The Source of Confusion

“When her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities …‘These men are throwing our city into confusion.’”
Acts 16:19-21 NASB

Paul experienced God’s blessings after arriving in Macedonia. But he soon was met by a slave-girl with a “spirit of divination.” She hounded Paul, declaring that he and his colleagues were “bond-servants of the Most High God” who were proclaiming “the way of salvation.” This went on for days until finally Paul commanded the evil spirit in her to come out in Jesus’ name.

This was a direct attack by Satan, who twisted truths to accomplish his purposes. Yes, they were God’s servants and were proclaiming salvation. But the girl’s messages fostered confusion, until Paul cast out the demon that controlled her.

This demon had been the source of profit to her masters. Without the demon, she was without value. Outraged by this loss, her owners “seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities,” accusing them of spreading “confusion.” The Greek word, used here for the only time in the Bible suggests agitation or causing great trouble.

We know how often Satan employs this strategy. He knows how to agitate and create divisions. To foster suspicion and hatred. To distract us and disrupt the impact of the Gospel.

Believers need to be aware of his strategies, remembering that “he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). In contrast, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

The Bible warns us to be on guard against the poisoning influence Satan can have on our lives. Not to give in to the confusion he can spread. To remember that God’s wisdom “is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” And it is “sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:13-18).

Prayer: Father, help me be on guard against confusion. Thank You for giving me Your peace. Thank You for giving me victory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.