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Acts | 1-8: | 9:1-19 | 9:20-31 | 9:32-43 | 10:1-23 | 10:24-48 | 11 | 12 | 13:1-12 | 13:13-41 | 13:42-52 | 14:1-18 | 14:19-28 | 15:1-21 | 15:22-41 | 16:1-15 | 16:16-40 | 17:1-15 | 17:16-34 |  18:1-17 | 18:18-28 | 19:1-20 | 19:21-41 | 20:1-16 | 20:17-38 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23:12-35 | 24 | More Coming Soon |

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These small group Bible studies of Acts 16:16-40 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application.  Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.

Acts 16:16-40 Bible Study Guide – Praising God in Prison

Outline

I. Paul casts out a demon (16-18)
II. Paul and Silas imprisoned (19-24)
III. Light in the dark (25-34)
IV. Paul and Silas released (35-40)

I. Paul casts out a demon (16-18)

Discussion Questions

• Why was this girl following them?
• What do we learn in this passage about spiritual warfare?
• Was the demon that possessed her trying to help share the gospel? If not, what may have motivated it to say these things?
• Why was Paul so annoyed?
• How should believers view casting out demons today?

Cross-References

Mark 1:23-25 – And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”

Mark 5:7-8 – And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Paul and Silas were not looking for the enemy –

Acts 16:16 – As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.

They were on their way to the place of prayer. Paul and Silas were busy doing the right things. As they were carrying on in their normal day, the enemy came to them. Opposition came without them asking for it.

Spiritual warfare is like this. Where God is working, Satan often works to oppose Him. The highest frequency of demonic possession cases in all of Scripture occurs during Jesus’ ministry. Why is that? I believe one major reason is that Satan was gathering His forces to oppose, distract, and harass Jesus’ ministry.

You don’t have to go looking for trouble. Often it will come to you. And often it comes when you are busy serving God. Servants of God who are effectively building His kingdom have a target on their backs.

As a parent, I have often experienced this. Conflicts seem to break out frequently during family devotions and even while getting ready to go to church. Sometimes it feels as if there is a strong opposition to us sitting down as a family to study the Bible and worship God.

Application – Do not be surprised if temptation or spiritual opposition comes against you while you are busily serving God. Be wary. Don’t be complacent.

1 Corinthians 10:12 – Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

2. Expect deceit and schemes from the enemy –

At first glance, it almost appears that the evil spirit was on Paul’s side. Look at its words.

Acts 16:17 – “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”

Nothing wrong with those words. They are accurate. It almost appears that the demon was helping them share the gospel. But he wasn’t. How do I know? It is a demon.

Satan appears as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). His helpers often do the same thing. The demon saying this did not have good motives. While the text does not indicate the deeper scheme, we can be sure there was one. Here are some possible reasons the demon controlled the girl to make her say these things.

• To annoy Paul and distract him. It would be very distracting to have this fortune teller always around, saying this while he was trying to share the gospel.
• To create chaos and distraction.
• To associate the fortune teller with Paul which could repulse many people from listening to his message. It could essentially act to harm his reputation and credibility. Would you listen to a pastor who appears on stage with a known Satanist?
• To gather attention and build a following. The fortune teller may have tried to capitalize on the publicity Paul was bringing to make more money. False teachers often seek to exploit money from people in the name of religion.
• To provoke Paul to a reaction and therefore build up opposition, which would drive him out of the region. We can see that Paul ended up in prison and was finally told to leave the area. That was because Paul cast out the demon. The enemy’s plan was fulfilled, but God had a greater plan.

Application – Be discerning. Some things may appear innocent on the surface, but are disguised attacks from the enemy. How can you distinguish these? Can you share any examples of how Satan uses seemingly innocuous things to tempt us today?

3. Paul casts out the demon in annoyance –

It is the only known case in Scripture where a demon is cast out because of annoyance. Clearly, Paul did not believe that the enemy was trying to help out. At the very least, it was distracting.

