In today’s study our titles are; Verses 1-10 Paul and Silas are joined by Timothy, they go into Macedonia. Verses 11-18 Lydia is led to believe. Verses 19-24 The imprisonment at Philippi. Verses 25-29 The conversation of the Philippian jailer. Verses 30-40 It is a fact that you can be saved by the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 16 and verse 1 reads.
Acts 16:1] Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
The He here is Paul. This Timothy’s mother was of Judah, and his father being Greek (a Roman citizen) is a reason for the split of Barnabas and Mark from Paul as we will see in a minute. remember Paul is a Roman citizen, though he is an Israelite. Barnabas and Mark are not Roman citizens.
Acts 16:2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
We are being introduced to Timothy here. Paul would praise Timothy best in 2Timothy 1 and verse 2 reads.
2Tim.1:2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
We see here that Timothy was raised by his mother and grandmother in the Word of God. Now, let’s go to 2Timothy 3 and verse 15 reads.
2Tim.3:15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
How Paul loved Timothy, full of the Holy Spirit from his childhood. Teach your children while they are young, and they will never leave the Father for long. Back to Acts 16 and verse 3 reads.
Acts 16:3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Now Paul was just with the brethren in Jerusalem, they just reasoned with the Apostles that circumcision was not of the flesh but of the heart, for both men and women. Why Paul would circumcise any man now is beyond my understanding. But we find his reason in 1Corinthians 9 and verse 19 reads.
1Cor.9:19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
The only reason I can give for Paul’s decision to circumcise Timothy. Back to Acts 16 and verse 4 reads.
Acts 16:4] And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
Elders put burdens of law on the people, but the Apostles taught Moses, prophets and gospels. The good news that Christ has died and was risen again that on repentance our sins may be forgiven. But these decrees were supposed to be that the circumcision is now of the heart. Written by Moses himself in Deuteronomy 30 and verse 6 reads.
Deu.30:6] And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Back to Acts 16 and verse 5 reads.
Acts 16:5] And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Establishing the churches in faith, they increased greatly daily. Remember we started out with only one hundred and twenty in Acts 1:15.
Acts 16:6] Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
[7] After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
The Holy Spirit was guiding them where to go, and Asia and Bithynia were not allowed. Remember, God leads and we follow.
Acts 16:8] And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
Paul would explain this in 2Corinthians 2 and verse 12 reads.
2Cor.2:12] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
[13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
Back to Acts where we find this door being opened, and verse 9 reads.
Acts 16:9] 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.
Paul would speak of this moment also in 2Timothy 4 and verse 13 reads.
2Tim.4:13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
It was here in Troas that he left behind his coat. But see how he kept notes (parchments) that were so important to him. Keep notes whether it be in your bible or on paper inside your bible, it helped even Paul. Back to Acts 16 and verse 10 reads.
Acts 16:10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Notice the We in this verse, Luke is keeping scribe for Paul and is the writer of Acts, he included himself.
Acts 16:11] Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
[12] And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
Paul would include Timothy in Philippians 1 and verse 1 reads.
Phi.1:1] Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Paul was very proud of Timothy, even calling him his son, spiritually. Back to Acts 16 and verse 13 reads.
Acts 16:13] And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
We see here that women seemed to always hold their own bible studies, even in these days.
Acts 16:14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
A seller of purple means she was in the fine linen business, as was Rahab.
Acts 16:15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Probably a believer who studied under John the Baptist, now has the news of Christ crucified. Who was having prayer with others and worshipping the Lord when Paul came. Notice how she constrained us, who could possibly let the truth go from them. What a blessing for her and her house.
Acts 16:16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
This woman was possessed by a serpent spirit. Wicked and of Satan. Don’t overlook that she brought much money to her masters, she was in bondage.
Acts 16:17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
This possessed woman proclaimed the truth. But for nefarious reasons. Let’s go to Leviticus 19 and verse 31 is a commandment and it reads.
Lev.19:31] Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
Woe to those who seek after soothsaying, Pharoah cards and sorcery. It is evil to seek the dead among the living! Back to Acts 16 and verse 18 reads.
Acts 16:18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
The same hour means; immediately. Remember Luke 10 and verse 19 reads.
Luke 10:19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
[20] Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
But never forget Luke 11 when casting out evil spirits and verse 24 reads.
Luke 11:24] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
[25] And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
[26] Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
You must fill that person you cast out the evil spirit from with Jesus Christ or they will return and that person will suffer greatly. Know what you’re doing! Back to Acts 16 and verse 19 reads.
Acts 16:19] 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,
Never come between a man and his ill-gotten gains. Remember Paul only cast out the devil because he was grieved by that spirit. They should have known to leave him alone. But the LORD is in charge, and all is for a reason.
Acts 16:20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
Here is the reason that God stirred up the spirits between Paul and Barnabas in the last chapter. Barnabas and Mark were indeed Jews, though Paul and Silas are of the tribes of Israel, Judaea, but are also Roman citizens. These men will make a big mistake, but remember the LORD is in charge.
Acts 16:21] And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
The Roman government thought religion was superstition.
Acts 16:22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
It is illegal to beat a Roman citizen without direct allowance from Caesar himself and only after a trial. Let’s go to 2Corinthians 6 and verse 4 reads.
2Cor.6:4] But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
[5] In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
[6] By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
[7] By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
[8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
[11] O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
Paul suffered many persecutions for the Word of God. Back to Acts 16 and verse 23 reads.
Acts 16:23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
[24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Imagine you in prison with these two and hear them singing praises to God. Let’s go to Romans 15 and verse 9 reads.
Rom.15:9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Written in Psalms 18 and verse 49 reads.
Psa.18:49] Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Back to Acts 16 and verse 26 reads.
Acts 16:26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
[27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
[28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
The other prisoners were still there also after hearing them pray to the Lord and suddenly all doors and shackles falling off of them, might have opened their eyes. Notice Paul had compassion for the jailor. Remember Acts 12 when God opened the prison for Paul, the sixteen jailors were put to death after Paul escaped in verse 19.
Acts 16:29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And 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 shalt be saved, and thy house.
Everyone knows John 3:16, but let’s go to 1John 5 and verse 10 reads.
1John 5:10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
[11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
[12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
[13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Back to Acts 16 and verse 32 reads.
Acts 16:32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Notice the They in that sentence, Paul is including Silas and Luke, as well as other disciples that were with them. When a man is saved, his whole house is usually saved with him. Fathers pay attention, you are the bishops of your house.
Acts 16:33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Cleaned their stripes, and fed them in his own house. How the LORD works is mighty indeed.
Acts 16:35] And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
The magistrates found out they were Roman citizens, and they were frightened.
Acts 16:36] And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
[37] But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
It was illegal to beat a Roman publicly without a trial. They had just broken the law, not only did they beat them, but also imprisoned them without trial. These people are in big trouble with Ceasar. This will put the fear of Caesar in them.
Acts 16:38] And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
When they heard they publicly professed they were Romans, they feared greatly.
Acts 16:39] And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
[40] And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
If Barnabas and Mark were there, they would have no problem with abusing them publicly. But the fact that it was only Paul and Silas, it saved their lives. See how the Lord works, it was the Holy Spirit that intervened and separated Paul and Barnabas with Mark. God takes care of his ministries and those that serve him. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible