Bible Strands
Acts 16:18
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a spirit possessing a slave girl after she has followed him and his companions for many days, publicly declaring their divine mission.
The words — διαπονηθεὶς (diaponētheis) literally means "having been distressed," marking the point where Paul shifts from endurance to action. τοῦτο (touto) translates as "this," directly referencing the girl's repeated prophetic declarations.
The thread — This direct command in Jesus' name aligns with the authority promised to believers in Mark 16:17 and the reported submission of demons in Luke 10:17.
Why it lands — The text records that spiritual opposition is met with explicit command rather than prolonged argument, requiring the reader to recognize that authority flows from the name invoked, not from human negotiation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 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.”
- Mark 1:34 And He healed many who were ill with various diseases and drove out many demons. But He would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
- 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.”
- Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
- Acts 9:34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up,
- 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.
- Mark 1:25 But Jesus rebuked the spirit. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!”
- Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
- Luke 9:1 Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases.