Acts 16 - How Are We Getting in the Way of the Church Growing?

 Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

In Acts 16, we are introduced to Timothy, who would be mentored by the apostle Paul. Timothy became an important friend to Paul, and he wrote 1 and 2 Timothy. Note also Timothy's mom was Jewish and his dad was Greek, and Timothy was already a disciple. Paul circumcised him. I wonder if he did it himself. Ouch! This was a huge commitment Timothy made, and the reason would be so it wouldn't be a deterrent to him reaching the Jewish believers on their missionary travels. 

Their mission was to travel to the churches where the gospel had taken hold, to deliver the news of the decision in Jerusalem, and to strengthen and encourage them. The church was strong and grew daily in numbers of people reached. This is how the church should be. God wants to the grow the church today. The question might be how are we getting in the way!

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

Paul shows his sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, when he has a vision of a Macedonian man begging him to come and bring the gospel there. Simultaneously the Holy Spirit prevented Paul from going east to Asia Minor, as Macedonia was due west. Note Paul's obedience to the Holy Spirit, and specifically how the Holy Spirit had called him to go and preach the gospel there. 

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

Next, we see the conversion of a wealthy, purple cloth dealer named Lydia. She lived in Philippi and was an "influencer", as we say today. Paul met her down by the river on the Sabbath. Note he went out and met the people where they were at. Lydia feared God, as we might call her a "seeker' today. She met God that day and her whole household came to faith as well. 

Note her whole household became believers. The conversion happened to the whole family and ALL of THEM were baptized. This is one of the arguments for "infant baptism", as there were probably young children in the house. It also gives credence to conversion not just being "individualist", but also by faith coming to whole families. This is why usually if the father of the household comes to faith, the Good News will reach the whole family. 

She urged Paul and the other men to stay at her house. It says she "persuaded" them. She became an influential member of the mission and gained Paul's respect. Also, importantly she was a women. One of the many examples of how women played a vital role in the early church, and argument for women in ministry. The Holy Spirit came upon all people. Young and old, male and female, and Jew and Gentile. Therefore if everyone had the Holy Spirit, they were given gifts to use for the Great Commission. This why I am supporter of women in ministry and also women pastors, teachers, and missionaries.  

Paul and Silas in Prison

When Paul and his companions were going out to the place of prayer, they met a fortune teller who kept hounding them. Note fortune telling is real, as these people tap into the dark aspect of demonic spirits. That is why it is so important to not have anything to do with fortune tellers, Ouija boards, tarot cards etc..

In this case she was possessed by the spirit, and Paul commanded the spirit in the name of Jesus to come out of her. The spirit obeyed, as every spirit must obey the authority of Jesus' name. We have this same power in us to cast out any dark demonic force in the name of Jesus, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

The owners of this fortune teller were very angry because she was a money maker. They took Paul and Silas, the two leaders, and brought them before the Roman Magistrates accusing of them of stirring up trouble and violating their Jewish laws. A mob formed and Paul and Silas were beaten and put in prison. A guard had them chained and was told to watch them very carefully. Everyone knew how powerful these guys were, but they would soon find out they couldn't stand up to the power of God!

When midnight came, Paul and Silas were singing and praying to God. Note they went right to their power source. This did not go unnoticed by the other prisoners. And God answered their prayers by not only freeing Paul and Silas, but also ALL of the other prisoners. The guard was so distraught, he wanted to take his own life, but Paul stopped him from hurting himself. He knew it was not the guy's fault. He was only doing what he thought he should be doing. Maybe Paul was reminded of the grace that was shown him when he came to persecute the Jews and Jesus saved him. 

The jailer knew that the power was from God and asked, "What must I do to be saved?" Paul spoke the simple words that we should say to anyone the Holy Spirit is leading to be saved. Once again not only did the jailer come to faith, but his whole household did and were baptized. Notice belief and baptism always went together. Although baptism, in and of itself, doesn't save us it is a vital part of being saved. After all in Mark 16:16 the gospel writer says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved!" Again there were probably young children in the household more evidence for baptism of younger people. 

The whole incident did not go unnoticed by the Roman magistrates, and they decided to free Paul and Silas. They must have reasoned that they shouldn't stop the power of God. But Paul and Silas said, "Not so fast, you tried us without a fair trial!" Since they were Roman citizens it made the magistrates afraid, because they had mistreated them. They respectfully let them out and asked them to leave the area.

But Paul and Silas took the opportunity to go back to Lydia's house and encouraged them, most likely with the story about how they were supernaturally released from prison and received royal treatment. Can you imagine how cool it must have been for the apostles to experienced this? It was probably a huge confirmation of their faith and obedience to the Lord and their calling to be missionaries. 

When we do the work of God it gives us great satisfaction and purpose in life. We can never outgive God!