Acts 16:18

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Acts 16:18 describes a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry in Philippi, demonstrating the powerful authority inherent in the name of Jesus Christ over spiritual forces. For "many days," a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination had been following Paul and his companions, crying out that they were "servants of the most high God" (Acts 16:17). While her words were true, their source was demonic, and her persistent declarations were likely a hindrance or distraction to their ministry, as well as an exploitation of her condition by her masters.

Context

This event unfolds in Philippi, a leading Roman colony in Macedonia, where Paul, Silas, and Timothy had arrived after a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help (Acts 16:9-10). After the conversion of Lydia, a prominent businesswoman, the ministry faced opposition from a different quarter: a slave girl whose fortune-telling brought great profit to her owners. Her spiritual affliction was not merely a psychological issue but a demonic possession, allowing her to predict the future (though her ability was from an evil source).

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Authority: Paul, "being grieved," acted not out of mere annoyance but out of a spiritual burden for the girl's bondage and the demonic interference. His command to the spirit illustrates the authority given to believers to confront and overcome spiritual darkness (Luke 10:19).
  • The Power of Jesus' Name: The core of Paul's action is the declaration, "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ." This highlights that power and deliverance come not from Paul himself, but solely through the authority and person of Jesus. It is the name above all names (Philippians 2:9-11) that casts out demons and brings freedom.
  • Deliverance and Freedom: The immediate departure of the spirit – "he came out the same hour" – underscores the absolute efficacy of Jesus' authority. This deliverance brought true freedom to the girl, though it incurred the wrath of her masters who profited from her bondage.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "grieved" is diaponeō (διαπονέω), which means to be "worn out," "distressed," or "troubled." It suggests a deep spiritual discomfort or burden that Paul felt regarding the girl's condition and the constant demonic harassment, rather than just irritation. The "spirit of divination" mentioned in Acts 16:16 is pneuma pythōna (πνεῦμα πύθωνα), a "Python spirit," historically associated with the Oracle of Delphi and false prophecy. Paul's command directly challenges this powerful, deceptive spiritual entity.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  1. We have been given authority in the name of Jesus Christ to confront spiritual opposition.
  2. True freedom from spiritual bondage comes only through Jesus.
  3. Discernment is crucial; even seemingly true statements can have a demonic origin if they are used to hinder God's work or exploit others.
  4. Acting on God's authority may bring opposition from those who benefit from darkness, as seen in the reaction of the girl's masters in the subsequent verses (Acts 16:19-24).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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