Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 16:17

"The same following after Paul and us cried out, saying, These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim unto you the way of salvation." — Acts 16:17 (ASV)

The same followed Paul, etc. The sacred writer has not informed us why she did this, or under what pretext. Various conjectures have been made about the reason for this. It may have been:

1. That, as she prophesied for gain, she supposed Paul and Silas would reward her if she publicly proclaimed that they were the servants of God.
2. Because she was aware that an evil spirit possessed her and feared that Paul and Silas would drive out that spirit; and by proclaiming them to be the servants of God, she hoped to win their favor.
3. More probably, because she saw clear signs that they were sent from God and that their doctrine would prevail; and by proclaiming this, she hoped to gain more authority and a higher reputation for being inspired herself .