Acts 16:40
After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house to see the brothers and encourage them. Then they left the city.
After Paul and Silas came out of the prison
This phrase marks a significant moment of divine intervention and deliverance. The Greek word for "prison" (φυλακή, phylakē) not only refers to a physical place of confinement but also symbolizes spiritual bondage. The miraculous release of Paul and Silas, as described earlier in Acts 16, underscores God's sovereignty and power over earthly authorities. Historically, Roman prisons were harsh environments, often dark and unsanitary, making their release even more remarkable. This event serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in delivering His servants from trials.

they went to Lydia’s house
Lydia, a seller of purple goods, was a prominent and wealthy woman in Philippi who had embraced the Christian faith (Acts 16:14-15). Her home became a center for the early church, reflecting the role of women in the spread of Christianity. The Greek term for "house" (οἶκος, oikos) implies not just a physical dwelling but also a household or community. Lydia's hospitality and leadership highlight the importance of community and fellowship in the early church, serving as a model for Christian hospitality and support.

to see the brothers
The term "brothers" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) in Greek is often used to denote fellow believers, emphasizing the familial bond among Christians. This reflects the early church's understanding of the Christian community as a family united by faith in Christ. The use of this term underscores the importance of unity and mutual support within the body of Christ, as believers are called to bear one another's burdens and encourage each other in the faith.

and encourage them
The Greek word for "encourage" (παρακαλέω, parakaleō) means to exhort, comfort, or strengthen. Paul and Silas, despite their recent ordeal, prioritize the spiritual well-being of the believers in Philippi. This act of encouragement is a vital aspect of Christian ministry, as it helps to build up the church and fortify believers against persecution and trials. Encouragement is a recurring theme in the New Testament, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and the responsibility of believers to uplift one another.

Then they left the city
This phrase indicates a strategic and Spirit-led decision to continue their missionary journey. The departure of Paul and Silas from Philippi marks the end of a significant chapter in their ministry, yet it also signifies the beginning of new opportunities to spread the Gospel. Historically, Philippi was a Roman colony, and their departure may have been necessary to avoid further conflict with local authorities. This movement reflects the dynamic nature of early Christian missions, driven by the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
An apostle and missionary, Paul is a central figure in the New Testament, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In Acts 16, he is in Philippi, having been imprisoned for casting out a spirit from a slave girl.

2. Silas
A leader in the early church and companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. He was with Paul in prison and experienced the miraculous earthquake that led to their release.

3. Lydia
A businesswoman and the first convert to Christianity in Europe. Her home in Philippi became a meeting place for the early church.

4. Philippi
A Roman colony in Macedonia, significant as the location of the first Christian church in Europe. It is where Paul and Silas were imprisoned and later released.

5. The Brothers
Refers to the early Christian believers in Philippi, who gathered at Lydia's house for fellowship and encouragement.
Teaching Points
The Power of Encouragement
Paul and Silas, despite their recent imprisonment, prioritize encouraging the believers. This highlights the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the Christian community.

The Role of the Home in Early Christianity
Lydia's house serves as a meeting place for believers, illustrating the significance of hospitality and the home as a center for worship and fellowship.

Perseverance in Ministry
Paul and Silas's actions demonstrate perseverance in ministry, even after facing persecution. Their commitment to the mission encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Community and Fellowship
The gathering at Lydia's house underscores the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian life, providing a model for modern believers to gather and support one another.

Faith in Action
The immediate return to ministry after their release from prison shows that faith is active and resilient, encouraging believers to continue serving God regardless of circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the example of Paul and Silas encourage you to support and encourage fellow believers in your community?

2. In what ways can your home be a place of ministry and fellowship, similar to Lydia's house?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced challenges in your faith. How can the perseverance of Paul and Silas inspire you to remain steadfast?

4. How does the early church's practice of meeting in homes inform your understanding of Christian fellowship today?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your faith remains active and resilient, even in difficult circumstances? Consider connections to other scriptures that emphasize perseverance and community.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 16:25-34
This passage describes the events leading up to Paul and Silas's release from prison, including their worship in prison and the conversion of the jailer and his household.

Philippians 1:3-5
Paul later writes to the church in Philippi, expressing gratitude for their partnership in the gospel, which began with Lydia and the early believers.

Hebrews 10:24-25
Encourages believers to meet together and encourage one another, similar to how Paul and Silas encouraged the brothers in Philippi.
The Day that Looked Like the Day of Small ThingsP.C. Barker Acts 16:14, 15, 40
The First European PersecutionR.A. Redford Acts 16:19-40
Belief, Baptism, BlessingC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 16:32-40
Christianity Self-IllustratedJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 16:32-40
Conversion -- its Means and TestsHomiletic ReviewActs 16:32-40
First Fruits of RepentanceBp. Brownrigg.Acts 16:32-40
Household SalvationC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 16:32-40
The Assertion or Vindication of RightsA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 16:32-40
The Selfish Policy of MagistratesScientific IllustrationsActs 16:32-40
Vindication of RightsW. Baxendale.Acts 16:32-40
Christian RemonstranceW. Clarkson Acts 16:35-40
Unexpected DeliveranceE. Johnson Acts 16:35-40
People
Lydia, Paul, Silas, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Derbe, Galatia, Iconium, Jerusalem, Lystra, Macedonia, Mysia, Neapolis, Philippi, Phrygia, Samothrace, Thyatira, Troas
Topics
Brethren, Brothers, Comfort, Comforted, Departed, Encouraged, Encouraging, Entered, Exhorted, Forth, Lydia, Lydia's, Met, Paul, Philippi, Prison, Seeing, Silas, Visited
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 16:40

     7026   church, leadership
     8415   encouragement, examples

Acts 16:19-40

     1651   numbers, 1-2

Acts 16:36-40

     5714   men

Library
Paul at Philippi
'And on the sabbath day we went forth without the gate, by a river side, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which were come together.' --ACTS xvi. 13 (R.V.). This is the first record of the preaching of the Gospel in Europe, and probably the first instance of it. The fact that the vision of the man of Macedonia was needed in order to draw the Apostle across the straits into Macedonia, and the great length at which the incidents at Philippi are
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

How to Secure a Prosperous Voyage
'And after [Paul] had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 11. Therefore ... we came with a straight course.'--ACTS xvi. 10, 11. This book of the Acts is careful to point out how each fresh step in the extension of the Church's work was directed and commanded by Jesus Christ Himself. Thus Philip was sent by specific injunction to 'join himself' to the chariot of the Ethiopian statesman.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Riot at Philippi
'And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20. And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21. And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23. And when they had laid many
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Great Question and the Plain Answer
'He brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved.'--ACTS xvi. 30, 31. The keeper of a Macedonian jail was not likely to be a very nervous or susceptible person. And so the extraordinary state of agitation and panic into which this rough jailer was cast needs some kind of explanation. There had been, as you will all remember, an earthquake of a strange kind, for it not only opened the prison doors, but shook
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Household Salvation
To allure and encourage you to long for family religion, I have selected this text this morning. God grant it may answer the purpose designed. May many here have a spiritual hunger and thirst, that they may receive the blessing which so largely rested upon the Philippian jailer. Note in our text five things. We have a whole household hearing the word, a whole household believing it, a whole household baptized, a whole household working for God, and then, a whole household rejoicing. I. Observe, first,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Lydia, the First European Convert
WE MAY LAUDABLY EXERCISE CURIOSITY with regard to the first proclamation of the gospel in our own quarter of the globe. We are happy that history so accurately tells us, by the pen of Luke, when first the gospel was preached in Europe, and by whom, and who was the first convert brought by that preaching to the Savior's feet. I half envy Lydia that she should be the leader of the European band; yet I feel right glad that a woman led the van, and that her household followed so closely in the rear.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Cry of the Heathen
And now, beloved, having thus prefaced our discourse, we have another observation to make before we proceed to a full discussion of the text. What an instance of Divine sovereignty we have in our text! He who is wise can see sovereignty everywhere in the work of salvation, but how clearly is it present here. Bithynia must not hear the gospel; the apostle desires to go and preach it there; but as yet, it seems, God does not intend that Bithynia should be evangelised. He desires to tarry in Asia, and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Heavenly Father
ACTS xvi. 24-28. God that made the world, and all that therein is, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands . . . For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. I told you last Sunday of the meaning of the days of the week; but one day I left out--namely, Tuesday. I did so on purpose. I wish to speak of that day by itself in this sermon. I told you how our forefathers worshipped
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Note
THERE is a passage in an old writer which throws so much light on some points mentioned in this paper, that I make no excuse for giving it to the reader in its entirety. It comes from a work which is little known and less read. It has done me good, and I think it may do good to others. "When a man is awakened, and brought to that, that all must be brought to, or to worse,' What shall I do to be saved!' (Acts 16:30-31), we have the apostolic answer to it: ' Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Saving Faith.
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.--ACTS xvi. 30,31. This is one of the most abused texts in the Bible, and one which, perhaps, has been made to do quite as much work for the devil as for God. Let every saint present, ask in faith for the light of the Holy Ghost, while we try rightly to apply it. Let us enquire:-- 1. Who are to believe? 2. When are they to believe? 3. How are
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Directions to Sinners.
Text--What shall I do to be saved.--Acts xvi. 30. THESE are the words of the jailor at Philippi, the question which he put to Paul and Silas, who were then under his care as prisoners. Satan had, in many ways, opposed these servants of God in their work of preaching the Gospel, and had been as often defeated and disgraced. But here, at Philippi, he devised a new and peculiar project for frustrating their labors. There was a certain woman at Philippi, who was possessed with a spirit of divination,
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

Measures to Promote Revivals.
Text.--These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city and teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.--Acts xvi. 20, 21. "THESE men," here spoken of, were Paul and Silas, who went to Philippi to preach the Gospel, and very much disturbed the people of that city, because they supposed the preaching would interfere with their worldly gains. And so they arranged the preachers of the Gospel before the magistrates of the city, as culprits, and charged
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

