ETB Acts 16:11-15, 29-40

Session 6 p.55 Every Opportunity

Much of today’s lesson is from other sources as I struggled to find personal insight into this week’s narrative. But I guess, all of my lesson’s should be from another source. I pray the Spirit will speak through each lesson to enable us all to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, and serve Him more eagerly.

“There’s a tide in the affairs of men,” wrote Shakespeare. His character was addressing how we often succeed or fail based on whether we seize opportunities when they arise. [ETB:PSG Spr'24]

That quote is from “Julius Caesar” and ironically, or maybe it was intentional by the lesson writers, it is from Brutus discussing battle plans and heading of the enemy at Philippi before more men can be recruited and their military advantage is lost.

Discuss: Can you give personal examples of opportunities you lost because you failed to take advantage of them? (p. 53)

Understand the Context

Last week’s passage ended with 16:10 and the missionaries in Troas receiving the call to go to Macedonia.

The missionary journey narrative continued in Acts 16:11 with the trip from Troas to Philippi. This particular journey was taken by sea—a five-day trip. Philippi was an ancient city and a source of great wealth due to copper and gold deposits nearby. It was made a Roman colony in 168 BC and still felt a strong Roman influence in the first century.

In Philippi, the missionaries also encountered a demon-possessed slave girl (16:16-18). The girl followed Paul and Silas and proclaimed that they were “servants of the Most High God.” The girl was a profitable tool for her owners as she predicted future events for people. Eventually, though, Paul had enough and commanded the demon to come out of her.

The girl’s owners were infuriated by Paul’s actions and presented the men to the magistrates for disturbing the peace (16:19-24). The crowd supported the girl’s owners and cried out for justice. Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

Before this happened, they men were able begin their normal routine of teaching and sharing the gospel.

Though Philippi was large, Luke’s wording suggests that there was no synagogue in the city. To find a worship center for Jews, the missionaries had to go to the river, where people gathered for prayer on the Sabbath (Acts 16:11-15). In time, one of the women they met, Lydia, was converted. She invited the missionaries to stay with her family, indicating that she enjoyed enough prosperity to take four guests into her home. [ETB:PSG Spr'24]

Life Application Bible Notes Map: Paul Travels to Macedonia

Luke highlights the stories of three individuals who became believers through Paul’s ministry in Philippi: Lydia, the influential businesswoman (16:14), the demon-possessed slave girl (16:16–18), and the jailer (16:27–30). The Good News was affecting all strata of society, just as it does today.

Explore the Text

Acts 16:11–15 ESV

11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

Philippi, a Roman colony

Holman Concise Bible Commentary Witnessing in Philippi (16:11–40)

A colony enjoyed many privileges, such as being under Roman law, election of their own officials, and exemption from provincial taxes.

This status, however, could be revoked is other Roman laws, like fair trials of its citizens, where violated.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised Colony

established as a colony by Octavian (afterward styled Augustus) after the battle of Actium (31 B.C.), under the name Colonia Augusta Iulia Philippi, or Philippensis. It received the ius Italicum, whereby provincial cities acquired the same status as Italian cities, permitting them to possess municipal self-government and exemption from poll and land taxes.

on the Sabbath

Although they would not find a synagogue, those who would worship the God of Israel would meet on this day. Keeping with Paul’s established pattern the men went to a likely place to find those who would at least be familiar with Yahweh.

Place of prayer

As a Roman colony, traditionally there would not be any religious centers allowed within the city walls that were not sanctioned by Roman government.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised Prayer, Place of

Every other use of Gk. proseuchḗ in the NT (thirty-five times, including seven in Acts) is translated “prayer.” In Acts 16, however, where the text is debated (see below), most recent English versions render “place of prayer.” The use of Gk. proseuchḗ for a place is first attested in Hellenistic Egypt and is regularly a Jewish term (Papyrus de Magdola 35.5 [3rd cent. B.C.]; Tebtunis Papyrus I, 86.18 [2nd cent. B.C.]; etc.). Later the word is often equivalent to “synagogue”; thus the synagogues in Rome were termed proseuchaí (J. B. Frey on Corpus Inscriptionum Judaicarum, no 531 [p. 391]; cf. Juvenal Satires iii.296). In Acts, however, the term probably refers to an informal place or enclosure outside a city that lacked the ten Jewish men traditionally needed for a synagogue service.

