Charles Spurgeon Commentary Acts 16:17-18

"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. 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 16:17-18 (ASV)

Here was an evil spirit bearing witness to the truth of God, and it grieved Paul. When you hear a bad man ridiculing religion, do not be surprised; what else could you expect from him? But if you heard the devil recommending Christ, then you should be grieved, for the Lord Jesus does not want patronage or praise from Satan.

People would begin to suspect that Christ was in league with Satan if Satan began to speak well of Christ. Dread being spoken well of by ungodly people; for there is great danger in such praise. There may be a motive underlying the flattery, which may be full of mischief.

Paul, being grieved, silenced the demon and cast him out of the young woman. Like his Lord, he would not allow the devil to testify concerning himself and his mission.