Acts 16

Summary

 

Acts 16 narrates significant events in Philippi, including the conversion of Lydia, the confrontation with a demon-possessed girl, and the dramatic conversion of the Philippian jailer. These events mark the expansion of the Gospel into new regions during Paul's missionary journey.

 

1. Timothy Joins Paul and Silas (Acts 16:1-5): Paul decides to take Timothy, a disciple with a Jewish mother and a Greek father, on the journey. Timothy is circumcised to avoid unnecessary conflict with Jewish communities.
2. The Macedonian Call (Acts 16:6-10): Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel through Asia Minor but are prevented by the Holy Spirit from going into certain regions. In a vision, Paul sees a man from Macedonia urging them to come. Taking this as a call from God, they set out for Macedonia.
3. Conversion of Lydia in Philippi (Acts 16:11-15): In Philippi, they meet Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opens her heart to respond to Paul's message, and she and her household are baptized. Lydia invites the missionaries to stay in her house.
4. Demon-Possessed Slave Girl (Acts 16:16-24): Paul and his companions encounter a slave girl with a spirit of divination. After Paul casts out the spirit, her owners, upset at the loss of their source of income, stir up a crowd against the missionaries. Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown into prison.
5. Earthquake and the Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:25-40): While in prison, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns. A violent earthquake shakes the prison, and the doors open. The jailer, fearing the prisoners had escaped, is about to kill himself when Paul stops him. The jailer and his household believe in Jesus and are baptized. The next day, the magistrates release Paul and Silas, who depart from Philippi.

 

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