12th Sep 26 | 04:00
Daily Study
The ways of the world
Acts 16 - Series 04/Episode 48 - Wed 02nd Sep 2026 - The ways of the world - Acts 16:16-40 - EXPERIENCES AT PHILIPPI - Matthew 20:25
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Acts 16:35-40 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go." (36) So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace." (37) But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out." (38) And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. (39) Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. (40) So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
The magistrates had committed a serious blunder in condemning Paul and Silas without a trial, had them stripped, and beaten with rods in public. They then threw them into prison. Acts 16:20-23 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; (21) and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe." (22) Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. (23) And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely.
Overnight, the magistrates changed their position. Something, maybe the earthquake, caused them to come together, discuss the matter and decide that they had done wrong. They should have had the decency to apologise to Paul and Silas. They sent officers to the jailor with instructions to let Paul and Silas go free, as though they were doing them a great favour. These are the ways of the world, about which we ought not to be surprised.
The apostles did not spare the Jewish people nor their leaders for crucifying the Lord Jesus. Acts 3:13-15 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. (14) But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, (15) and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
We must challenge our people and our leaders, peacefully, for the injustice that they bring about in society. Acts 4:10-12 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. (11) This is the 'STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED BY YOU BUILDERS, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.' (12) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
The Jewish leaders were furious that the charge of crucifying Jesus was being placed at their feet by the apostles. Acts 5:27-33 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, (28) saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" (29) But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. (31) Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." (33) When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
Are we prepared and willing to peacefully confront the evil being perpetrated by our leaders against our society? We are not knowledgeable enough to confront evil; we are intellectually sluggish and afraid of the backlash. Let us be like the apostles, who were bold to tell the leaders that they were responsible for the evil.
Learning: The church must demonstrate through our leadership the life of Christ. Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. (26) Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. (27) And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave- (28) just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
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