When the Enemy Manipulates the Truth
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | September 17 2025 | Acts 16:16-21
KEY VERSE: “They brought them before the magistrates and said, ‘These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” Acts 1620-21(NIV)
MESSAGE:
The enemy is a master at twisting the truth into lies and half-truths, using deception to further their agenda. After Paul and Silas delivered the slave girl from a spirit of divination, her masters - angered at the loss of their profit - could not accuse the apostles of anything evil. Instead, they manipulated the truth, exaggerating and distorting their actions to incite the crowd and the authorities. The charges brought against Paul and Silas were not outright falsehoods - they had indeed proclaimed a different message and challenged spiritual powers. But the enemy clothed this in manipulation, framing the gospel as dangerous and unlawful. Satan often works not through blatant lies, but by twisting what is true, making it sound threatening or unacceptable to the world. Yet, God’s truth shines through even when it is misrepresented, and His mission advances in spite of manipulation.
The first lesson from the passage is that manipulation often comes cloaked in truth. The enemy rarely uses lies alone; he distorts truth to confuse people and stir opposition. As believers, we must discern carefully and stand firm in the Word of God. The second lesson is that faithfulness invites misrepresentation. Paul and Silas faced false accusations not because they did wrong, but because they were faithful. Following Jesus Christ sometimes means enduring being misunderstood for the sake of righteousness. Finally, we learn that God’s truth outlives deception. Manipulation can sway crowds temporarily, but God’s Word and purposes remain unshaken. What looks like defeat in the moment becomes a platform for God’s greater victory.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
The enemy often twists truth into deception, but God’s truth always prevails. Being faithful to Christ may invite misunderstanding and false accusations, but it is better to suffer for truth than to compromise. Lies and manipulation may win temporary battles, but God’s mission and purpose cannot be stopped..
PRAYER:
Lord, give me discernment to recognise when the enemy manipulates the truth. Strengthen my heart to remain faithful even when I am misunderstood or falsely accused. May Your truth prevail over every lie, and may my life reflect the light of Jesus Christ, no matter the opposition. For Your dear Name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 260 Isaiah 5–8 — Woes and the Call of Isaiah
DAILY word study: MAGISTRATES The word magistrates comes from the Greek word στρατηγοί (stratēgoi), which means “chief leaders” or “commanders.” In the Roman world, it referred to city officials who had both civil and military authority to keep order.
When Paul and Silas were brought before the magistrates, it shows how the gospel message quickly reached the highest levels of public authority. The charges against them were framed as a threat to Roman law and order, not just a personal dispute. This reveals how the enemy can use official structures to oppose the work of God. Yet even those in authority cannot silence God’s truth.
Reflect on this:
You may sometimes face opposition from people in power or systems bigger than you. This passage reminds us that God’s Word is greater than human authority, and His mission continues no matter the opposition.
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