(16:6-7) 645. It happened, as we were going to prayer (v. 16a). Paul was well aware of this, (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7). and the prisoners were listening to them (v. 25b). The best way to preach this text is to simply tell the story highlighting the centrality of salvation. Thaddeus Quince and the New Originals The Gospel canticle acts as a kind of meditative extension of the scriptural proclamation in light of the Christ event.Request Prayer Please enter your information and submit your prayer request below . As we pass through this life, we can expect our share of difficulty and trouble, John 16:33; Job 14:1. I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her (v. 18b). Joanna / May 6, 2013. Forsyth Scripture: Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31. Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: She was doing this for many days. Now, what are we to make of this strange story. Paul and Silas use the jailers question as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to him. A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." God speaks in a special and personal way in close calls today. Acts 8:14-17 says this now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who . God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God Ways to Follow. All Videos Images Commentaries Devotionals Other Translations Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. The wave must be spotted before its washed out. Acts 16:17 Demonic Witness. Jump to: New Testament. What the accusers do not know, but Paul will later reveal (v. 37) is that he and Silas are also Roman citizens. 16 And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed John Piper Nov 11, 2007. Sermons from the Book of Acts. For Philippians 'Most High God' meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus. Sermon #7 . They say nothing about Paul and Silas ruining their little business. C. Paul commanded the evil spirit to come out in the name of Jesus Christand eliminated the source of distraction, A. Paul in exorcising the demon exorcised her masters source of income. Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. In Jesus' first sermon, according to Luke, he reads from Isaiah announcing that he has been sent in part to "set the captives free" (Luke 4:18). The crowd of people were angry and the judges tore off Silas and Paul's coats and commanded that they be beaten. They are probably duumvirs, a word that comes from the Roman duo (meaning two) and vir (meaning man). A Sermon by Alex Evans, Pastor. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw . Luke does not tell us whether this is a sabbath. When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. They are not powerful. He has a greater purpose that we often do not understand. They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house (v. 32). He is powerful. and brought them out (v. 30). (I preached this sermon on June 2, 2019 at The United Congregational Church of Little Compton, RI. The Conference officially . Lutheran. The jailers question can be understood on two levels. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you . They were sure nothing can stop them from fulfilling their mission in Philip (unless God changed His mind). Penal Statistics Data reports that Witness how God can ta, When The Chains Come Off - Acts 16:16-34 - May 22, 2011 read more, Scripture: C.S. Luke gives us no information concerning the content of these prayers, but the hymn-singing makes it clear that Paul and Silas are anything but depressed, defeated prisoners. The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 34He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God. read more, Scripture: Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. The jailer demonstrates his new faith by taking care of their wounds and by being baptized. read more, Scripture: This story from Acts is a troubling one in many ways. The miracle that God has worked is not just for the deliverance of Paul and Silas, but also for the deliverance of the jailer. Reflection on John 20:1-18: by Kathryn Matthews (Huey) . His family is also baptized, in keeping with a tradition that the head of a family can make a decision that is binding on the whole family. What are the doors that are closed to you? The jailer made them feel at home, dressed their wounds, and thenhe couldn't wait till morning!was baptized, he and everyone in his family. 7:21). Introduction read more, Scripture: Three weeks ago Rebecca preached about Tabitha, the faithful disciple, whom Peter raised from death to life. Sermon Acts 16:16-34 A Faith That Liberates. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Joni Mitchell The prisoners must have all ran Look up Matthew 11:28, and compare John 5:40 and 6:37. 2. It's kind of John Piper Feb 12, 1989. By John Raulerson I have only listed the points and a couple of comments under each point of each sermon to give the preacher a remembrance which the Holy Spirit can lead on and speak through the man of God. Do they now release us secretly? read more, Scripture: Use this children's sermon in your kids church, Sunday School, or children's ministry teaching. Acts 16:29-34 Acts 22. When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely (v. 23). For Luke, hospitality is always one of the signs of conversion and one of the marks of the church. He says, For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lords free man. -- Everything we do starts with an invitation to be a part of read more, Scripture: Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and (16:7) 644. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreters Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. read more, Scripture: Learn how your comment data is processed. Nancy Griffith The Gospel is addressed to all sorts and conditions of people, to women and men, to Jews like Paul, to Gentiles like Lydia, to rich people like Lydia, to poor people like the slave girl with the demon, to powerful people like the Roman jailer and to powerless people, like slaves. Surfing requires a surfable wave. They are not free. Very often, fear of humiliation is a significant factor in suicide. John Coltrane Paul and his companions found a place of prayer outside the city of Philippi on the sabbath (16:13). The conversion of the Jailor and his family reminds us that no matter what, Gospel must be preached. It came out that very hour (v. 18c). Miroslav Volf Permission is granted for non-profit use of these materials. -- Everything we do starts with an invitation to be a part of Acts 21. Flannery O'Connor I remember it like it was yesterday. This girls witness is true, but subject to misinterpretation by people who know nothing of Paul or the God whom he represents. Not only have Paul and Silas remained in prison, but the other prisoners have done the same. But, as we will see in the next verse, Paul and Silas hear the jailers question as having to do with his eternal salvation. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. This chapter records Pauls encounter with Lydia, the successful businesswoman (16:11-15) and his encounter with a slave-girl (16:16-18) women from opposite ends of the social and economic scale. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. Despite the attempts of many Christians to create a one size fits all template for Christian conversion, each of these people experiences the Gospel in a way particular to them. Rowan Williams This is exactly what Paul and his companions have come to do. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Fleming Rutledge You see, that will be the day that I die. Lydia, a seller of purple (and probably affluent), offered them the hospitality of her home, which they accepted (16:15). Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. From Satans Slave to Gods Servant: Acts 16:16-24. James Taylor When you do, nothing can prevent you from moving forward. Acts 16:25-30, Denomination: He commands the spirit to leave the girl because she . These men, being Jews, are agitating our city (v. 20b). Paul and Silas visit Lydias home to encourage the believers, after which they do leave town. there's no length that God is not willing to go toto not only meet, but exceed far beyond your wildest expectations if you are willing to dare to believe He can do what He says He can do. Dare to Believe Why did God say maybe? Your email address will not be published. ACTS 16:16-30 Acts 19. IN OTHER WORDS, CHOICES, THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHOICE Paul and Silas were aware that God brought them to Philip for the purpose of planting a church. Acts 24. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. Martin Luther he asks. Each of these stories is different and particular in the same way that each of our stories with God are different and particular. God was waiting for someone to choose to Acts 16:16-40, Denomination: 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. Last time, we saw that Paul heard God and because of his obedience, the gospel entered Europe. Richard Wilbur Furiously they accused Paul and Silas of tyranny, B. Mark, Luke, and John for your sermon, homily, bible study, or reflection. Hans W. Frei Acts 16:1-16, GOD WILL BREAK INTO YOUR SITUATION WHEN YOU SING AND PRAISE, WHEN GOD BREAKS IN! Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. Sermons. Annie Dillard Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. 17Following Paul and us, she cried out, These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of salvation! 18She was doing this for many days. I was too young to remember the event but I can only imagine how difficult it must have . Are you Dreaming of an effective ministry? The Greek word doulos means bond-servant or slave. We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8. Keep up with the good work of most high and greatest God. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. Search. Three Portraits of Salvation In Philippi Miles Davis Paul says, Dont you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? (Romans 6:16). This is very much like Jesus command to the demon, Be silent, and come out of him! (Luke 4:35). As a result of the numerous miracles performed through Paul and Peter, the church grows daily. As this story continues through the end of chapter 16, the following morning the magistrates send word to the jailer to let Paul and Silas go. They claimed that Paul and Silas were teaching customs that were against their laws. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. 13 On the Sabbath we This appears to be the same place of prayer where they earlier encountered Lydia (16:13). Robert Jenson - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation The Syrophoenician womans daughter (Matthew 15:21-18; Mark 7:24-30). Miss, it means to wait for another. So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . Acts 16. Luke, the author of Acts, believed in the power of Jesus and his Gospel not only to transform lives, but to make extraordinary things happen and we have several of them in our story. Why did God say maybe? John Calvin Unable to shift positions, prisoners would grow more uncomfortable by the minute. Forsyth Acts 10:34-36, 43. Ive had congregants on the cover of Forbes Magazine. Luke has told us about two occasions in the past when God opened prison doors, allowing disciples to escape. Not only can he expect to be killed if a prisoner has escaped, but he will also be humiliated before his peers, who will carry out his execution. Beaten backs would be subject to infection. In today's sermon, I am going to present to you four principles that make Christian ministry effective as seen in Acts 16:16-34. iv, pp. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: Every morning and every evening the head of a Jewish household would pray, giving thanks that God had not created him a Gentile, a woman or a slave. It hardly seems coincidental that the first three conversions which take place at Philippi, come from those three despised categories. Jesus said that anyone who has faith in Him will do greater things than what Jesus did himself. 1. SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY (PROVERBS 15:1-15) PROVERBS 15:1-15 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Lee Lever says: May 12, 2016 at 12:04 pm Folks, May 7th, in the year of our Lord 2044, will surely be a momentous day in my life. They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer charging the Philistines. IT WAS A BAD SITUATION How God Tests Those who Are Led By The Holy Spirit Acts 16: 16-24. Quite simply, it means even if something appears to be free, there's always some kind of catch. A) IN JAIL FOR Eventually Paul became annoyed by her stalking him and he exorcized the spirit from her, much to the displeasure of her owners. Jesus (c. 4 BC - AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth (among other names and titles), was a first-century Roman born Jewish preacher and religious leader; he is the central figure of Christianity, the world's largest religion.Most Christians believe he is the incarnation of God the Son and the awaited Messiah (the Christ) prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? Dorothy Sayers read more, Scripture: Last week I preached about Lydia, the Gentile businesswomen, who was the first Christian convert in Europe. "Pardon and Justification" in Sermons of Rev. . Acts 2 Commentary; DON ROBINSON Sermons on Acts Acts 2:1-2 Hindering the Work of God; Acts 2,8,9,10 & 19 A Closer Look at Experience Because of the we passages in 16:10-16, some scholars believe that Luke (the author of this book) is also part of Pauls party. . Then things get ugly. Let me share with you some of my musings. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. Paul Preaches In Athens #1 -Acts 17: 15-21. When you do the Spirit of God will move. This procedure is designed, in part, to separate the process from mob rule and to give the accused a fair trial before impartial judges. The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. The authorities would typically imprison anyone whom they had first flogged. Because of the "we" passages in 16:10-16, some scholars believe that Luke (the author of this book) is also part of Paul's party. I thought about calling this sermon Singing in the Stocks. He became very upset, and his mother tried to calm him. He then brought them out and asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? . * This morning, as we gather for worship, delegates from the United Methodist Church around the world are gathered in St. Louis for the Special Session of General Conference. Paul is accompanied by Silas (15:37-38), and they are later joined by young Mark (16:1). 19But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace (Greek: agoran) before the rulers (Greek: archontas). Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Soren Kierkegaard Pick a strong hymn reminding you whos in charge, such as All Hail the Power of Jesus Name or Jesus Shall Reign Whereer the Sun, which we are blessed to get to sing today. James 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. Sister Jensen glances at her students and taps several times on her phone. About the Book of Acts in general: The author of the Book of Acts is Luke. The Bible teaches us by direct command to be grateful. By characterizing Paul and Silas as Jews and themselves as Romans, Pauls accusers are trying to establish a bad-guy, good-guy contrastwith themselves being the good guys. verses 16 - 18) In Greek mythology, the great serpent, Python, lived in a cave near Delphi.and guarded the oracle there (Encarta). [Image:Marnie Pix], A. read more, Scripture: Following Paul and us (v. 17a). B. read more, Scripture: This story has parallels in three stories of Jesus exorcisms: The man with the unclean spirit (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37). And I can assure you having power and money doesnt make you free, much less happy or secure. The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday at 9:34 AM in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. Gretchen Legler What is the most important question ever to ask? The Disabled in the Life of the Church - Catholic Outlook. Because Luke is the author of the book of Acts, many scholars have concluded that Luke has joined Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy) at this point. Eventually, allegations turned into a riot. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. Anthony Trollope In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. This is the point. George Herbert read more, Scripture: Paul and Silas immediately used the opportunity for ministry, A. We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. An Invitation Requires Truth A lesser manuscript (known as the Western text of Acts) says that the jailer secured the other prisoners before bringing Paul and Silas outside, but the better manuscripts say nothing about this. We live in a time when American citizenship and patriotism are too often wedded to Christian discipleship, or at least confused with discipleship. The jailer is a functionary of the most powerful empire in the known world. The slave girl would follow Paul and cry out, These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.. Playing Favorites. 16 And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed So, what are the theological points Luke is trying to make? P.D. Acts 16:25-34 Sell It is written in the scriptures that no one can please God without faith. In ministry see the bigger picture. B. Diana Krall A vision of a man from Macedonia (modern-day Greece) caused Paul and Silas to cross the Aegean Sea to go there (16:9-12). The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. The Importance of Preparation in the Ministry of Preaching. Seize the opportunity. Penal Statistics Data reports that Psalms 65:11 NKJ 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Dont harm yourself, for we are all here! 29He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, 30and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31They said, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. 32They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. Sting But they all witness to the power of the Risen Jesus to transform lives. The spirit of Python will squeeze the joy out of your worship & praise.find out how to to get victory over this subtle destroyer. Three Portraits of Salvation In Philippi He could be asking what he must do to be saved from execution by the authorities. The ex-fortune teller, the jailer, and his family became the first members of the new church, C. Paul and Silas even in their seemingly despairing situation did not lose morale because they were aware that God has a bigger plan. We tend to forget that the trials of life are God's chosen method for developing us into the image of His Son, Rom. There is a slave girl, a fortune teller with a spirit of divination. A spirit of divination is a pretty good dynamic equivalent English translation, but we lose something cool from the Greek which is pneuma pythonos, literally the spirit of the python, the snake that was the symbol of the prophetesses at the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Hes got the keys. Invitations, Part 6 Then the jailer realized he was in a heap of trouble and was about to fall on his sword, when Paul yelled out, Its OK, were still here.. X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), Walaskay, Paul W., Westminster Bible Companion: Acts (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1998), Williams, David J., New International Biblical Commentary: Acts (Paternoster Press, 1995), Willimon, William H., Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching: Acts (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988), Copyright 2009, 2010, Richard Niell Donovan, All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Theme: Paul and the Pythoness When you are treated wrongly, entrust your soul to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. From Satans Slave to Gods Servant: Acts 16:16-24. When the angel delivered Peter from prison in an earlier instance, Herod executed the guards for dereliction of duty (12:19). Breaking chains, Opening Doors A Sermon on Acts 16:16-34, https://anchor.fm/sunday-on-the-commons/episodes/Open-DoorsBroken-ChainsGuest-Preacher-the-RevDrRichard-LFloydJune-22019-e48v6m. When they had brought them to the magistrates (strategois) (v. 20a). For Jews Salvation meant deliverance from sin. I have only listed the points and a couple of comments under each point of each sermon to give the preacher a remembrance which the Holy Spirit can lead on and speak through the man of God. It is the greatest enemy of any effective ministry. It comes from somewhere else. These men are servants of the Most High God (v. 17b). 33He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. Middle Fish Pond If we aren't willing to tell them about Jesus, how can we ever invite them to experience all that He has for them? being Jews (v. 20b). Pingback: The Girl Without a Name - Spacious Faith. Lewis Enduring Word exists to promote the work of Christian discipleship and evangelism worldwide, mainly through the publication and dissemination of the B. Matthew Henry Study Bible blends his inspirational notes with a full-featured KJV Bible, to enable readers to benefit from the simple piety and no-nonsense application of the biblical lessons . read more, Scripture: read more, Scripture: Life is filled with close calls and narrow escapes' The Voice In A Close Call Acts 16:10-34 We were entering the highway at an entrance notorious as a black spot for fatal accidents. The Prison Experiences Of The Bible. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken (v. 26a). He Came to Earth that Winter Night A Christmas Hymn, He came to dwell among us A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, In the Dark A Sermon for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A, Displaced Persons A Sermon on Jeremiah 29: 1-14. Home > Resources > Sermons > Acts. 12:7-11.) I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. Lesslie Newbigin Christoph Schwbel St. Anselm of Canterbury Soren Kierkegaard Rowan Williams Robert Jenson Richard Bauckham Reinhold Niebuhr P.T. Sermon. We get very excited at individual miracles which are not wrong by the way but not seeing that it is just a small component of a much bigger plan is dangerous because failure to grab the full picture means chances are high that we will backslide in ministry. Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. Gail Godwin God was waiting for someone to choose to "Most High" often referred to . 32-34 They went on to spell out in detail the story of the Masterthe entire family got in on this part. They could accuse Paul and Silas of persuading people to join a cult not recognized by the Roman government, but by this time officials do not usually prosecute people for this transgression. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them. Pentecost. Life is full of uncertainties but God's commitment to you is unwavering! She is worshiper of the God of Israel, even . Sermon of the Week Calendar All Sermons; Bible Stories; People in the Bible; Jesus' Ministry . Roll and Tumble 16:34-36: Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving: 2 Chronicles: 26:5-21: The Down Side of Worship: Preparation: Ezra: . Gabriel Fackre This verse probably summarizes a longer proclamation. ACTS 16:16-30 "Yep," the mutt replies. Acts 16:16-34 May 16, 2010 . Executable Outlines - Free sermon outlines and Bible studies! ACTS 16:25-30 And at midnight Paul and Silas Where did the journey westward from Iconium take Paul and his companions? When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. there's no length that God is not willing to go toto not only meet, but exceed far beyond your wildest expectations if you are willing to dare to believe He can do what He says He can do. Dare to Believe Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. The strategois could be a higher-level authority. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, Date Speaker Text Title Listen; 05/26/96: Dr. Phil Newton: Acts 1:1-11: The Promise of the Father: 06/02/96: Dr. Phil Newton: . Intro: Having lost in a fire virtually everything they owned, the Spafford family made new plans, including a move from Chicago to France.Horatio Spafford planned the trip for his wife and four daughters to be as trouble-free as possible. *other. I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. read more. Salvation Object Lesson (Acts 3:19) Hard Boiled Egg ; God's Loves Everyone (Acts 11:1-18, John 13:31-35) Children's Sermon ; Children's Message "Pentecost" Holy Spirit Wind and Fire Object Lesson (Acts 2:1-12) Lesson: Barnabas and Paul Begin Their Missionary Journey ; Shine a Light Object Lesson for Sunday School (Matthew 5:16) Introduction C. H. Spurgeon, vol. It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. When Luke says that this girl has a pneuma pythonaa python spirithe means that people believe that she can tap into divine powers for wisdom and guidancethat she is, in essence, a human intermediary for divine powers. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation Denomination: Church Of God 13 On the Sabbath we Some are born again, some are born again and again and again (that describes me and Im not done yet.) The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there. It seems likely that their prayers are prayers of praise and petitions for guidance rather than prayers for release. Every morning and every evening the head of a Jewish household would pray, giving thanks that God had not created him a Gentile, a woman or a slave. It hardly seems coincidental that the first three conversions which take place at Philippi, come from those three despised categories.