In
Acts 16:16, Paul and his team encountered a young woman who prophesied to them
through what Luke calls a “spirit of divination” (NKJV). However, the Greek
word from which “divination” is translated is python.
“Python”
was a word associated with prophecy amongst the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Because it was so well known in the ancient Greco-Roman world, the original
readers of Acts would have made an immediate association when they read the
words “spirit of python.” Here is how they would have understood it.
Prophecy Among Ancient Greeks and
Romans
Prophecy
was common among the ancient Greeks and Romans. One historian has said that the
consultation of prophetic oracles was probably the most universal cult practice
in the Greco-Roman world.[1]
“Oracle”
was a word used by the ancients for a message from the gods, i.e., a
prophecy. Many regions had their own divinely inspired prophets or prophetesses
who gave their oracles (prophecies) to a constant stream of seekers.
Prophecy
was also common in the ancient pagan and mystery religions. This is borne out
by the Roman historian, Livy (59 b.c.
– a.d. 17), who describes
followers of the pagan deity, Bacchus, who “as if insane, with fanatical
tossings of their bodies, would utter prophecies,” and also describes devotees
of the goddess Cybele as “prophesying in their frenzied chants.”[2]
That prophecy
and the supernatural were so common in the ancient world is why there are so
many admonitions in the New Testament to not be deceived; and is why Paul,
every time he mentions prophecy, includes an admonition to judge, test and
prove the genuineness of prophecy.
The Oracle at Delphi
The
most famous ancient oracle (prophetic center) was at the city of Delphi in
Greece and was known as the “Oracle at Delphi.” According to legend, the Greek
god, Apollo, had slain a large female serpent--a python--at that site and the
spirit of the python had remained. According to the legend, it now possessed
the prophets and prophetesses who functioned there, “taking possession of their
organs of speech moving and compelling them to give prophetic utterances.”[3]
This
was commonly known as the “pythian spirit” or the “spirit of python.” At the
height of its popularity, the prophetic oracle at Delphi maintained three
priestesses/prophetesses who offered advice and counsel through the pythian
spirit to a continual stream of visitors including generals and government
officials. This is the association the first readers of Acts would have made to
Luke’s mention of a “spirit of python.”
One characteristic of the
Oracle at Delphi—and all pagan prophecy—is that it was self-induced. Preceding
their prophetic functions, the priestesses would go through ritual baths,
sprinklings and animal sacrifices leading to a hyped and frenzied prophetic
state.
One ancient drawing
pictured the prophetess in a disheveled, frenzied state as she gave forth her
oracle. Other pagan religions used music, dance, contortions and sex orgies to
work themselves into a prophetic frenzy. Do we charismatics have our own
rituals by which we work ourselves into a “prophetic” state?
How We Open
Ourselves to a Spirit of Python
In contrast, New
Testament prophecy is not self-induced, i.e., it does not come forth at
the initiative of the person prophesying. Paul is very clear in I Cor. 12:11
that the gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, are given as He [the Holy
Spirit] wills.
Although we can learn
about how prophecy and how Spiritual gifts function, it is dangerous to think
that we can learn “how to” prophesy of our own initiative.
This is, perhaps, why
Paul allowed this situation to go on for “many days” before dealing with it and
casting out the spirit. He did not have a “how to” list for dealing with such
situations but was dependent on the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I am convinced that when
we begin to push ourselves into prophesying out of our own hearts, apart from
the Holy Spirit, that we open ourselves to false spirits such as the spirit of
python that possessed this young woman in Philippi.
Characteristics of a False Prophetic Spirit
Luke uses
“spirit of python” in regards to this slave girl probably because the spirit
operating in her was like the one at Delphi. There is, of course, the
possibility that she had actually been to Delphi and that is where she picked
up this false spirit.
It is important
to note that what she said was true. Satan and demons have some knowledge and
will reveal their “secrets” in order to impress and draw people into their
destructive web. Only our God, however, is omniscient, i.e., all
knowing.
Here are some of
the traits of a false prophetic spirit that are obvious in this narrative.
#1 It loves to flatter.
The prophecy of this young woman was not given to
encourage or affirm, but to flatter. We all need encouragement and affirmation in our Christian walk, and the Biblical gift of prophecy will affirm, encourage, and build up (I Corinthians 14:3). Flattery, however, is deceitful, insincere, and self-serving.
So many today, including
leaders, are so starved for affirmation and approval that they are vulnerable
to the flatteries of a deceiving, python spirit. We must be so settled in God’s
acceptance and approval that we are no longer susceptible to the flatteries of
a false prophetic spirit. Beware of
those who use prophecy to flatter and, thereby, gain advantage.
#2 It loves to be seen and heard.
This
is indicated by the fact that she kept putting herself at the center of
attention with her continual prophesying day after day. Scripture is very clear
that the Holy Spirit is in the earth to draw attention to Jesus, as Jesus
Himself said of the Holy Spirit in John 16:14, He will glorify Me, for He will take
of what is Mine and declare it to you.
Revelation 19:10b says, Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is
the spirit of prophecy. Beware of those who use prophecy to thrust
themselves into the limelight.
#3 It wants to be important.
This
is indicated by the fact that she directed her prophecies to the leaders of
this new movement. Beware of those who use prophecy to gain status with pastors
and leaders.
#4 There is often a monetary motive involved.
This
young slave girl was raking in a lot of money for her masters. I am afraid this
same motive is at work in the church today in both overt and subtle ways.
For
overt examples, you can go to the internet and find those who will send a
personal prophecy in return for a donation. These are not psychics but those
who claim to be Christian prophets. Such prophecies are not worth the paper
they are printed on.
I
recall observing a subtle expression of a monetary motive in a man who probably
had a genuine gift of prophecy. After preaching he expressed his desire to pray
for everyone who would bring a certain offering for his ministry to the front.
As
he prayed and then prophesied over each one, I saw women looking in their
purses to see if they had enough money to go forward and get a “word.” I
believe this man was opening himself to a false spirit—a spirit of python—by
his devious actions.
Taking A Stand for Truth
Many
ministries today would probably have put
this young woman on their prophetic team, for what she prophesied was positive and
flattering. Discernment is lacking because, in this post modern world, the
lines between true and false are being blurred and even erased.
Some
in the charismatic movement are tapping into New Age writings with the excuse
that “all truth is God’s truth.” If this had been Paul’s approach he would
never have confronted the python spirit and cast it out, for what was being
said was true.
Taking
a stand for truth is not always the most popular thing to do. Paul and Silas
were arrested, beaten and thrown in jail because they distinguished between the
true and the false and cast out the false prophetic spirit.
Because,
however, they refused to compromise, God sent an earthquake, physically and
spiritually, and turned the situation completely around. God is looking for people
who will stand for truth in this hour. As Jesus said in John 8:31-32, If you
abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
This
article was derived from Eddie Hyatt’s latest book, Paul, Women and Church, available now from Amazon in the Kindle
format and soon to be available in paperback. To learn more about his vision for another Great Awakening in America and around the world, visit his website at www.eddiehyatt.com
[1]
F. C. Grant, Hellenistic Religions: The
Age of Syncretism (New York: Liberal Arts Press, n.d.), 33.
[2]
Livy, Annals, vol. 11, trans. Evan T. Sage, LCB, ed. T.E. Page
et. al. (Cambridge: Cambridge University, 1949), xxxix.12.12.
[3]
David Aune, Prophecy in Early
Christianity and the Ancient Mediterranean World (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1983), 33, 354.
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