The Missionary on the Sea Shore.
"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us."--Acts 16:9. "Wei schaumt so feierlich zu unsern Fuessen." [65]F. de la Motte Fouque. transl., Jane Borthwick, 1858 Dark mighty Ocean, rolling to our feet! In thy low murmur many voices meet, The sound of distant lands brought strangely near To Fancy's ear. From shores unknown comes the sweet Sabbath bell, New languages the old glad tidings tell, We hear the
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

Chrysostom Evades Election to a Bishopric, and Writes his Work on the Priesthood.
About this time several bishoprics were vacant in Syria, and frequent depositions took place with the changing fortunes of orthodoxy and Arianism, and the interference of the court. The attention of the clergy and the people turned to Chrysostom and his friend Basil as suitable candidates for the episcopal office, although they had not the canonical age of thirty. Chrysostom shrunk from the responsibilities and avoided an election by a pious fraud. He apparently assented to an agreement with Basil
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
PHILIPPIANS i. 21-30 He will be spared to them--Spiritual wealth of the paragraph--Adolphe Monod's exposition--Charles Simeon's testimony--The equilibrium and its secret--The intermediate bliss--He longs for their full consistency--The "gift" of suffering Ver. 21. +For to me, to live is Christ+; the consciousness and experiences of living, in the body, are so full of Christ, my supreme Interest, that CHRIST sums them all up; +and to die+, the act of dying,[1] +is gain+, for it will usher me in
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

The Martyrs of Lyons and vienne (Ad 177)
Many other martyrs suffered in various parts of the empire under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Among the most famous of these are the martyrs of Lyons and Vienne, in the south of France (or Gaul, as it was then called), where a company of missionaries from Asia Minor had settled with a bishop named Pothinus at their head. The persecution at Lyons and Vienne was begun by the mob of those towns, who insulted the Christians in the streets, broke into their houses, and committed other such outrages against
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Scotland and Ireland
The only thing which seems to be settled as to the religious history of Scotland in these times, is that a bishop named Ninian preached among the Southern Picts between the years 412 and 432, and established a see at Whithorn, in Galloway. But in the Year of St. Ninian's death, a far more famous missionary, St. Patrick, who is called "the Apostle of Ireland," began his labours in that island. It is a question whether Patrick was born in Scotland, at a place called Kirkpatrick, near the river Clyde,
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Whether Since Christ's Passion the Legal Ceremonies Can be Observed Without Committing Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that since Christ's Passion the legal ceremonies can be observed without committing mortal sin. For we must not believe that the apostles committed mortal sin after receiving the Holy Ghost: since by His fulness they were "endued with power from on high" (Lk. 24:49). But the apostles observed the legal ceremonies after the coming of the Holy Ghost: for it is stated (Acts 16:3) that Paul circumcised Timothy: and (Acts 21:26) that Paul, at the advice of James, "took the men,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Pædobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and the Nature of the Sign.
1. Pædobaptism. The consideration of the question necessary and useful. Pædobaptism of divine origin. 2. This demonstrated from a consideration of the promises. These explain the nature and validity of Pædobaptism. 3. Promises annexed to the symbol of water cannot be better seen than in the institution of circumcision. 4. The promise and thing figured in circumcision and baptism one and the same. The only difference in the external ceremony. 5. Hence the baptism of the children
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Children Devoted to God. Gen. 17:7,10; Acts 16:14,15,33.
Children devoted to God. Gen. 17:7,10; Acts 16:14,15,33. [For those who practise infant Baptism.] Thus saith the mercy of the Lord, "I'll be a God to thee; I'll bless thy num'rous race, and they Shall be a seed for me." Abram believed the promised grace, And gave his sons to God; But water seals the blessing now, That once was sealed with blood. Thus Lydia sanctified her house, When she received the word; Thus the believing jailer gave His household to the Lord. Thus later saints, eternal King!
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

Acts 17:16-17. Athens.
[9] "Now, while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him." --Acts 17:16-17. PERHAPS the reader of this paper lives in a town or city, and sees more of bricks and mortar than of green fields. Perhaps you have some relative or friend living in a town, about whom you naturally feel a deep interest.
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Conversion, Its Nature and Necessity.
Closely related to the doctrine of the power, or efficacy, of the divine Word--as considered in the last chapter--is the doctrine of conversion. It is the subject of conversion, therefore, that we now purpose to examine. It is an important subject. It deserves a prominent place in treating of the Way of Salvation. It is also an intensely personal subject. Each one who desires to be in the Way of Salvation is personally interested in it. The eternal destiny of every one who reads these pages is closely
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

The Law Established through Faith
Discourse I "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: Yea, we establish the law." Romans 3:31. 1. St. Paul, having the beginning of this Epistle laid down his general proposition, namely, that "the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;" -- the powerful means, whereby God makes every believer a partaker of present and eternal salvation; -- goes on to show, that there is no other way under heaven whereby men can be saved. He speaks particularly
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

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