◄ Acts 16 ►
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Timothy Joins Paul and Silas 1Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. 2The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. Paul’s Vision of the Macedonian 6After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia,a they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. 7And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. 8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Lydia’s Conversion in Philippi (Revelation 2:18–29) 11We sailed from Troas straight to Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis. 12From there we went to the Roman colony of Philippi, the leading city of that district of Macedonia.b And we stayed there several days. 13On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river, where it was customary to find a place of prayer. After sitting down, we spoke to the women who had gathered there. 14Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Paul and Silas Imprisoned 16One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination,c who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. 17This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!” 18She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment. 19When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. 20They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil 21by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” 22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. 23And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. 24On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. The Conversion of the Jailer 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. 27When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” 29Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. 33At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized. 34Then he brought them into his home and set a meal before them. So he and all his household rejoiced that they had come to believe in God. An Official Apology 35When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order: “Release those men.” 36The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.” 37But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!” 38So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 39They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city. 40After 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. Footnotes: 6 a Literally in Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey. 12 b Literally we went to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia—a colony 16 c Greek a spirit of Python; that is, a spirit of divination named after the mythical serpent slain by Apollo Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Acts 16 Summary Timothy Joins Paul and Silas Verses 1–5 – Timothy Joins Paul Paul revisits Derbe and Lystra. A young disciple named Timothy, whose mother is a Jewish believer and father is Greek, is well-spoken of by the local churches. Paul circumcises Timothy to avoid offense among Jews, then the team delivers the Jerusalem Council’s decisions. The churches grow stronger and people are added daily. Verses 6–10 – The Macedonian Call Travel plans change repeatedly as “the Holy Spirit forbade them to speak the word in Asia.” At Troas Paul receives a night vision: a Macedonian man pleads, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Convinced this is God’s direction, they set sail for Europe. Verses 11–15 – Lydia’s Conversion in Philippi Landing at Neapolis and moving inland to Philippi, a Roman colony, they meet women gathered for prayer by the river. The Lord opens Lydia’s heart; she and her household are baptized, and she insists that Paul and the team stay at her home. Verses 16–18 – Deliverance of a Slave Girl A slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination follows the missionaries, shouting that they are servants of “the Most High God.” After many days Paul commands the spirit to leave “in the name of Jesus Christ,” and she is set free. Verses 19–24 – Paul and Silas Imprisoned Her owners’ hope of profit is gone. They drag Paul and Silas before the magistrates, accusing them of disturbing the city and promoting unlawful customs. Without a proper trial the missionaries are beaten with rods and thrown into the inner prison with their feet fastened in stocks. Verses 25–34 – Conversion of the Philippian Jailer Around midnight Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns; the other prisoners listen. A sudden earthquake opens every door and loosens every chain. The jailer fears the prisoners have escaped and is about to kill himself, but Paul shouts, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” Trembling, the jailer asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” He washes their wounds, they preach to his household, and everyone is baptized. Joy fills the jailer’s home. Verses 35–40 – Release and Departure At dawn the magistrates send officers to release Paul and Silas. Paul reveals, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, Roman citizens.” Alarmed, the magistrates personally apologize and escort them out, asking them to leave the city. Paul and Silas encourage the believers at Lydia’s house before moving on. Acts 16 presents a sequence of remarkable events as Paul, joined by Silas and Timothy, presses on with his second missionary journey. In response to a vision, they venture into Macedonia, marking the Gospel's initial entry into Europe. They encounter various individuals—Lydia, a slave girl, and a jailer—all transformed by the power of Christ. Amid challenges, they bear witness to the liberating truth of the Gospel, reminding us that God can work powerfully in all circumstances. Historical Setting About A.D. 49–52, Paul begins his second missionary journey with Silas, later joined by Timothy and Luke (the “we” sections). Rome rules the Mediterranean world; Philippi is a strategic Roman colony on the Via Egnatia, giving the gospel a highway into Europe. Travel Itinerary and Archaeology • Lystra → Iconium → Troas (present-day Turkey) • Troas → Samothrace → Neapolis (Kavala, Greece) • Neapolis → Philippi (archaeologists have uncovered a theater, forum, and inscriptions mentioning magistrates similar to those in Acts). Ruins of a first-century marketplace match Luke’s detail that the city is a “district capital” (Acts 16:12). Timothy: Mixed Heritage and Ministry Lessons • Mother Eunice and grandmother Lois taught Timothy the Scriptures (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). • Paul circumcises Timothy not for salvation but to remove a stumbling block when evangelizing Jews (Galatians 5:6). Flexibility for mission, never compromise on truth. Guidance of the Holy Spirit • “The Spirit forbade” (v 6) and “the Spirit of Jesus did not allow” (v 7) show God’s active steering. • Compare Proverbs 16:9—“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • The Macedonian vision confirms direction; similar night guidance appears in Acts 18:9 and 23:11. First Converts in Europe • Lydia, a seller of purple, is likely wealthy and influential. Purple dye signifies status; her home becomes the first house-church in Philippi. • Women take the lead in this setting; a reminder that the gospel honors all who respond (Galatians 3:28). Women and the Gospel • The prayer gathering by the river suggests the absence of a synagogue (needed ten Jewish men). • Lydia’s hospitality parallels that of Martha (Luke 10:38) and the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8-10). • Her “household” conversion echoes households of Cornelius (Acts 10) and Crispus (Acts 18:8). Spiritual Conflict • The slave girl’s fortune-telling spirit likely links to the oracle of Delphi (“python” spirit in Greek). • Paul’s command, “I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her” (v 18), demonstrates Christ’s authority over demonic powers (Mark 1:25-27). Joy in Suffering • Beaten and chained, Paul and Silas sing hymns. Compare 1 Peter 4:13—“Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.” • Their praise precedes deliverance, illustrating faith before sight (Psalm 42:8). Roman Citizenship and Legal Rights • Roman law forbade beating citizens without trial. Paul’s declaration forces the magistrates to acknowledge wrongdoing. • Similar appeal in Acts 22:25–29; Christians may lawfully claim civil rights while trusting God’s higher purposes. Household Salvation • “Believe … you and your household” (v 31) does not guarantee automatic faith for each member; rather, the same open door is offered to all, and Luke immediately notes they all believe and are baptized. • Joshua 24:15 sets a precedent: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Formation of the Philippian Church and Its Legacy • Core members: Lydia, the delivered slave girl, the jailer and his family. • Paul later writes Philippians from prison in Rome, praising their partnership and sending greetings “to the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons” (Philippians 1:1), showing growth from house meeting to organized congregation. • Financial support: Philippians 4:15-16 notes they were the only church to share with Paul early on. Key Themes and Applications • God directs willing servants. Closed doors lead to better opportunities. • The gospel crosses continents, cultures, genders, and social classes. • Spiritual opposition is real, yet Jesus’ name is supreme. • Joy is possible amid injustice. Worship can shake prisons—literal and figurative. • Using legal avenues for the gospel is legitimate when done with integrity. • Generosity and hospitality advance God’s mission. Links to the Old Testament • Earthquake deliverance recalls Psalm 18:7 and 2 Chronicles 20, where praise precedes victory. • The beating of innocent servants echoes Jeremiah’s suffering (Jeremiah 20:2). • The opening of hearts parallels God’s promise in Ezekiel 36:26 to give a new heart. Connections to Paul’s Letters • Philippians: traces of Acts 16 events—joy in adversity, partnership, Roman citizenship language (Philippians 1:27). • 1 Thessalonians 2:2 refers to “being mistreated in Philippi.” • 2 Timothy is written to Timothy, whose journey began here. Practical Takeaways 1. Stay flexible—God may redirect even good plans. 2. Cross cultural barriers to reach people where they are. 3. Worship is a weapon in dark seasons. 4. Use resources—homes, finances, skills—for kingdom impact. 5. Stand up for justice while showing grace. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. This verse underscores the importance of trusting God's guidance. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This passage highlights the peace that comes from prayer and worship. Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. This verse affirms the power of the Gospel to transform lives. Teaching Points The Call to Macedonia Acts 16:9-10 describes Paul's vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. This divine direction emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in ministry. After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them (Acts 16:10). Lydia's Conversion Lydia, a seller of purple goods, becomes the first convert in Europe. Her open heart and hospitality demonstrate the impact of the Gospel on individuals and their households. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message (Acts 16:14). Paul and Silas in Prison Despite being unjustly imprisoned, Paul and Silas worship God through singing and prayer, leading to a miraculous earthquake that opens the prison doors. Their faithfulness in adversity results in the conversion of the jailer and his family. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25). The Power of the Gospel The chapter illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel, breaking cultural and social barriers, and bringing salvation to diverse individuals, from a businesswoman to a Roman jailer. Practical Applications Be Attentive to God's Guidance Like Paul, we should seek and be responsive to God's direction in our lives, trusting His plans even when they lead us into unfamiliar territory. Embrace Opportunities for Witness Whether in times of peace or adversity, we should be ready to share the Gospel, knowing that God can use any situation for His glory. Cultivate a Heart of Worship Paul and Silas's example teaches us to maintain a posture of worship and prayer, especially in difficult circumstances, trusting that God is at work. Open Your Home and Heart Lydia's hospitality encourages us to use our resources and homes to support the work of the Gospel and to welcome others into the faith community. People 1. Paul A central figure in the New Testament, Paul is an apostle and missionary. In Acts 16, he is on his second missionary journey, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches. The Greek name "Παῦλος" (Paulos) is used, reflecting his Roman citizenship and Jewish heritage. 2. Timothy A young disciple from Lystra, Timothy is the son of a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Paul circumcises him to avoid offending the Jews in the areas they plan to visit. His name in Greek is "Τιμόθεος" (Timotheos), meaning "honoring God." 3. Lydia A seller of purple goods from the city of Thyatira, Lydia is a worshiper of God who converts to Christianity after hearing Paul's message. Her name in Greek is "Λυδία" (Lydia), and she is noted for her hospitality, inviting Paul and his companions to stay at her home. 4. The Slave Girl A girl possessed by a spirit of divination, she earns money for her owners by fortune-telling. Paul commands the spirit to leave her, which leads to conflict with her owners. The Greek term for "spirit of divination" is "πνεῦμα Πύθωνα" (pneuma Pythona), referring to a spirit associated with the oracle of Delphi. 5. The Philippian Jailer The jailer responsible for Paul and Silas in Philippi. After an earthquake opens the prison doors, he is on the verge of suicide, fearing the prisoners have escaped. Paul reassures him, leading to the jailer's conversion and baptism. His role highlights the transformative power of the Gospel. 6. Silas A leader in the early church and companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. Silas, also known as Silvanus, is a Roman citizen like Paul. His name in Greek is "Σίλας" (Silas), and he is noted for his role in spreading the Gospel and enduring persecution alongside Paul. 7. The Magistrates The local Roman officials in Philippi who order Paul and Silas to be beaten and imprisoned. Their actions reflect the legal and social challenges faced by early Christians in a Roman-dominated world. 8. The Owners of the Slave Girl These individuals profit from the girl's fortune-telling abilities and are angered when Paul casts out the spirit, leading to their loss of income. They incite the crowd and bring Paul and Silas before the magistrates. Places 1. Derbe and Lystra Acts 16:1: "Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewish believer but whose father was a Greek." These are cities in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor. Lystra is notable for being the hometown of Timothy, a key figure in the early church. 2. Phrygia and Galatia Acts 16:6: "After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia." These regions are part of modern-day Turkey. The Holy Spirit guided Paul and his companions away from Asia to these areas. 3. Mysia Acts 16:7: "And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them." Mysia is a region in northwest Asia Minor. The apostles were divinely directed not to enter Bithynia from here. 4. Troas Acts 16:8: "So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas." Troas is a coastal city in Asia Minor, where Paul received a vision calling him to Macedonia. 5. Samothrace Acts 16:11: "We sailed from Troas straight to Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis." An island in the northern Aegean Sea, used as a stopover during Paul's journey to Macedonia. 6. Neapolis Acts 16:11: "We sailed from Troas straight to Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis." A port city in Macedonia, serving as the entry point for Paul and his companions into Europe. 7. Philippi Acts 16:12: "From there we went to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days." A significant city in Macedonia, where Paul established a church and encountered Lydia, a notable convert. 8. Thyatira Acts 16:14: "Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God." Although not visited in this chapter, Thyatira is mentioned as Lydia's hometown. It is located in Asia Minor and known for its trade. Events 1. Paul Meets Timothy Paul travels to Derbe and Lystra, where he meets Timothy, a disciple well spoken of by the believers. Paul decides to take Timothy along on his journey, circumcising him because of the Jews in those places (Acts 16:1-3). 2. The Macedonian Call While traveling through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, Paul and his companions are prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in Asia. They then attempt to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus does not allow them. In Troas, Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, leading them to conclude that God has called them to preach the gospel there (Acts 16:6-10). 3. Conversion of Lydia In Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia, Paul and his companions meet Lydia, a seller of purple goods, at a place of prayer by the river. The Lord opens her heart to respond to Paul's message, and she and her household are baptized (Acts 16:11-15). 4. Paul and Silas Imprisoned Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl with a spirit of divination. After many days, Paul commands the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ. Her owners, seeing their hope of profit gone, seize Paul and Silas, bringing them before the magistrates. They are beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:16-24). 5. The Philippian Jailer Converted At midnight, while Paul and Silas are praying and singing hymns, a violent earthquake shakes the prison, opening the doors and loosening the chains. The jailer, fearing the prisoners have escaped, is about to kill himself, but Paul stops him. The jailer asks how to be saved, and Paul and Silas tell him to believe in the Lord Jesus. The jailer and his household are baptized (Acts 16:25-34). 