Acts 16:18
What does Acts 16:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:18 means
After many days, Paul, deeply troubled, commands the spirit to come out in the name of Jesus Christ, and it leaves immediately. The authority is not Paul’s own but Christ’s. Deliverance is instant and effective, displaying Jesus’ lordship over demonic powers. Compassion drives Paul’s action; he addresses the true oppressor rather than blaming the victim. The gospel frees people from spiritual tyranny and restores dignity. Yet such liberation will not please those whose profit depends on bondage. This miracle, like others in Acts, authenticates the message and the messenger while exposing hearts. The name of Jesus is the decisive power that unshackles both souls and societies.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And this she did on a number of days. But Paul was greatly troubled and, turning, said to the spirit, I give you orders in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of her. And it came out that very hour.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And 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 from her. And he went out the same hour.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And this she did many days. And Paul, being distressed, turned, and said to the spirit, I enjoin thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out the same hour.
Context
Verse 18 is the turning point of the conflict introduced in verses 16–17. With the girl delivered, her owners realize their financial loss in verse 19 and seize Paul and Silas. The subsequent charges (verses 20–21) appeal to civic order and Roman identity, masking greed. The crowd’s reaction and the magistrates’ response lead swiftly to punishment and imprisonment (verses 22–24).
v.17The same following after Paul and us cried out, saying, These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim unto you the way of salvation.
v.18This passage
v.19But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they laid hold on Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 2:15
having despoiled the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
- Mark 9:25
And when Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I command thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
- Acts 19:12
insomuch that unto the sick were carried away from his body handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.
- Acts 3:6
But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.
- Luke 9:1
And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
- Mark 1:25
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
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