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of Delphi was also called the Phythian Oracle. A demon controlled this mythological belief and
it is now controlling this woman. She gives false prophecies and is harassing Paul and his men.

Act 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the
most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

The same followed Paul and us, and cried (kept on shouting), saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

This verse shows the deception of Satan. Every word she says is true, but the intent is not to
lead people into permanent freedom. After Paul and the team are gone, this woman looks like
a herald, a forerunner of Paul’s ministry like John the Baptist was to Jesus. Everyone knows this
girl is a fortune-teller, and Satan wants them to think of her as an ambassador of the gospel.

Act 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I
command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Paul is wrestling within himself until he senses the leading of the Holy Spirit. He is grieved,
which is a leading of the Holy Spirit. Not only can the Holy Spirit lead us in the right direction,
He can also warn us against going in the wrong direction. A warning from the Holy Spirit is not
always as strong as it was with Paul’s desire to go into Bithynia or Asia; it can be a still small
voice, a mild warning, or just a bad feeling. Paul now realizes this is not a woman of God but a
messenger of Satan, and he turns and speaks directly to the demon commanding it to come out
of the girl. Within a short period of time, the demon comes out. Paul is not angry with the girl
but with Satan and the demon.

It is not necessary for Paul to stay with the girl to ensure the demon has come out. He goes on
his way, and the demon leaves the girl within a short time. Jesus also cast out demons that
tried to announce Him (Mark 1:23-25; 3:11-12).

PAUL AND SILAS IN PRISON (19-24)

Because Paul cast the demon out of a slave girl who gained money for her owners through
divination, Paul and Silas are dragged before the rulers of the city. Magistrates order Paul and
Silas beaten with rods and thrown in prison. The jailer is ordered to keep them safe, so he
moves them to the inner prison and puts their feet in stocks.

Act 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul
and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains were gone, they caught (violently) Paul
and Silas, and drew (dragged) them into the market-place (agora: assembly) unto the rulers
(Roman),

The masters soon see that the girl no longer had her powers, and they are angry. They are not
interested in the girls well-being, only in money. They should have rejoiced when she was set