ACC ~ Acts 16 v17

AS JESUS DID. ORIGEN: Jesus our Lord does not accept witness from demons, as he said, “Be silent and come out of him.” So, in imitation of him, his apostle Paul “grieving” it says, “turned and addressed the spirit of Python, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ, depart from her.’” Perhaps you may ask why Paul is grieving when he rebukes the spirit of Python. It had spoken no blasphemy, had it, for it says, “A woman with the spirit of Python was following Paul and his companions and kept shouting, ‘These men are servants of God the most high, and they proclaim to you the way of salvation.’ And she kept doing this for many days.” It is clear that Paul was not grieving because of blasphemy but because he considered testimony given by the spirit of Python unworthy of his message. HOMILIES ON NUMBERS 16.7.10.

COMPELLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, SHE SPOKE. BEDE: That confession is not voluntary that is followed by a reward for confessing, but under the compulsion of fear of the Holy Spirit, the deceitful spirit spoke the truth, not daring any longer to hide its darkness in the presence of the light. “But to the sinner God says, ‘Why do you recite my judgments?’” As Arator says, “If she who was a servant of falsehood prophesies what is true, let us not be corrupted by the bitter honey of deceit.” COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 16.17.

Acts