In today’s reading, we see the power of Jesus to heal a girl with a spirit of divination. The original Greek behind the phrase “had a spirit” literally reads “had a spirit of Python.” or “who had a python-spirit.” “Python” was originally the name given to the snake that guarded the sacred place at Delphi where divine oracles were given. Satan’s strategy was obvious: to derail the gospel.

Pythons typically try to strangle and suck the life of what it is trying to kill. That’s precisely what is going on in today’s passage. The python spirit had a stronghold in Philippi. As Paul and Silas are heading for the house of prayer, this spirit launched its first attack against them—a distraction followed by a full-blown trial that aimed to take them out. Python knows it has no authority in a city that prays in the presence of God, so it works to distract people from praying so they can't fulfill their purpose. Be encouraged that Jesus is stronger! Keep praying, and watch Christ Triumph!

[Acts 16.16-24]

16.16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. 19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Where were Paul and Silas heading to in this passage?

+ Who had a spirit of divination?

+ What was her profession?

+ Why did her owners keep her around?

+ What was the accusation brought against Paul and Silas?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?