6. Release from Prison The next day, the magistrates send officers to release Paul and Silas. Paul insists that the magistrates come themselves to release them, as they were beaten and imprisoned without trial, being Roman citizens. The magistrates come, apologize, and ask them to leave the city. Paul and Silas visit Lydia's house to encourage the believers before departing (Acts 16:35-40). Lessons from Acts 16 1. The Power of Divine Guidance In Acts 16, we see the Holy Spirit actively guiding Paul and his companions, preventing them from preaching in certain regions and leading them to Macedonia instead. This teaches us the importance of being sensitive to God's direction in our lives. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." When we allow God to guide us, we can be confident that He is leading us to where we can be most effective for His kingdom. 2. The Call to Immediate Obedience When Paul received the vision of the man from Macedonia pleading for help, he and his companions immediately set out to respond to the call. This immediate obedience is a powerful lesson for us. As James 1:22 says, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." When God calls us to action, our prompt response can lead to incredible opportunities to serve and witness. 3. The Impact of Personal Testimonies Lydia, a seller of purple goods, was converted after hearing Paul's message. Her conversion and subsequent hospitality demonstrate the impact of personal testimonies. Sharing our faith and experiences with others can open hearts to the gospel. As 1 Peter 3:15 encourages, "Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you." 4. The Power of Prayer and Praise Paul and Silas, imprisoned for their faith, chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Their response to adversity shows us the power of prayer and praise in difficult times. As Philippians 4:6-7 instructs, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Their faithfulness led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them, demonstrating that God is always at work, even in our darkest moments. 5. The Importance of Community The conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household highlights the importance of community in the Christian faith. When one person comes to Christ, it often impacts their entire family or community. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another." 6. The Role of Hospitality in Ministry Lydia's hospitality towards Paul and his companions is a beautiful example of how opening our homes can further the gospel. Hospitality is a powerful ministry tool, as it creates opportunities for fellowship and sharing the love of Christ. Romans 12:13 encourages us to "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." 7. The Transformative Power of the Gospel The dramatic conversion of the Philippian jailer illustrates the transformative power of the gospel. His immediate change of heart and actions demonstrate how encountering Christ can radically alter one's life. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" 8. The Courage to Stand Firm Despite being beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas stood firm in their faith. Their courage in the face of persecution is a reminder for us to stand strong in our beliefs, even when it is difficult. Ephesians 6:13 encourages us, "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground." 9. The Joy of Salvation The joy experienced by the Philippian jailer and his household upon their conversion is a testament to the joy that comes with salvation. This joy is a gift from God and a powerful witness to others. As Psalm 51:12 prays, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit." 10. The Assurance of God's Sovereignty Throughout Acts 16, we see God's sovereign hand at work, orchestrating events for His purposes. This assurance of God's sovereignty gives us confidence that He is in control, no matter the circumstances. Romans 8:28 reassures us, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to rest in His perfect plan. Topics 1. Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins Paul and Silas set out on a missionary journey, strengthening the churches. Timothy joins them, and Paul circumcises him because of the Jews in the area (Acts 16:1-3). The Greek word for "strengthening" (ἐπιστηρίζω, epistērizō) implies confirming or establishing the faith of the believers. 2. The Macedonian Call Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, leading them to conclude that God called them to preach the Gospel there (Acts 16:9-10). The term "vision" (ὅραμα, horama) indicates a supernatural revelation. 3. Conversion of Lydia In Philippi, Lydia, a seller of purple goods, hears Paul’s message, and the Lord opens her heart to respond (Acts 16:14). The Greek word for "opened" (διανοίγω, dianoigō) suggests a divine action of enlightenment. 4. Paul and Silas Imprisoned After casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:16-24). The word "divination" (μαντεία, manteia) refers to fortune-telling, which was considered a form of pagan practice. 5. The Philippian Jailer Converted An earthquake opens the prison doors, and the jailer, fearing the prisoners have escaped, is about to kill himself. Paul stops him, leading to the jailer and his household's conversion (Acts 16:25-34). The Greek term for "believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō) emphasizes trust and faith in Jesus Christ. 6. Release and Departure from Philippi After discovering that Paul and Silas are Roman citizens, the magistrates release them, and they visit Lydia before departing (Acts 16:35-40). The term "magistrates" (στρατηγοί, stratēgoi) refers to the Roman officials in charge of the city. Themes 1. Guidance of the Holy Spirit Acts 16:6-7 highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in directing the apostles' missionary journey: "Paul and his companions traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them." The Greek word for "Spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma) emphasizes the active and guiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the early church. 