Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the account of the magistrates in Philippi provides a vivid example of the misuse of judicial authority and the persecution of early Christians. This incident is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 16:16-24.The Apostle Paul and his companion Silas were in Philippi, a Roman colony, where they encountered a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. This girl earned a significant profit for her owners by fortune-telling. As Paul and Silas ministered in the city, the girl followed them, proclaiming, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation" (Acts 16:17). Although her words were true, Paul, troubled by the spirit within her, commanded it to leave in the name of Jesus Christ, and the spirit departed. The owners of the slave girl, realizing their hope of profit was gone, seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the magistrates. They accused them of causing an uproar and promoting customs unlawful for Romans to accept or practice. The charges were not based on any genuine legal infraction but were motivated by the loss of financial gain. The magistrates, without conducting a proper investigation or trial, ordered Paul and Silas to be stripped, beaten with rods, and imprisoned. Acts 16:22-23 states, "The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. After striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely." This action by the magistrates exemplifies the wickedness and injustice that can occur when those in authority abuse their power. The magistrates acted hastily, swayed by the crowd and the economic interests of the slave owners, rather than upholding justice and truth. Their decision to punish Paul and Silas without a fair trial reflects a disregard for the principles of Roman law, which typically afforded citizens certain legal protections. The narrative continues with a miraculous intervention by God, as an earthquake shook the prison, leading to the eventual release of Paul and Silas. This event not only demonstrated God's power but also served as a testament to the resilience and faith of the apostles in the face of persecution. The account of the magistrates in Philippi serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for corruption and injustice within human legal systems. It highlights the challenges faced by early Christians and underscores the importance of integrity and righteousness in positions of authority. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 16:22,23And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts XVIII Herod Ejects Antigonus, the Son of Aristobulus Out of Judea, and ... Thessalonica Directions to Sinners. Jesus' Conception of Himself One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... Homilies on the Statues. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Miscellaneous Subjects. Resources What does the Bible mean by “you are gods” / "ye are gods" in Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34? | GotQuestions.orgDid Constantine change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday? | GotQuestions.org Who were the satraps in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Magistrates are Appointed by God Magistrates are Ministers of God Magistrates are not a Terror to the Good, But to the Evil Magistrates: Purpose of Their Appointment Magistrates: should be Diligent in Ruling Magistrates: should be Faithful to the Sovereign Magistrates: should be Impartial Magistrates: should Defend the Poor Magistrates: should Enforce the Laws Magistrates: should Hate Covetousness Magistrates: should Judge for God, not for Man Magistrates: should Judge Righteously Magistrates: should Judge Wisely Magistrates: should Know the Law of God Magistrates: should not Take Bribes Magistrates: should Rule in the Fear of God Magistrates: should Seek Wisdom from God Magistrates: should Subjection to Their Authority Enjoined Magistrates: Their office to be Respected Magistrates: To be Wisely Selected and Appointed Magistrates: Wicked: Magistrates in Philippi Magistrates: Wicked: Sons of Samuel Magistrates: Wicked-Illustrated Related Terms Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences) |
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