Trouble Comes to Paul and Silas in Philippi

Text: Acts 16:16-24

Reflection and Question: This girl who made money for others through her fortune-telling was just telling the truth when she followed Paul and Silas around shouting, “These men are servants of the Supreme God, and are declaring a way of salvation.” When Paul stopped her, the girl’s handlers had him and Silas thrown into jail where they were flogged and locked up. We can only guess what happened to this girl who was just telling the truth about Jesus, Paul and Silas. When did you last get into trouble for telling the truth?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, hear our prayer for those who unintentionally get us into trouble, like the girl here; forgive them as we do. And give us the strength to withstand any punishment, as You do for Paul and Silas. Thanks. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).