2. Divine Vision and Call In Acts 16:9-10, Paul receives a vision calling him to Macedonia: "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." This theme underscores the divine initiative in mission work. 3. Conversion and Baptism The conversion of Lydia in Acts 16:14-15 illustrates the theme of conversion and baptism: "One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home." The Greek term for "baptized" (βαπτίζω, baptizō) signifies the act of immersion and initiation into the Christian faith. 4. Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance Acts 16:16-18 describes the deliverance of a slave girl possessed by a spirit: "Once, as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a great deal of money for her masters by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.' She continued this for many days. Finally, Paul became so troubled that he turned and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' At that moment the spirit left her." The Greek word for "spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma) here refers to an evil spirit, highlighting the reality of spiritual warfare. 5. Persecution and Suffering for the Gospel Acts 16:22-24 recounts the persecution faced by Paul and Silas: "The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks." This theme reflects the cost of discipleship and the suffering endured for the sake of the Gospel. 6. Praise and Worship in Adversity Despite their imprisonment, Paul and Silas worship God in Acts 16:25: "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." This theme emphasizes the power of worship and prayer even in difficult circumstances. 7. Miraculous Deliverance Acts 16:26 describes a miraculous event: "Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose." This theme highlights God's power to deliver His people in miraculous ways. 8. Salvation and Household Faith The conversion of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:30-34 illustrates the theme of salvation and household faith: "He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.' Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized." The Greek word for "saved" (σῴζω, sōzō) signifies deliverance and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Prayer Points Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life and ministry. Ask God for boldness and opportunities to share the Gospel, even in challenging situations. Pray for a heart of worship and gratitude, regardless of circumstances. Lift up those who are new to the faith, that they may grow in their relationship with Christ and be supported by the Christian community. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Acts 16:3, why would Paul have Timothy circumcised right after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 seemingly decided against such requirements? 2. In Acts 16:6–7, how could the Holy Spirit “forbid” preaching in Asia, and why would God restrict spreading the gospel? 3. In Acts 16:16–18, how credible is it that an allegedly demon-possessed fortune teller instantly recognizes and announces Paul and Silas’s divine mission? 4. In Acts 16:22–26, how could an earthquake open all the prison doors and unfasten everyone’s chains without inflicting any apparent damage or injury? 5. In Acts 16:31–34, does the jailer’s entire household receiving salvation contradict the principle of individual accountability taught elsewhere in Scripture? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the inclusion of Timothy, a believer of mixed heritage, in the missionary team suggest about the universality of the Gospel message? 2. How does Paul's vision in Troas demonstrate the guidance of the Holy Spirit? 3. Why do you think Paul decided to circumcise Timothy, given the conclusions of the Jerusalem Council? 4. What does Lydia's conversion and subsequent hospitality tell us about the effect of the Gospel on her life? 5. How does the exorcism of the slave girl demonstrate the conflict between spiritual freedom and economic exploitation? 6. How does the transformation of the Philippian jailer illustrate the Gospel's power to change lives? 7. What does the account of Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison teach us about maintaining faith amidst adversity? 8. How can we discern God's guidance in our life decisions, as Paul, Silas, and Timothy did during their missionary journey? 9. How can we respond to unfair treatment or false accusations, as exemplified by Paul and Silas? 10. What role does Paul's Roman citizenship play in this chapter, and what does it suggest about navigating cultural and legal systems for the sake of the Gospel? 11. How does Acts 16 challenge our understanding of freedom, both spiritual and physical? 12. How should we respond when our efforts to spread the Gospel lead to personal hardship or persecution? 13. How can the response of the jailer to his impending disaster serve as a metaphor for recognizing our need for salvation? 14. How does Paul's approach to dealing with the magistrates demonstrate wisdom and courage? 15. How can we apply the lessons from Lydia's conversion in our approach to sharing the Gospel with others? 16. How does the liberating experience of the slave girl challenge our understanding of spiritual warfare? 17. What can we learn from the communal aspect of conversions (Lydia's household, the jailer's family) seen in this chapter? 18. How does the chapter shape our understanding of God's sovereignty, even in seemingly chaotic situations? 19. What steps can we take to maintain our spiritual joy and courage in the face of challenges, like Paul and Silas in prison? 20. How does Acts 16 challenge us to extend our personal boundaries for the sake of the Gospel? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions