Paradoxes II

NORSK
Yesterday, I wrote about the paradox that the Holy Spirit did not give the disciples permission to do what they considered to be the obvious next step in the mission.

Maybe this was just to prepare them for what they would meet at their next destination?

Not long after they arrived in Philippi, which was the place the Holy Spirit had led them to, they were confronted with a new paradox: A fortune-teller followed them, shouting out the truth:

“These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”
Acts 16:17

This “proclamation” of their mission went on for several days. Did Paul immediately discover that it was an impure spirit speaking, or did it dawn on him eventually?

It is hard to tell from the context, but from the ministry of Jesus, we know that the impure spirits knew who Jesus was: 

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
Mark 1:24

I do not think that this has changed the last 2000 years. The impure spirits still know when they encounter a person who is alive in Christ. That is why it is so important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and have the wisdom to know what to do. What Paul did, brought him to prison - but once again, persecution brought honour to God - both through liberation from the prison and the jailer's salvation. 

Had this happened if Paul had not taken up the fight with the "spirit world"?

Today 'manna':

God, help me discern what’s pure and what’s impure.