The Subversive Name of Jesus

Why did Paul cast a demon out of a girl who seemed to be telling the truth?

Acts 16 contains one of the most dramatic stories in the New Testament, but there's much more happening than most people notice. A spirit attempts to associate itself with Paul's ministry. Paul rejects that connection, demonstrating that truth mixed with deception is still deception.

The result? A slave girl is set free. Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned. Yet the real theme of the chapter isn't prison. It's freedom.

In this study of Acts 16, we explore:

• Why Paul rejected the spirit's endorsement.
• The surprising background of the "spirit of divination."
• Why the Gospel often creates opposition when it sets people free.
• What true freedom looks like, even in difficult circumstances.
• Why the Philippian jailer asked, "What must I do to be saved?"
• How the name of Jesus still brings freedom today.

The challenge from this passage is simple:
Receive freedom in Jesus' name. Extend freedom in Jesus' name.

Whether you need freedom from fear, guilt, spiritual bondage, despair, or hopelessness, or whether God is calling you to bring the hope of Christ to someone else, Acts 16 reminds us that Jesus still changes lives.

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