Even in his annoyance, he cast it out in the name of Jesus. Jesus has full and total authority over evil spirits. Even if they do not want to, they must submit to His authority.

That does not mean that demons will always respond to a command issued in the name of Jesus. Some people may claim the name of Jesus, but not have a relationship with Him.

Acts 19:15 – But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”

Believers should remember that great is He who is in us than he who is in the world. We need not fear or be intimidated by spiritual warfare. But neither should we be arrogant either like the sons of Sceva in Acts 19.

Reflect – How should believers view casting out demons today?

Jesus cast out many demons and told His disciples to do so. That continued under the apostles’ ministry in Acts. Jesus has proven His power over the enemy. However, engaging in exorcisms is not commanded or taught in any of the New Testament epistles from Romans to Jude.

We are told to put on spiritual armor (Ephesians 6), resist the devil (James 4:7), and pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).

We should humbly stand against demonic activity through prayer. If there is a clear case of demon possession, it would be wise to gather the elders of your church together to prayerfully consider how to deal with it.

II. Paul and Silas imprisoned (19-24)

Discussion Questions

• Why were some people angry that she was delivered?
• What does her owners’ response show us about the depravity of the world?
• Is slavery a thing of the past or still a problem today? What is normally the motivation for slave owners?
• What charges were made against Paul and Silas?
• Was the proper legal process followed?
• What does this passage teach us about persecution?
• Have you ever suffered for doing what was right?

Cross-References

Matthew 5:10-12 – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Proverbs 28:16 – A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. An angry response –

The fortune teller was a slave. After the demon was cast out, her owners were angry. Their source of revenue was gone. Evidently, the evil spirit was able to enhance her fortune-telling business.

This gives us some insight into how fortune tellers, witches, and the like operate. The demonic power channeled through them can do some things that a normal human could not. The demon might also give information that could be used in séances and the like. Satan and his minions do possess some power, though it is limited and nothing compared to God’s.

The slave owners didn’t celebrate that a captive soul was set free. There was no shred of joy at the spiritual breakthrough. Their only concern was their pocketbook.

When the light of the gospel comes in, it often sparks an angry backlash. Certain businesses that are built on sinful practices stop producing the profits they did. People whose power is built on deceit and exploitation start to lose it. Seldom will they quietly just take it. In the end, such people are pawns of Satan.

Here are some highly profitable industries and careers built on darkness.

• Pornography
• Prostitution
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Cigarettes
• Vaping
• Gambling
• Human trafficking
• Predatory lending
• Much of the entertainment sector

We are to be servants of God and not slaves of the enemy.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Application – As believers, let us stand against sinful practices, even if they bring profit. Your eyes can bring money in to support some of these sectors. Every click is like a donation that increases the chains and bondage to people trapped as slaves, either promoting or consuming these things. How can you instead shine the light into the darkness?

2. A riot –

The complaints of the slave owners resulted in a full-blown riot. No legitimate charges were brought against Paul and Silas, only vague accusations of disturbing the city and advocating unfamiliar customs.

The crowd was worked up to a frenzy and beat them before they were thrown into prison. Interestingly, the magistrate ordered the jailer to keep them safe. Prison may have been the safest place in the city for them at the moment.

Application – Do not expect that when you shine the light and serve God, you will be commended for it. That sometimes happens. But frequently, believers are persecuted for standing against evil. Jesus said that when we are persecuted for righteousness, it is a blessing (Matthew 5:10-12).

III. Light in the dark (25-34)

Discussion Questions

• What were Paul and Silas doing in prison?
• How could they respond with such peace and joy?
• How were they impacting the other prisoners?
• How can your response to trials be a testimony to the world around you?
• Share about a difficult situation that you face and how you can respond with praise, joy, and thanksgiving even in the middle of it.
• How can you grow in joy during difficulties?
• Was this earthquake supernatural?
• Why was the jailer going to kill himself?
• What does the jailer’s question in verse 30 show us about what else must have happened already that wasn’t recorded here?
• What can we learn from Paul and Silas about sharing the gospel?
• How come he and his household could be saved? Isn’t faith personal?
• What happened next? What do you learn from it?
• How can you see different parts of the body of Christ building each other up in this passage?

Cross-References

Romans 8:37-39 – No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalms 34:1 – I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 – Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Prayers and praise in the dark –

Acts 16:25 – About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

One of the most famous stories about Paul is found here. He and Silas were singing hymns of praise to God while in prison. Almost every good Sunday School student has heard this Bible story before. It is in those Bible story books for a reason.

Paul and Silas give us a powerful example of responding to a bad situation with joy. Instead of complaining, they pray and then sing praises to God. God doesn’t call us to a life of ease. He calls us to live a life of goodness. Often, that means going away from comfort and going toward adversity.

Prisons at that time were not nice places. Generally, they were dark, wet, and overcrowded. Poor ventilation, limited sanitation, and no beds were the norm. Floors were often either stone or dirt. Prisoners were often kept in chains as Paul and Silas were (verse 26).

Paul and Silas had broken no law. First, they were wrongfully accused. Then they were wrongfully beaten. Finally, they were wrongfully put in prison.

Many people in their situation would complain and feel justified in doing so. If the two believers had done that, they would have missed an opportunity to witness for Christ. As it was, the other prisoners listened to them. Finally, the jailer and his family were saved.

In addition, complaining would not have improved their situation.

Reflect – Why could they respond with joy to this situation?

Paul followed his own advice to set his mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). Instead of focusing on their negative circumstances, they focused on God. Perhaps Paul also thought of what would later be shared with the Roman church.

Romans 8:18 – I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Joy is not dependent on circumstances.

Application – Try this. Next time you are tempted to complain, instead think of how you can praise God in that situation. Doing so will not only be a testimony to those around you, but it will change your attitude and perspective. Contentment is not something outside of you. It is a choice you make inside about how to respond to things happening outside.

2. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake –

God is sovereign. It seems that he arranged this earthquake not to deliver His followers from prison, but to give them a better opportunity to share with the jailer, whose heart He had already prepared.

The natural world is under God’s throne and He uses it to accomplish His purposes.

3. The jailer’s response –

When the jailer saw all of the doors open, his first response was to kill himself. He knew the rule. If his prisoners escaped, his life would be forfeit. Rather than wait for a humiliating trial and a painful death, he decided to end it right there.

A typical prisoner may have waited for the jailer to do the deed and then run away.

Paul and Silas were not typical prisoners. They did not escape and they prevented the jailer from committing suicide. Their presence was shocking to the jailer and a testimony that these were not your run-of-the-mill prisoners.

He immediately asked them how he could be saved.

How many jailers or prison guards have ever asked that question to their prisoners? The number has to be very small.

Yet God is in the business of reversing the normal. He chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). He uses the weak and poor to preach to the strong and rich. He takes uneducated fishermen and changes them almost beyond recognition, ultimately building his church through their courageous ministry.

The humble jailer recognized that these men had something powerful. Even in their cell with their chains, they had the truth which could bring him freedom and salvation.

When you see the suddenness of his question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved,” it is evident that he had heard them share the gospel, at least in part, before. We don’t know if he was in the crowds when they shared in the city or more likely that Paul and Silas shared with him at some point after their confinement. What is clear is that they had shared with him. While their words had not been enough to convince him before, their actions now are. Perhaps it was the combination of their joyful spirit in prison together with their concern for him, their jailer.

Application – Seek every opportunity to share the gospel. Paul and Silas were wrongly imprisoned. They could have sulked and reacted with bitterness toward their captors. But they didn’t. They recognized that even in this dark hole, the light of Christ could shine. Because of their faithfulness, this man’s family was saved.

The eyes of the world around us are often watching. When Christians react differently, with mercy and grace, it can be powerful.

In September of 2025, Charlie Kirk was assassinated. He was killed for speaking out against various lies of the transgender movement. He left behind a wife, Erika, and two children. Erika surprised millions of viewers of Charlie’s funeral when she stated that she forgave the murderer. Some mocked her for it. But I believe many others were touched. They saw the love of Christ in her actions. Forgiveness was not a natural thing, but Jesus empowered her to do it. That supernatural forgiveness is a powerful testimony of God’s love.

4. Believe in Jesus and you and your household will be saved –

From this, we learn a couple of things about salvation.

A. Salvation comes through believing in the “Lord Jesus.” There is no other person who can save. Believing in the “Lord Jesus” also implies submitting to Him as Lord. It is not just an intellectual assent to the facts, but it is a willingness in the heart to follow Him.

B. One person can have a strong influence on others –

From many Scriptures, we know that salvation is an individual thing (Luke 12:52). At the same time, one person’s belief often has a big impact on those close to them. That is still true in Western culture today, which values individualism very highly. It was far more true in the culture of that day when entire families, clans, tribes, and groups would often legitimately follow their leader’s beliefs.

In the Old Testament, we see that when the king was bad and worshipped idols, many followed him. Alternatively, when the king was good and worshipped God, many followed him.

Just as Paul said, when the jailer believed, his whole household followed him and were baptized.

Application – This is especially applicable for parents. Your kids are watching you. If they see a hypocritical life, it will push them away from God. If they see a real, sincere, personal relationship with God, they will tend to follow you. You are called to live out a positive example for your children. Let them see Christ in you so that they want the same relationship with Him that you have.

5. The body of Christ serving one another –

I love what happens next. The jailer gave medical treatment to Paul and Silas. Their wounds were cleaned. Paul then baptized the man and his family. After that, the jailer takes Paul into his home and gives him an ice meal. Isn’t it beautiful?

Paul gave what he had to this family. In turn, this family gave what they had to him. God gives different resources, gifts, talents, and opportunities to different members of the body of Christ. Paul had a gift for preaching and teaching. The jailer had the opportunity to be hospitable and take care of a servant of God. Both of them used their gift to serve one another.

Reflect – How can you serve the body of Christ? What unique resources, opportunities, or giftings do you have?

God has given you a gift for a reason. Identify what you are good at by serving. And then do that more for the purpose of serving others in the church and community.

IV. Paul and Silas released (35-40)

• What do you think of Paul’s response when the jailer relayed the news of his release? Was Paul prideful? Was he right or wrong?
• Why did Paul make this demand?
• What were his rights as a Roman citizen?
• Since they were out of jail, why did they leave the city instead of continuing to minister there?

Cross-References

Psalms 37:6 – He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.

1 Peter 3:17 – For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Paul seeks justice –

The next morning, the magistrate sent a message to let Paul go. You would think he would gladly leave as soon as possible. But he didn’t.

Instead, he told the authorities that he and Silas were Roman citizens and had been mistreated. It appears that he sought an apology.

Legally speaking, Paul was correct. The Lex Portia was a law established by the Romans in 195 BC. It prohibited beating or scourging Roman citizens without a proper trial. Violating this law could result in serious consequences for local magistrates, including removal from their position or even death. In addition, Roman citizens had a right to a formal trial and appeal (Paul used this when he appealed to Caesar).

Some think that Paul was being prideful here. We don’t know his heart. However, it was a matter of justice. By standing up for his legal rights, Paul could potentially protect Christians from being persecuted illegally in the future.

The magistrates did come and apologize, which shows us that Paul was legally in the right.

Application – While believers should remain humble and gracious, we can also exercise our legal rights when appropriate. Those rights should not be used to escape justice, but to stand up for it.

2. Paul and Silas leave the area –

The magistrates asked Paul to leave and he complied. His typical practice when persecution ramped up was to move to a more peaceful location. In this way, the gospel quickly spread.

Before they left, they visited Lydia and many brethren there, encouraging them in the Lord.