Tuesday 29 July 2025

Psalm 127

Background
Paul and Silas were in Philippi when they encountered a slave girl possessed by a spirit that enabled her to predict the future. After days of her following them and shouting, Paul commands the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, and it does. Her divination powers brought her owners a lot of income, and so they were furious. They had Paul and Silas dragged before the authorities and the two men were beaten and thrown into prison.

But the story takes a miraculous turn. Around midnight, a violent earthquake shook the prison, flinging open the doors and loosening everyone's chains. The jailer, thinking the prisoners have escaped, prepared to take his own life (v. 27), but Paul stopped him. Moved by their integrity and the power of what he's witnessed, the jailer asked what he must do to be saved. Paul replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." (v. 31)

In the Living Bible the jailer's reaction when he thinks the prisoners have escaped is described as 'trembling with fear'. It reflects more than just the aftermath of an earthquake. Commentators suggest he was overwhelmed by a sudden awareness of divine presence and judgement. The miraculous survival of the prisoners, Paul's cry to prevent his suicide, and the supernatural calm in the prison all converge to awaken his conscience.

Paul's work in Philippi marked a turning point in the expansion of Christianity. It was the first time the gospel was preached on European soil. That alone makes it historically significant. But the ripple effects went much deeper.

By founding a church in a Roman colony such as Philippi, Paul planted Christianity in a place steeped in imperial culture and military pride. The Philippian church became a model of faithfulness and generosity, supporting Paul materially even when other churches didn't. This community's resilience under pressure and its deep bond with Paul helped shape the tone of his later writings – his letter to the Philippians is one of his warmest and most joyful.

To Ponder:

• Given that the slave girl was able to predict the future, which is not a bad thing, and that she brought significant financial gain to the owners, why did Paul cast out the spirit in her?
• What does this story teach about the place of prayer when faced with difficult situations?

Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for your transforming power. Help us to experience this power each day of our lives. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Jonathan Gichaara
Dr Gichaara is a retired Methodist minister. He lives in the Doncaster Circuit with Elizabeth, his wife.