Paul and Silas in Prison

Friday, November 13, 2015
Acts 16:16-24 KJV 

16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them]. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast [them] into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did Paul and Silas happen upon when they went to prayer, what was the person doing, and for how long? (v.16-18a)
2) How did the Apostle Paul respond to the person, why, and what happened to them afterward? (v.18b-21)
3) What did the multitude and the magistrates do to the Lord's servants? (v.22-24)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you, or anyone you know, ever been falsely accused of doing anything because of your belief in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, briefly describe what happened.

LIFE LESSONS
5) All who minister, to the people of this world, in the name of our Lord will suffer persecution.