When a city did not have a synagogue, groups of Jews often established places of prayer near rivers. [This would be to meet the Law requirements of cleansing by the use of “running water.”] Paul and his friends found such a prayer meeting outside the city by the Gangites River. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Lydia

While Luke did not share the backgrounds of all the women, he did note that Lydia was a worshiper of God. This suggests she was a Gentile who had embraced Jewish practice. She was originally from Thyatira and was a business owner who sold purple goods. Purple dyes were costly and considered the color of royalty. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

It is unclear from the text if she considered Thyatira her home and merely owned a house in Philippi for doing business, or if she had taken up permanent residence within the Roman province.

God opened Lydia’s heart, and she received Christ. She and her household understood the message, gave their lives to Christ. In doing so, they became the first European believers recorded in Scripture. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Although not stated directly, we know this is true because the missionaries baptized the group and would not have done so unless they were sure of the internal commitment to Christ affirmed to them by the Holy Spirit’s work in them and the household.

Part of her display of the new heart included showing gratitude and hospitality to those who had helped her receive Christ.

Come to my house and stay

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 16

Jews generally avoided staying with non-Jewish people (see 10:28 and note). By staying at her home, Paul seems to be embodying the message given to Peter in his vision and, as such, the conclusions of the Jerusalem Council (10:9–16; 15:22–29).

Life Application Bible Notes Map: Paul Travels to Macedonia

The notion of hospitality is related to the word “hospital.” In other words, we practice hospitality when we generously and cordially throw open the doors of our homes to care for others. In hospitality, we nurture, strengthen, and serve. The result is that others find physical, spiritual, and emotional help. When they leave us, they are healthier and more whole than when they came.

The book has this Application Point: Believers should look for ways to turn everyday encounters into opportunities for gospel conversations.

Not everyone is able to travel to foreign lands or even little away from home, but we can assist those who are able and are using every opportunity that they have to share the gospel and its hope. The church pastor that we delivered relief goods too this past week is an example. The flood damage in the mountains has opened opportunities to share that he had not had in the past. By sending him relief items he has tangible means to show God’s love to those who in the past would not have accepted his gifts, and thereby his message of hope in Christ. Sometimes our encounters are personal and direct, something they are more indirect, but we must be sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting to participate with Him in His work whenever and wherever He gives us a chance.

The book now skips over the text involving the freeing of the girl from the prophetic demon and her owners getting Paul and Silas arrested. I am not sure why or how Luke and Timothy avoided the incarceration, maybe they were ministering elsewhere at the time. The two were beaten with rods and imprisoned under the false charges of “disturbing our city.”

Our text picks up the story midnight after their false arrest and immediately after:

Acts 16:26 “... there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.”

With all the doors open, the Jailer assumed all the prisoners would have escaped and he would have been executed. He was about to pass sentence on himself when Paul stopped him. Astonished by the voice in the night, the Jailer is now presented with an opportunity for his deliverance.

Acts 16:29–34 ESV

29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

Trembling with fear

The experience of the earthquake and near suicide took a heavy toll on the jailer. The Greek wording indicates overwhelming fear or terror. It would not be hyperbole to say that he was traumatized. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

What must I do to be saved?

He had already been saved from the earthquake and then his own sword, what else was there?

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 16

when those around you hear you singing in the day of adversity, like the jailer they will say, “What must I do to be saved?”

The jailer knew that the missionaries had been preaching about salvation, and God used the circumstances to prepare his heart.

The jailer’s question—What must I do to be saved?—could have meant that he was looking for a way to escape death. More likely, it implied a need for spiritual salvation. Either way, the answer was the same. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Believe in the Lord Jesus:

Paul and Silas took the jailer’s question seriously and gave him a serious answer: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. The jailer must have heard Paul and Silas speak. He probably knew about the exorcism. He heard their singing. He definitely experienced the powerful hand of God in the earthquake. But what he needed more than anything was to believe. The salvation he sought was available, but it required faith in Christ. Apparently, Paul and Silas elaborated on all of this when they “spoke the word of the Lord to him” (v. 32). [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Ask: Why is verbally sharing the gospel important? (p. 55)

(Romans 10:17 “17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

It is unclear if there were one or two separate presentations of the Gospel. The more likely is that one was given to the Jailer in the jail, and then in gratitude and faith he brought the two men to his home for them to share will all his family.

All who were in his house

Four times in this passage, Luke referred to the members of the jailer’s house. Paul assured him that “you and your household” could be saved (v. 31). Twice, Luke noted that everyone in the family did, in fact, receive Christ (vv. 32,34). Finally, he noted that they all were baptized (v. 33). Like Lydia, the salvation of one family member inspired a decision by every member of the family. As Paul and Silas took advantage of the opportunities God provided, entire family trees were being transformed. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

In another show of hospitality and gratitude to these men, the jailer:

Washed their wounds

The jailer made a significant departure from the usual treatment of prisoners. Taking Paul and Silas into his home, he tended to their injuries. Luke noted that he also “set food before them” (v. 34). His view of Paul and Silas had transformed from that of prisoners to brothers in Christ. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

One commentary noted that the Jailer washed the men’s physical wounds, and the men washed the jailer’s spiritual wounds with the Word and baptism.

In a final showing of the changed heart in the jailer and household they:

Rejoiced

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 16

Rejoiced translates Greek agalliaō, a word not used by secular Greek writers and which always in the NT signifies a deep spiritual joy (cf. Matt. 5:12; Luke 1:46–47; 10:21; John 8:56; Acts 2:26; 1 Pet. 4:13; Rev. 19:7).

Acts 16:35–40 ESV

35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

Let those men go

Luke did not share why these city leaders decided to release Paul and Silas. They may have felt like a flogging and a night in prison would keep the missionaries from disturbing the peace any further. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

No! Let them come themselves and take us out.

I believe that the Holy Spirit had prompted the men to wait on this action earlier that morning after the earthquake and was part of the reason they did not leave when the chains and doors opened. Acceptance of the Gospel and the Spirit’s work in the rest of the town would be hindered if they were not publically exonerated of the false charges.

they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens

Roman citizens held many privileges when traveling within Roman territory. For example, Roman citizens were protected from humiliating punishments, such as being bound or beaten. Further, they were entitled to a thorough investigation and a trial. The magistrates had violated Roman law on all of these counts when they persecuted Paul and Silas. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Luke & Acts Commentary

A magistrate might lose his office or, worse, be disqualified from ever serving in governmental administration again, if he mistreated a Roman citizen (Cicero Against Verres 2.5.66; Suetonius Claudius 25; cf. Acts 22:22–29)

Or like we alluded to earlier, their entire town could loose Roman protection if Paul and Silas decided to “sue” them for their mistreatment.

One commentary noted that because the magistrates also experienced the earthquake, they feared God’s judgement. I think that is too far of a leap in their beliefs in a single God of the Jews, as well as that Luke describes the earthquake as very localized, and its effects are very specific to those in the jail. More likely they were afraid of losing their tax-exempt status and would have to pay Rome more than they already did.

Leave the city

The magistrates made the appropriate apologies and asked Paul and Silas to leave Philippi. The missionaries [did eventually submit to the request but not before they] went back to Lydia’s home and took time to encourage the new church. Once they were satisfied that the church was in a good place, they resumed their journey. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them

Luke does not record any men being present when the spoke to Lydia in the place of prayer, but now there are “brothers” gathering in her house. They may have been parts of her household, the jailer’s, or some of the the former prisoners, but they church was growing and God’s good news was spreading.

Apply the Text

The Moody Bible Commentary 3. The Witness at Philippi (16:11–40)

The converts at Philippi were all completely different. Lydia was a successful businesswoman. The demon-possessed girl was a slave being exploited for profit. The Philippian jailer was a cog in the Roman machinery, afraid of losing his life. The conversion of these three individuals from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds is a testimony to the universal appeal and power of the gospel.

In this current time of social and ethnic diversity, believers also need to set an example of the power of Christ to unite rather than divide people by proclaiming the gospel to all people.

Pray:

· Help us to look for ways to turn everyday encounters into opportunities for gospel conversations.

· May we be ready to verbalize the gospel message at any moment.

· Use us to encourage other believers.