The work of God in Philippi had begun in a very small way. Yet it was quickly blessed with the seal of God in the conversion of Lydia. Paul’s great gospel calling is described in 26:18. The words infer an inevitable conflict and in these verses we recognize the counter-attack of the devil and the kingdom of darkness.
In the mercy and power of God the attack of the devil is overcome and great good is brought out of it in the deliverance of the young woman, v18 and the conversion of the jailer and his household, v32-34. But this triumph is not secured without some struggle on the part of the Apostle and his helpers.
I A YOUNG WOMAN DOES THE DEVIL’S WORK.
The devil is the bitter and implacable foe of the cause of Christ. He generally shows that by working through human agency. The Biblical record of Satan’s work is given so we may recognize his work today and be prepared to defend ourselves against it.
- Young. The person involved here was a young servant girl. She may have been very young indeed. Quite literally, the word indicates a ‘little child’ but there is a degree of flexibility in its use and it is often used of servants that are evidently not children. The young often become tools of the devil and are often employed by Satan to attack the work of God.
- A spirit of divination/soothsaying. A particular aspect of the devil’s work in here is referenced. She was moved by the devil to speak in an authoritative way to reveal the future. In a sense, she had became an oracle—a recognized/respected source of mystical knowledge. This ‘ability’ only resulted in her becoming the exploited slave of men for financial gain, v16.
- Her ‘attack’ on Paul’s work began as they went to prayer, v16. These may have been the continuing public prayer times of v13 which had become preaching times as well; or it may be a reference to other seasons of prayer. The devil is opposed to God’s people praying. Often, attendance at the place of prayer is only possible by encountering and overcoming the opposition of the devil.
- Truth! v17. It is very clear that the devil is at work here and yet the words she speaks are in a sense true. What discernment is needed in such a case! The devil can manipulate truth to assault the cause of God. When one who is the devil’s gives such ‘support’ it is not to be rejoiced in—it is a grieving thing, v18. This woman represented another spirit, a false message etc. The confusion created here is abhorrent to Paul.
- It continued over many days, v18. Paul patiently endured it for a time. The devil’s attack was relentless.
II DELIVERED FROM THE DEVIL’S SERVICE.
- Paul grieved. He was ‘pained’ and deeply grieved by these events. He waited many days but eventually could bear it no longer. There is a role for patience in such a scenario. Careful consideration, Divine guidance too, was necessary. The confusion must be brought to an end.
- He invoked the power and authority of the Saviour. In Jesus’ name Paul rebukes the evil spirit. No other power can effect true deliverance for those in the grip/employ of the devil.
- Instant change. This young woman was delivered immediately. One aspect of the attack on the gospel work was immediately ended as her cries were silenced. There is no reference to any positive work of grace in her life. Perhaps there was none. Cp Matt 12:43-45. Not every such deliverance was followed by conversion to Christ and the experience of the indwelling Spirit of God. Parallel 2Pet 2:22.
III THE DEVIL’S COUNTER-ATTACK.
The battle was not yet over! The devil is not soon silenced and defeated. If he loses one tool he has many others at his disposal. Here are men ready to mount a defence of Satan’s work against the advance of the gospel.
- Financial motive, v19. Men are ready to do the devil’s work and oppose God’s cause for financial gain. The prospect of financial loss stirred these men to more aggressive opposition. What an incentive the love of money is! Cp Cp 1Tim 6:10, Titus 1:9-11. The devil’s cause is advanced by greed.
- A frivolous lawsuit. They are ready to fabricate a cause for legal action against Paul. They present his ministry as unlawful, discriminatory, anti-social and racist. Such groundless allegations are often made against God’s servants. Cp Matt 5:11, Luke 21:12. These were no doubt ‘buzz words’ that instantly aroused reaction.
- Broad support. There is a swell of support for the actions taken against Paul.
- The multitude, v22. Populist opinion was turned against Paul and the gospel. How easily the hearts of men are swayed by the devil’s logic! Men are ready to be influenced into unthinking, unreasoning action against what is right and true.
- Legal authorities, v22. The magistrates of the city were also induced to support this opposition to Paul. God’s servants can often find themselves on the wrong side of human law by being faithful to Christ and doing good to the souls of men. There is a perversion of due process here that becomes apparent later, v37.
- The jailer. He lends his support to the movement, v23-24. An individual in the nameless crowd now becomes a focus. Often the individual can be lost sight of in the great swell of popular action. The wonderful thing about God noticing this individual is that it is to save him.