Acts 16

Acts 16:1

16:1, 2 Memories must have come back to Paul like swallows to a barn when he returned to DERBE and LYSTRA. The memory of his stoning at Lystra might conceivably have raised misgivings about ever returning. But the apostle knew that God had people in this area, and no consideration of personal safety could deter him. As suggested previously, Timothy may have been converted through Paul’s ministry during the apostle’s first visit to Lystra (apparently Timothy’s home town. Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, were both Jewish believers (2Ti_1:5). His father was Greek and may have died by this time. It rejoiced Paul’s heart to learn from the brethren … at Lystra and Iconium that Timothy was progressing well in the Christian faith. Paul invited him to go along on this missionary trip. We do well to notice that the early apostles not only worked in pairs, but also took along younger brethren (Mark and Timothy) for training in practical aspects of the Christian ministry. What a privilege it was for these young men to be yoked together with seasoned veterans in Christian missionary enterprise. 16:3 Before Paul departed, he circumcised Timothy. Why did he do this, when he had steadfastly refused to have Titus circumcised some time previously (Gal_2:1-5)? The answer is simply this: in the case of Titus it was a question of fundamental Christian doctrine, where as here it was not. The false teachers were insisting that a full-blooded Gentile, like Titus, had to be circumcised in order to be saved. Paul recognized this as a denial of the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work, and would not allow it. Here the case was entirely different.

The people of the area knew that Timothy was Jewish from his mother. Paul, Silas, and Timothy were going forth on evangelistic work. Their first contacts would frequently be with the Jews. If these Jews knew that Timothy was not circumcised, they might refuse to listen; whereas if he were, there would be no possibility of offense on this score. Since it was entirely a matter of moral indifference and not of doctrinal importance, Paul submitted Timothy to this Jewish ordinance. He was made all things to all men that he might by all means save some (1Co_9:19-23). The interpretation that Paul’s circumcising of Timothy was in order to gain an audience for the gospel with the Jews seems to be strongly implied by the words, and circumcised him because of the Jews … for they all knew that his father was Greek.16:4-5 As the three missionaries traveled through the cities of Lycaonia, they delivered to the churches the decrees which had been drawn up by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. These decrees were, in brief, as follows:

1. As far as salvation is concerned, faith alone is necessary. Circumcision or law-keeping should not be added to faith as a condition for being saved.
2. Sexual immorality was forbidden for all believers and for all time, but this reminder was probably addressed primarily to converted Gentiles, since this was (and is) their besetting sin.
3. Meats offered to idols, meat from animals that had been strangled, and blood were forbidden as food, not as matters essential to salvation, but to facilitate fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers. Some of these instructions were subsequently revised (see 1 Cor. 8-10; 1Ti_4:4-5). As a result of the ministry of these men, the churches were strengthened in the Christian faith, and increased in number daily.16:6-8 These verses are of vital importance because they show the superintendence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the missionary strategy of the apostles. After revisiting the churches in PHRYGIA and GALATIA, they had thought of going into the province of Asia, in western Asia Minor, but the Holy Spirit forbade them. We are not told why; some have suggested that perhaps in the divine counsels this region was allocated to Peter (see 1Pe_1:1). At any rate they traveled northwest into the district of MYSIA. This was actually included in the province of Asia, but apparently they did not preach there. When they attempted next to go northeast into Bithynia, along the coast of the Euxine (Black) Sea, the Spirit did not permit them.

So they went directly west to the coastal city of TROAS. From there the missionaries could look across the Aegean Sea toward Greece, the threshold of Europe. Ryrie writes: Asia needed the Gospel, but this was not God’s time. Need did not constitute their call. They had just come from the east; they had been forbidden to go south or north, but they did not presume that the Lord was leading them to the westthey waited His specific directions. Logic alone is not the basis for a call. 16:9 During a night vision Paul saw a man of MACEDONIA calling to him to come over and help. Macedonia was the northern part of Greece, due west of Troas. Whether consciously or not, Macedonia (and all Europe!) needed the gospel of redeeming grace. The Lord had been closing doors in Asia so His servants would carry the good news to Europe. Stalker paints the picture: [The man of Macedonia] represented Europe, and his cry for help Europe’s need of Christ. Paul recognized in the vision a divine summons; and the very next sunset which bathed the Hellespont in its gold light shone upon his figure seated on the deck of a ship, the prow of which was moving toward the shore of Macedonia. 16:10 There is a significant change here in the personal pronoun from he to we. It is generally believed that Luke, the writer of Acts, joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy at this time. From here on he records the events as an eyewitness.

EXCURSUS ON DIVINE GUIDANCE In order to function effectively on earth, the early church depended on the guidance of its Head in heaven. But how did the Lord Jesus make known His will to His servants? He had left His general strategy with them before He ascended, when He said, You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Act_1:8). After His Ascension, He made known His will to them in several ways. Peter and the other disciples were guided by the OT Scriptures (Psa_69:25) to choose a successor for Judas (Act_1:15-26). On at least five occasions the Lord guided men through visionsAnanias (Act_9:10-16); Cornelius (Act_10:3); Peter (Act_10:10-11, Act_10:17); Paul (twiceAct_16:9-10; Act_18:9). Twice He guided through prophets (Act_11:27-30; Act_21:10-12). At other times the Christians were guided by circumstances. For instance, they were scattered or driven by persecution (Act_8:1-4; Act_11:19; Act_13:50-51; Act_14:5-6). Civil authorities asked Paul and Silas to leave Philippi (Act_16:39-40). Later Paul was taken from Jerusalem to Caesarea by the authorities (Act_23:33). The circumstance of Paul’s appeal to Caesar determined his trip to Rome (Act_25:11), and the later shipwreck affected the timing and sequence of moves (Act_27:41; Act_28:1). Sometimes guidance came through the counsel and initiative of other Christians. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch (Act_11:22). Agabus prophesied a famine, and this moved the church in Antioch to send relief to the saints in Judea (Act_11:27-30). The brethren at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem (Act_15:2). Judas and Silas were sent out by the church at Jerusalem with Barnabas and Paul (Act_15:25-27). Paul and Silas were commended by the brethren to the grace of God as they set out on the Second Missionary Journey (Act_15:40).

Paul took Timothy with him when he left Lystra (Act_16:3). The brethren in Thessalonica sent Paul and Silas to Berea because of the threat of violence (Act_17:10). The brethren in Berea, in turn, sent Paul away for the same reason (Act_17:14-15). Finally, Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia (Act_19:22). In addition to the above methods of guidance, there are several instances where men seem to have received communications of the divine will directly. An angel of the Lord guided Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch (Act_8:26). The Holy Spirit spoke to the prophets and teachers at Antioch as they fasted and prayed (Act_13:1-2). Paul and Timothy were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia (Act_16:6). Later they tried to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them to go (Act_16:7). To summarize then, the early Christians received guidance:

1. Through the Scriptures.
2. Through visions and prophecies.
3. Through circumstances.
4. Through the advice and initiative of other Christians.
5. Through direct communication, possibly in an inward, subjective manner.

16:11, 12 Sailing northwest from Troas, the tireless ambassadors of Christ first anchored for a night off the island of SAMOTHRACE. They next reached the mainland at the port of NEAPOLIS, over 120 miles from Troas, then journeyed inland a few miles to PHILIPPI, which was the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony.16:13-15 Apparently there was no synagogue in Philippi, but Paul and his companions heard that some Jewish people gathered on the Sabbath outside the city by the riverside. Reaching the spot, they found a group of women praying, including one named Lydia. She was probably a convert to Judaism. Originally from the city of Thyatira, in the district of Lydia, in western Asia Minor, she had moved to Philippi, where she was a seller of purple-dyed cloth. Thyatira was famous for its dyes. Not only was her ear open to the gospel; her heart was open as well. After receiving the Lord Jesus, she and her household were baptized. The members of her household had, of course, been converted also before they were baptized. There is no mention of Lydia’s being married; her household could have consisted of servants. Lydia was not saved by good works, but she was saved in order to do them. She proved the reality of her faith by opening her home to Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy. 16:16-18 Another day, when Paul and his companions were going to the place of prayer, they met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination. Possessed by a demon, she was able to foretell the future and to make other astounding revelations. In this way she brought considerable income to her masters. When she met the Christian missionaries, and for many days thereafter, she followed them, crying out, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. What she said was true, but Paul knew better than to accept testimony from demons. Also he was grieved because of the wretched condition of this enslaved girl. So, in the all-powerful name of Jesus Christ, he commanded the demon to come out of her. Immediately she was freed from this dreadful bondage, and became a sane, rational person.

EXCURSUS ON MIRACLES Miracles are woven throughout the narrative of the Book of Acts. The following are some of the more prominent ones: The miraculous gift of tongues (Act_2:4; Act_10:46; Act_19:6). The healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple (Act_3:7). The sudden judgmental death of Ananias and Sapphira (Act_5:5, Act_5:10). The deliverance of the apostles from prison (Act_5:19). Saul’s encounter with the glorified Christ (Act_9:3-6). The healing of Aeneas by Peter (Act_9:34). The restoration to life of Dorcas (Act_9:40). Peter’s vision of the sheet let down from heaven (Act_10:11). Peter’s deliverance from prison (Act_12:7-10). The slaying of Herod by an angel (Act_12:23). The judgment of blindness on Elymas, the sorcerer (Act_13:11). The healing of the crippled man at Lystra by Paul (Act_14:10). Paul’s restoration after being stoned at Lystra (Act_14:19-20). Paul’s vision of the man of Macedonia calling for help (Act_16:9). Paul’s casting out the evil spirit from the girl in Philippi (Act_16:18). The deliverance of Paul and Silas from prison in Philippi (Act_16:26). Paul’s raising Eutychus to life (Act_20:10-11). The prophecy of Agabus (Act_21:10-11). Paul’s deliverance from a viper at Malta (Act_28:3-6). The healing of Publius’ father of fever (Act_28:8). The healing of others’ diseases (Act_28:9). In addition to these, it is said that the apostles worked wonders and signs (Act_2:43); Stephen performed great wonders and signs among the people (Act_6:8); Philip worked miracles and signs (Act_8:6, Act_8:13); Barnabas and Paul worked signs and wonders (Act_15:12); and God worked miracles by the hands of Paul (Act_19:11). In studying Acts, the question naturally arises, Should we expect these same miracles today? There are two extremes to be avoided in answering the question. The first is the position that since Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we should be seeing the same miracles that were found in the early church. The opposite extreme is that miracles were only for the early days of the church and that we have no right to look for them today. It is true that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb_13:8). But that does not mean that the divine methods never change. The plagues God used in Egypt, for instance, have never been repeated. His power is the same. He can still perform any kind of miracles. But that does not mean He must perform the same miracles in every age. He is a God of infinite variety. On the other hand, we should not wave miracles aside as not being for the Church Age. It is all too easy to assign miracles to dispensational pigeonholes and content ourselves with lives that never rise above flesh and blood. Our lives should be charged with supernatural power. We should be constantly seeing God’s hand in the marvelous converging of circumstances. We should be experiencing His guidance in a miraculous, mysterious way. We should experience events in our lives that lie beyond the laws of probability. We should be aware that God is arranging contacts, opening doors, overruling opposition. Our service should crackle with the supernatural. We should be seeing direct answers to prayer. When our lives touch other lives, we should see something happening for God. We should see His hand in breakdowns, delays, accidents, losses, and seeming tragedies. We should experience extraordinary deliverances and be aware of strength, courage, peace, and wisdom beyond our natural limits. If our lives are lived only on the natural level, how are we any different from non-Christians? God’s will is that our lives should be supernatural, that the life of Jesus Christ should flow out through us. When this takes place, impossibilities will melt, closed doors will open, and power will surge. Then we will be super-charged with the Holy Spirit, and when people get near us, they will feel the sparks of the Spirit.

16:19-24 Instead of being grateful that this young woman was no longer demon-possessed, her masters bitterly resented the resulting loss of profit. They therefore dragged … Paul and Silas before the magistrates (praetors), and trumped up charges against them. Basically, they accused them of being troublemaking Jews who were trying to upset the Roman way of life. The mob reacted violently, and the magistrates tore off the clothes of Paul and Silas and commanded them to be beaten. After a thorough beating, the missionaries were sent to jail, with special instructions to the jailer to keep them securely. He responded by putting them into the inner prison and fastening their feet in the stocks. In this passage we see two of Satan’s chief methods. First, he tried false friendshipthe testimony of the demon-possessed girl. When this failed, he resorted to open persecution. Grant says: Alliance or persecutionthese are the alternatives: false friendship or open war. A. J. Pollock comments: How the Devil must have triumphed as he thought he had brought the career of these devoted servants of Christ to an abrupt close. His triumphing was premature as it ever must be. In this case it turned out to his utter discomfiture, and to the furtherance of the work of the Lord. 16:25 The midnight hour found Paul and Silas … praying and singing. Their joy was completely independent of earthly circumstances. The source of all their singing was high in heaven above. Morgan admits: Any man can sing when the prison doors are open, and he is set free. The Christian soul sings in prison. I think that Paul would probably have sung a solo had I been Silas: but I nevertheless see the glory and grandeur of the Spirit that rises superior to all the things of difficulty and limitation. 16:26 As the other prisoners were listening to their prayers and hymns of praise to God, the prison was rocked by an unusual earthquake. It opened … all the doors and unloosed the stocks and chains, but it did not demolish the building. 16:27, 28 When the jailer awoke and saw the prison wide open, he assumed that the prisoners had made their escape. Aware that his own life would be forfeited, he drew his sword to commit suicide. But Paul assured him there was no need for him to do that, because all the prisoners were still present and accounted for. 16:29, 30 Now a new emotion swept over the jailer. His fears of losing his job and perhaps his life gave way to deep conviction of sin. He was now afraid to meet God in his sins. He cried, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?This question must precede every genuine case of conversion. A man must know he is lost before he can be saved. It is premature to tell a man how to be saved until first he can say from his heart, I truly deserve to go to hell.16:31 The only people in the NT who were ever told to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ were convicted sinners.

Now that the jailer was thoroughly broken up over his sins, he was told: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.There is no suggestion here that his family would be saved automatically if he trusted Christ. The meaning is that if he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, he would be saved, and his household would be saved in the same way. Believe … and you will be saved, and let your household do the same.Many people today seem to have difficulty knowing what it means to believe. However, when a sinner realizes he is lost, helpless, hopeless, hell-bound, and when he is told to believe on Christ as Lord and Savior, he knows exactly what it means. It is the only thing left that he can do! 16:32-34 After Paul and Silas had a teaching session with the household, the jailer demonstrated the genuineness of his conversion by washing their wounds, and by being baptized without delay. Also he brought them into his house and fed them, rejoicing all the time with all his household that they had all come to know the Lord. Again we would mention that there is no support for believing there were infants or very young children in the household who were baptized. They were all old enough to believe in God. 16:35 Apparently the magistrates had a change of heart during the night, because in the morning they sent the officers (lictors) with instructions to release the two prisoners. 16:36, 37 When the jailer announced the good news to Paul, the apostle refused to leave under such circumstances. After all, Silas and he, though Jews by birth, were citizens of Rome. They had been tried and beaten unfairly. Now did the magistrates think they would slink away as if guilty and in disgrace? No indeed! Let the magistrates come and release the prisoners. 16:38-40 The magistrates did come, and rather apologetically at that! They urged Paul and Silas to depart from the city without further disturbance. With the dignity of sons of the King, the Lord’s servants went out of the prison, but they did not leave the city immediately. First they went to Lydia’s house, conferred with the brethren, and encouraged them. How wonderful! The ones who should have been comforted were encouraging others. When their mission in Philippi was accomplished, they departed with full colors flying.