Distinguishing Between Holy and Profane

Acts 16:16-24

Because there was no synagogue in Philippi, the Jews met near the river for prayer, and Paul and his companions had begun meeting with them, and teaching them of Christ.

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.” (Acts 16:16-17)

Most people think of demon possession as a person who is completely unable to control themselves. In modern society, it is referred to as insanity. Essentially, it a is the result of allowing something other than ones intellect to control ones thoughts. If a person finds that allowing their temper to run free gets their way, they tend to do so repeatedly. The more successful they are at getting what their way, the more they allow their temper to control them. Demonic spirits can then use the persons anger to influence and eventually control the person’s actions. Other emotions and drugs can be used in a similar way to effect possession.

Unfortunately, some demonic influence or possession takes more socially acceptable forms and is not recognized as such. While most people dismiss the Harry Potter books and movies as purely imaginary, a few are intrigued by them and seek to be able to do similar things. Many develop curiosity about how the effects can be done, and practice “magic tricks” for their own pleasure. A few, however, see such powers as a way to gain power or acceptance, and begin to focus on obtaining such power. The interest in the Wicca religion demonstrates the desire by some.

Satan has access to all the information all of humanity possesses. As a result, he can provide information that most are unaware of, making him appear to have unlimited knowledge. He can reveal facts about our past that no one else knows, and by presenting that information to his target, can get people to believe they have special powers. Dreams and trances are a common tool for presenting the information, but self hypnosis and other methods can also be used. Frequently, people are willing to pay for what they believe to be superior information, with the result that psychics, and palm readers are still common. Some give themselves totally to such satanic influence.

The girl in Philippi had yielded herself to such control. Seeing an opportunity to make a lot of money for themselves, some men had enslaved her and were charging people to get her predictions. Because of that Satanic knowledge, the girl recognized and began to call attention to Paul and his companions.

“And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” (Acts 16:18)

Unlike Elymas, the sorcerer in Acts 13, The damsel was not trying to prevent people from listening to Paul and his friends, and Paul did not immediately cast the demon out of her. He was aware of her demonic possession, however, and was troubled by her publicity, even though her claims were true. While many today would welcome such advertising, Paul recognized that each time she made her claims, she associated their teaching with her Satanic prophecies.

God described one of his most serious complaints against the priests in Israel in Ezekiel 22:26. “… they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean…” The word profane just means worldly things. By associating herself with Paul‘s group, the girl was eliminating the distinction between her beliefs and theirs. Though it did not seem all that important initially, the Holy Spirit would not allow Paul to ignore what was happening. He ordered the demon out of her in the authority given by Jesus Christ. The demon could not resist Christ’s authority.

“And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.” (Acts 16:19-21)

Her employers had no concern for the girl herself, and the fact that she was free from demonic control meant they wouldn’t make as much money any more. They reacted the way many today react when they lose their source of income, trying to hurt the cause of their loss. As I Timothy 6:10 declares, “For the love of money is the root of all evil…”, it resulted in deliberate lies and false accusations.

Had they told the truth, that the girl had been delivered from Satanic possession, and they would no longer make money, they would not have gotten sympathy. Instead, they accused them of destroying their customs and treason which was far more inflammatory.

“And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.” (Acts 16:21-24)

The false charges inflamed the mob and they acted accordingly, never checking to find out what had really happened. Satan constantly pushes for people to follow without thinking things through, because he knows that his agenda will not stand up to scrutiny.