Acts 16:18
New International Version
She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

New Living Translation
This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment.

Berean Literal Bible
And she continued this for many days. And Paul having been distressed and having turned, said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her." And it came out that hour.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

New American Standard Bible
Now she continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and he turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment.

NASB 1995
She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment.

NASB 1977
And she continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment.

Legacy Standard Bible
And she continued doing this for many days. But being greatly annoyed, Paul turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to leave her!” And it left at that very moment.

Amplified Bible
She continued doing this for several days. Then Paul, being greatly annoyed and worn out, turned and said to the spirit [inside her], “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ [as His representative] to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment.

Christian Standard Bible
She did this for many days. Paul was greatly annoyed. Turning to the spirit, he said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! ” And it came out right away.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And she did this for many days. But Paul was greatly aggravated and turning to the spirit, said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out right away.

American Standard Version
And this she did for many days. But Paul, being sore troubled, turned and said to the spirit, I charge thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out that very hour.

Contemporary English Version
This went on for several days. Finally, Paul got so upset that he turned and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ, I order you to leave this girl alone!" At once the evil spirit left her.

English Revised Version
And this she did for many days. But Paul, being sore troubled, turned and said to the spirit, I charge thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out that very hour.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
She kept doing this for many days. Paul became annoyed, turned to the evil spirit, and said, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" As Paul said this, the evil spirit left her.

Good News Translation
She did this for many days, until Paul became so upset that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I order you to come out of her!" The spirit went out of her that very moment.

International Standard Version
She kept doing this for many days until Paul became annoyed, turned to her and told the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus the Messiah to come out of her!" And it came out that very moment.

Majority Standard Bible
She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, ?In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!? And the spirit left her at that very moment.

NET Bible
She continued to do this for many days. But Paul became greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" And it came out of her at once.

New Heart English Bible
She was doing this for many days. But Paul, becoming 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 at once.

Webster's Bible Translation
And this she did 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.

Weymouth New Testament
This she persisted in for a considerable time, until Paul, wearied out, turned round and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out immediately.

World English Bible
She was doing this for many days. But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” It came out that very hour.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And this she was doing for many days, but Paul having been grieved, and having turned, said to the spirit, “I command you, in the Name of Jesus Christ, to come forth from her”; and it came forth the same hour.

Berean Literal Bible
And she continued this for many days. And Paul having been distressed and having turned, said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her." And it came out that hour.

Young's Literal Translation
and this she was doing for many days, but Paul having been grieved, and having turned, said to the spirit, 'I command thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come forth from her;' and it came forth the same hour.

Smith's Literal Translation
And this did she for many days. And Paul, having been exercised, and having turned back to the spirit, said, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out the same hour.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And this she did many days. But Paul being grieved, turned, and said to the spirit: I command thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to go out from her. And he went out the same hour.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now she behaved in this way for many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to go out from her.” And it went away in that same hour.

New American Bible
She did this for many days. Paul became annoyed, turned, and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” Then it came out at that moment.

New Revised Standard Version
She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And she did this for many days. So Paul was indignant and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it left her the same hour.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And thus she was doing for many days, and Paulus was angered and he said to that spirit, “I command you in the name of Yeshua The Messiah to come out of her”, and at that moment, it came out.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And this she continued to do for many days. But Paul, being grieved, 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.

Godbey New Testament
And she continued to do this many days. And Paul, being worn out, and turning round, said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her. And he came out the same hour.

Haweis New Testament
And this she did for several days. Then Paul was wearied out, and turning, said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour.

Mace New Testament
this she did for several days, till Paul tir'd with it turn'd about, and said to the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to quit her; and instantly he came out.

Weymouth New Testament
This she persisted in for a considerable time, until Paul, wearied out, turned round and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out immediately.

Worrell New Testament
And this she was doing for many days. But Paul, having been troubled, and turning, said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her." And it came out that very hour!

Worsley New Testament
And this she did for 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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul and Silas Imprisoned
17This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!” 18 She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment. 19When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace.…

Cross References
Mark 1:25-26
But Jesus rebuked the spirit. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!” / At this, the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud shriek.

Luke 4:35
But Jesus rebuked the demon. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!” At this, the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without harming him.

Matthew 8:16
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

Mark 9:25
When Jesus saw that a crowd had come running, He rebuked the unclean spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He said, “I command you to come out and never enter him again.”

Luke 9:42
Even while the boy was approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

Matthew 17:18
Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Luke 10:17
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”

Acts 19:15-16
But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” / Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded.

Acts 8:7
With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed.

Acts 19:12
so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them.

Matthew 12:28
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Luke 11:20
But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

1 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.


Treasury of Scripture

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

being.

Acts 14:13-15
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people…

Mark 1:25,26,34
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him…

I command.

Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Acts 9:34
And Peter said unto him, AEneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Acts 19:12-17
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them…

Jump to Previous
Annoyed Charge Christ Command Considerable Distressed Finally Greatly Grieved Hour Immediately Jesus Kept Moment Orders Paul Persisted Round Sore Spirit Time Troubled Turned Turning Wearied
Jump to Next
Annoyed Charge Christ Command Considerable Distressed Finally Greatly Grieved Hour Immediately Jesus Kept Moment Orders Paul Persisted Round Sore Spirit Time Troubled Turned Turning Wearied
Acts 16
1. Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,
7. and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,
14. convert Lydia,
16. and cast out a spirit of divination;
19. for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.
25. The prison doors are opened.
31. The jailor is converted,
35. and they are delivered.














