Study #14
Recap
In our previous study, we read about the first schism in the church, followed 3 amazing stories of the mission of the church, still growing and moving. God closes one door but opens another; a new apprentice is brought into ministry (Timothy), and a woman is brought into the church as she brings the church into her home.
God is truly at work in the world.
Introduction
Today’s reading is one story in three movements.
First, Paul and the other disciples exorcised a demon-possessed slave woman who was harassing them. A crowd is stirred up by the men who were profiting from the slave woman. Finally, while in prison, Paul and Silas led a jailer and his whole household to salvation after a potential prison escape.
These moments may simply seem like a description of amazing moments in the church, but underneath the surface is a commentary on how the powers of this world are in opposition to the good news of Jesus.
As they exorcise the demon-possessed woman, they challenge the spiritual forces that are trying to twist the truth. In freeing this woman, they also upend the corrupt financial system that has been exploiting her. And as the men who have lost their access to financial power go to the magistrates of the region, they make a further bold claim: the gospel is an affront to the political and religious power of Rome.“
N.T. Wright describes it this way: “The combination of [spiritual power], money, and politics is asking for trouble, and Paul and Silas got it. Stripped, flogged, and nailed, they discovered what happens to those who challenge the powers of the world with the power of the Name of Jesus.”
But even though it would seem like for a moment they are defeated, as they wait in prison, they can’t help but proclaim the good news.
(Remember - First read out loud, either one person reads the whole thing, or separate it by verses. After you read through the passage out loud, take a little bit of time to re-read it individually, noting and marking verses, words or phrases that stand out in the story.)
Three Quick Questions:
Is there anything that stands out to you as we read through the passage?
Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
Are there any other stories or passages in the Bible that Luke may be subtly referencing? Why is Luke connecting this story to that passage?
Diving Deeper
Beginning in verse 16, Luke tells the story of a woman enslaved in two ways. First, we see that she is enslaved by greedy men; second, she is enslaved by an evil spirit. Her spiritual enslavement brought great wealth to the men who owned her. In introducing this woman, Luke is adding a contrast to Lydia, whom we met in the previous verses. Luke contrasts Lydia with the enslaved woman in verse 16.
What are the differences between their situations, and how does the Gospel bring good news to both of them?The inclusion of the enslaved woman reminds us that the gospel is all about liberation. How can the church reflect the good news of the Gospel to people who are trapped in both spiritual and social forms of bondage?
Under the influence of this spirit, the enslaved woman prophesied against Paul and his companions.
Why are her words harmful to the apostles?
(Note: the words may sound true, but we must remember that in the context of Philippi, most people did not know God, so her claim that Paul was a servant of the most high God, the people might have thought she meant Zeus).The men who owned the slave girl became angry that their access to wealth had been interrupted; they sought to rile up the crowd against Paul and his companions.
What is noteworthy about how they turn the crowd against Paul?
In what ways does our culture respond like those men to the Gospel?After liberating a woman from spiritual bondage, Paul and Silas find themselves in physical bondage, imprisoned for their commitment to the gospel.
What is significant about how Paul and Silas respond to their imprisonment?
What might Luke be inviting us into today, as we hear this story?Benediction
Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
