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1
Confronting Pagan Power
Commentators explain that the "spirit of divination" was known as a "spirit of Python," directly linking it to the famous pagan oracle of Apollo at Delphi. This encounter was not with a generic demon, but a direct confrontation between the gospel and a recognized, powerful form of pagan spirituality that held significant cultural influence.
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Acts
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Acts 16:16
18th Century
Theologian
As we went to prayer. In Greek, “As we were going to the proseuchae,” the place of prayer (Acts 16:13). Whether this …
AT Robertson
On Acts 16:16
A spirit of divination (πνευμα πυθωνα). So the correct text with accusative (apparition, a spirit, a python), not the genitive (πυ…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 16:16
19th Century
Bishop
As we went to prayer.—Better, perhaps, to the oratory, or place of prayer. (See Note on Acts 16:13.) It…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Acts 16:16
19th Century
Preacher
And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain b…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 16:16
One day on their way to the Jewish place of prayer, the missionaries were met by a slave girl possessed by a demonic spirit. Undoubtedly all who kn…
John Calvin
On Acts 16:16
16th Century
Theologian
Luke continues to describe the growth of the Church. For though he does not immediately state this in a word, it is easily gathered from the text t…
John Gill
On Acts 16:16
17th Century
Pastor
And it came to pass as we went to prayer
That is, to the house of prayer, or to the oratory, as they were in the way…
Matthew Henry
On Acts 16:16–24
17th Century
Minister
Satan, though the father of lies, will declare the most important truths when he can thereby serve his purposes. But much harm is done to the real …