She continued this for many days.
The persistence of the slave girl, who was possessed by a spirit of divination, highlights the spiritual opposition faced by Paul and his companions. In the Greco-Roman world, divination was a common practice, often associated with pagan rituals and the worship of false gods. The girl's actions, though seemingly harmless, were a distraction from the true message of the Gospel. Her persistence can be seen as a test of endurance and discernment for Paul, reflecting the ongoing spiritual warfare that believers encounter.

Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit,
Paul's aggravation indicates a righteous indignation rather than mere annoyance. His response shows discernment, recognizing the spiritual nature of the disturbance. This moment underscores the importance of spiritual discernment in ministry, as Paul identifies the true source of the disruption. The act of turning to address the spirit directly demonstrates Paul's authority and confidence in the power of Christ over demonic forces.

“In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!”
The invocation of Jesus Christ's name is significant, as it reflects the early church's understanding of the authority and power vested in Jesus. This command is not a magical incantation but a declaration of Christ's sovereignty over all spiritual realms. The use of Jesus' name is consistent with other New Testament accounts where His name is invoked for healing and deliverance (e.g., Acts 3:6, Acts 4:10). This phrase also emphasizes the belief in the power of Jesus' name to bring about immediate and miraculous change.

And the spirit left her at that very moment.
The immediate departure of the spirit confirms the authority of Jesus Christ and the effectiveness of Paul's command. This instantaneous deliverance serves as a testament to the power of God and the truth of the Gospel message. It also highlights the contrast between the temporary power of demonic forces and the eternal power of Christ. This event parallels other instances in the Gospels where Jesus Himself casts out demons, reinforcing the continuity of His work through His apostles (e.g., Mark 1:25-26, Luke 4:35).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
An apostle of Jesus Christ, known for his missionary journeys and spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. In this passage, he demonstrates spiritual authority.

2. The Slave Girl
A young woman possessed by a spirit of divination, which allowed her to predict the future. She was being exploited by her owners for financial gain.

3. The Spirit of Divination
A demonic spirit that enabled the slave girl to tell fortunes. The Greek term used is (pneuma pyth?na), referring to a spirit associated with the oracle of Delphi.

4. Philippi
A city in Macedonia where this event took place. It was a Roman colony and a significant location for early Christian missions.

5. The Name of Jesus Christ
The authority by which Paul commands the spirit to leave the girl, demonstrating the power of Jesus over demonic forces.
Teaching Points
Authority in Christ
Believers have authority in the name of Jesus to confront and overcome spiritual opposition. This authority is not of our own but is granted through Christ.

Discernment in Ministry
Paul’s response came after many days, indicating the need for discernment and patience in spiritual matters. We must seek God’s timing and wisdom in addressing spiritual issues.

The Power of Jesus' Name
The immediate departure of the spirit upon Paul’s command highlights the power inherent in the name of Jesus. This power is available to believers today.

Freedom from Oppression
The deliverance of the slave girl signifies Jesus’ mission to set captives free, both spiritually and physically. We are called to be agents of liberation in our communities.

Confronting Exploitation
The passage challenges us to recognize and confront systems of exploitation and injustice, advocating for those who are oppressed.(18) But Paul, being grieved . . .--It is obvious that the constant repetition of these clamorous cries must have been a hindrance to the Apostle's work, disturbing him as he talked to the other women at the proseucha. Was it not right for him to do as his Master had done with the demoniacs of Gadara (see Notes on Matthew 8:28-34), and to restore the woman to her true self, by teaching her to distinguish between her longing for deliverance and the wild passions that hindered her from attaining it? And so he spoke, and the evil spirit "came out the same hour." Here the history ends, as far as the damsel was concerned; but we can hardly think that she was left to drift back into ignorance and unbelief. Would not such a one find shelter and comfort at the hands of the women who "laboured" with the Apostle? (Philippians 4:2.) May we not think of her gratitude as showing itself in the gifts that were sent to the Apostle, upon whom she had unwillingly brought so much suffering? (Philippians 4:15.)

Verse 18. - She did for did she, A.V.; for many for many, A.V.; sore troubled for grieved, A.V.; charge for command, A.V.; it for he, A.V.; that very for the same, A.V. Command (παραγγέλλω, as in Acts 1:4; Acts 5:28; and ver. 23 of this chapter, etc.). The only other instances of exorcism by St. Paul are these recorded in Acts 19:12 and 15. The question of possession by spirits is too large a one to be discussed here. It must suffice to notice that St. Paul in his action (as our Lord before him had done), and St. Luke in his narrative, distinctly treat possession, and expulsion by the power of Christ, as real.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
She continued
ἐποίει (epoiei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

this
Τοῦτο (Touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

for
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

many
πολλὰς (pollas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

days.
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

[Eventually]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

grew so aggravated
διαπονηθεὶς (diaponētheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1278: To be greatly troubled. From dia and a derivative of ponos; to toil through, i.e. be worried.

[that]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he turned
ἐπιστρέψας (epistrepsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1994: From epi and strepho; to revert.

[and] said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

spirit,
πνεύματι (pneumati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

“In
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] name
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

of Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

Christ
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

I command
Παραγγέλλω (Parangellō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3853: To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.

you
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to come out
ἐξελθεῖν (exelthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

of
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

her!?
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the spirit] left her
ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

at that
αὐτῇ (autē)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

very moment.
ὥρᾳ (hōra)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5610: Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.


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NT Apostles: Acts 16:18 She was doing this for many days (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
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