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This she did for many days. But Paul, becoming distressed, turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" It came out that very hour.

Verse Takeaways

1

Rejecting Unholy Alliances

Commentators universally explain that Paul was “grieved” not by the content of the woman's message, but by its demonic source. Accepting a truthful testimony from an evil spirit would create a dangerous association, suggesting the gospel was in league with demonic powers. As scholars like Spurgeon and Calvin note, this would confuse the public and damage the credibility of the gospel. Paul's action demonstrates that God’s truth does not need or want endorsement from unholy sources.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

Acts

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Commentaries

8

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Acts 16:18

18th Century

Theologian

But Paul, being grieved—that is, being harassed, troubled, or offended. Paul was grieved, probably, for the following reasons:

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Acts 16:18

She did (εποιε). Imperfect active, kept it up for many days. The strange conduct gave Paul and the rest an unpleasant prominence i…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Acts 16:18

19th Century

Bishop

But Paul, being grieved...—It is obvious that the constant repetition of these clamorous cries must have been a hindrance to the Apostle’s…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Acts 16:17–18

19th Century

Preacher

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;…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Acts 16:18

As the girl followed Paul and his companions around, she kept on screaming out: “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you t…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Acts 16:18

16th Century

Theologian

Paul took it grievously. It's possible that at first Paul ignored, and did not pay much attention to, the maid's shouting, because he hope…

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John Gill

John Gill

On Acts 16:18

17th Century

Pastor

And this she did many days
As the apostle and his company passed to and from the oratory, being for that time at Lyd…

Matthew Henry

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 …