And it came out.

Acts 16:16-18, 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. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 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.

Jesus refused the demons even to speak, though they knew exactly who He was. Paul puts up with this for some time, despite the demonic source, for Jesus did not allow the demons to speak even though they knew who He was, lest they be given credibility. Even though she was speaking the truth, the source of that truth had nothing to do with God or Paul’s purpose. And when Paul takes action relieving the poor slave girl of this demonic possession, rather than being thanked they are all thrown in prison. And this was not because of their message but for having deprived the poor slave’s owners of their income, despite the fact that a doubly enslaved girl was set free by the power of Jesus Christ.

Give us this same boldness and faith to see Your name proclaimed to set the captives free, Lord Jesus!

ESV Lectionary