ACC ~ Acts 16 v19 - 24

OVERVIEW:

Modern commentators are intrigued by the second charge of Acts 16:21. They see it as a point easily rebutted in that the Roman magistrates would hardly be able to tell the difference between Judaism, a religion the Romans tolerated, and nascent Christianity, which was emerging from Judaism and could be construed as a new religion. In Paul’s imprisonment, the Fathers see much irony. By having Paul and Silas thrown into prison, the owners of the possessed girl show that they did not care about what the demon prophesied but only about their profits (CHRYSOSTOM). The command that the guards hold the prisoners securely is a witness to the power of Paul and Silas (AMMONIUS). Locking them up in chains, in which they will remain, will only show the power of Christ all the more (CHRYSOSTOM).

16:21 | Advocating Unlawful Customs

CONTRADICTORY BEHAVIOR. CHRYSOSTOM: What do you say? Do you believe the demon? Does not he say here, “servants of the most high God”? You say, “They are disturbing our city.” He says that they proclaim to you a way of salvation. You say, “They are advocating customs that are not lawful for us to adopt”; see how they do not even listen to the demon but are influenced by greed. CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 16.20-21.

16:23 | Charging the Jailer

THE JAILER’S IDENTITY. AMMONIUS: This is Stephen whom Paul mentions in the first letter to the Corinthians. CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 16.31-32.

CONVICTED BY THEIR OWN WORDS. AMMONIUS: “They ordered the jailer to keep them securely.” Since they knew their virtue, they deceived themselves by saying, “Keep them securely.” But by doing so they testified that they were not ordinary but great men who had the power to do, through the Lord, whatever they wanted. CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 16.23.

16:24 | In the Inner Prison

PAUL’S POWER SHOWN IN WEAKNESS. CHRYSOSTOM: Do you see how his power was perfected in weakness? If Paul had been freed and had shaken that building, the event would not have been so wonderful. “Therefore,” he says, “remain in chains! Let the walls be shaken from every side, and let the prisoners be freed!—so that my power may appear all the greater, when through you, the one confined and in fetters, all who are in chains are freed.” This is what amazed the jailer, that Paul, held in such constraints, was able, through prayer alone, to shake the foundations, open the doors of the prison and free all who were in chains. HOMILIES CONCERNING THE STATUES 1.16.