Ministry Opposition

Bradley Johnson • September 29, 2023

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

The Apostle Paul warned Christians about the reality of spiritual warfare. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:12. Throughout his ministry he had firsthand knowledge of spiritual warfare. Acts 16:16-24 details one such encounter, in which Paul and Silas are opposed in Philippi.

Read through Acts 16:16-24 and reflect on the reality of spiritual warfare asking yourself these questions. 

  • Why was the slave girl following Paul?
  • Why did Paul first avoid driving out the evil spirit?
  • Why did God allow Paul and Silas to be falsely accused?
  • How should we respond to ministry opposition? 

  • Read Acts 16:16-24

    Paul and Silas in Prison


    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. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. 

    19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.


    Acts 16:16–24 (ESV)