered Paul's ministry; or to subtly imply that the power of Paul and the spirit were from the same source, thus confusing potential converts. Paul's action demonstrates that the source of a message is as important as its content, and even truth spoken by a demonic entity must be silenced because it serves an evil agenda.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:18, while a powerful display of apostolic authority, finds its ultimate significance and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's command, "in the name of Jesus Christ," is not a mere incantation but an invocation of the very authority that Christ demonstrated throughout His earthly ministry. Jesus consistently cast out demons, healed the sick, and proclaimed the kingdom of God, demonstrating His supreme power over all spiritual forces ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")). His victory on the cross and resurrection fundamentally disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Therefore, when Paul commands the spirit to leave, he is acting as an extension of Christ's ongoing, victorious reign. The deliverance of the slave girl foreshadows the ultimate liberation that Christ brings to all who are enslaved by sin and spiritual darkness, fulfilling His mission to "proclaim liberty to the captives" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). This passage powerfully reminds us that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and it is in His name that believers continue to participate in His redemptive work, bringing freedom and light into a world still held captive by darkness.

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

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Luke 10:17

¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Mark 1:34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Mark 9:25

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, [Thou] dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

Mark 9:26

And [the spirit] cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

Acts 9:34

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.