Acts 16:16

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Comme nous allions au lieu de prière, une servante qui avait un esprit de Python, et qui, en devinant, procurait un grand profit à ses maîtres, vint au-devant de nous,

Que signifie ce verset ?

This verse describes a situation where Paul and his companions encounter a young woman who has a spirit that enables her to tell fortunes, which brings profit to her masters. It's part of Luke's account in the book of Acts.

Expliqué aux enfants

Imagine you're walking with your friends when you see someone at a carnival who can guess what's in people’s pockets and win money for their parents every time they do it. That's similar to what this young girl could do, but her gift was from an evil spirit that brought money to the people she worked for.

Contexte historique

The book of Acts was written by Luke around 60-80 AD. It documents the early church and travels of Paul, with a focus on missionary work and encounters with various cultures and beliefs common in the Roman Empire.

Application pour aujourd'hui

In today’s world, we might encounter people who claim to have special abilities or use psychic readings for profit. This verse reminds us that true spiritual guidance comes from God through faith and His word, not from worldly means.

Thèmes

• Spirituality
• Evil Spirits
• Divination
• Faith
• Missionary Work
• Guidance

Versets liés

• Exodus 22:18
• Deuteronomy 18:10-12
• Isaiah 47:13-15
• Galatians 5:19-21
• 1 Corinthians 10:20

Questions fréquentes

Why was the girl bringing gain to her masters through soothsaying?

The girl's ability to predict or divine information brought financial profit to those who owned her, as people would pay for her services.

What does 'spirit of divination' mean in this context?

A spirit that gives the power to tell fortunes or see into the future, often considered evil according to biblical teachings.

How did Paul and his companions respond to the girl's actions?

The verse suggests that they dealt with it seriously as it’s part of their missionary journey; later in the chapter, we learn that Paul cast out the spirit from her.

What can this verse teach us about seeking spiritual guidance?

This teaches us to be wary of false prophets and spirits and to rely on God's Word as our true source of guidance and truth.