A story of 3 Conversions Philippi

The Conversion of Lydia

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.

Paul and Silas in Prison

16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Philippian Jailer Converted

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 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 everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 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.

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.

Pray-expectation of Holy Spirit and conversion, conviction. repentance

Last week:

philipi -Roman colony, Paul and Silas and Luke(writer of Acts) were directed by Holy Spirit to go to phillipi.

The Conversion of Lydia

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.

Sabbath-seventh day of the week, day of rest...we really get the essence of our Saturdays from it in our culture.

Day of rest.

This passage shows that Paul Silas and believers still tried to find a place to go to church on the Sabbath.

Place of Prayer-

In Philippi, there was no synagogue from which to start. But, where the Jews were unable to have a synagogue, they had a place of prayer—and these places of prayer were usually by the riverside. On the Sabbath, Paul and his friends made their way there and talked with the women who met in that place.

In Philippi, there was no synagogue from which to start. But, where the Jews were unable to have a synagogue, they had a place of prayer—and these places of prayer were usually by the riverside.

In Philippi, there was no synagogue from which to start. But, where the Jews were unable to have a synagogue, they had a place of prayer—and these places of prayer were usually by the riverside. On the Sabbath, Paul and his friends made their way there and talked with the women who met in that place.

Women-the Phillipian church began with this group. Yes women can plant churches.

Barclay, W. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated., p. 144). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

The extraordinary thing about Paul’s work in Philippi is the amazing cross-section of the population that was won for Christ. Lydia came from the very top end of the social scale; she was a purple-merchant. The purple dye had to be gathered drop by drop from a certain shellﬁsh and so was extremely costly. Lydia, wealthy woman that she was, was won for Christ.

Seller of Purple goods-

The extraordinary thing about Paul’s work in Philippi is the amazing cross-section of the population that was won for Christ. Lydia came from the very top end of the social scale; she was a purple-merchant. The purple dye had to be gathered drop by drop from a certain shellﬁsh and so was extremely costly. Lydia, wealthy woman that she was, was won for Christ.

Her immediate reaction was to offer the hospitality of her house to Paul and his friends.

When Paul is describing the Christian character, he says that the Christian should ‘extend hospitality’

Her immediate reaction was to offer the hospitality of her house to Paul and his friends. When Paul is describing the Christian character, he says that the Christian should ‘extend hospitality’ (). When Peter is urging Christian duty upon his converts, he tells them: ‘Be hospitable to one another without complaining’ (). A Christian home is one where the door is always open.

Romans 12:13 ESV

13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Romans 12:13

Romans 12:11 ESV

11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Romans 12:11

Romans 12:13 ESV

13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

When Peter is urging Christian duty upon his converts, he tells them: ‘Be hospitable to one another without complaining’ ()

13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

When Peter is urging Christian duty upon his converts, he tells them: ‘Be hospitable to one another without complaining’ ().

When Peter is urging Christian duty upon his converts, he tells them: ‘Be hospitable to one another without complaining’ ()

1 Peter 4:9 ESV

9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

A Christian home is one where the door is always open.

Barclay, W. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated., p. 144). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

Lydias Conversion-

1. Already believed in God but she heard the gospel

2. She was Baptized

3. Showed hospitality and served the church

Paul and Silas in Prison

16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

As we were going to the place of Prayer- they frequented this place

Servants of the Most High-even the demonic identify and recognize God and his people.

Whenever Christianity attacks vested interests, trouble follows. It is a human characteristic that if people’s pockets are affected they are up in arms. It is everyone’s duty to ask: ‘Is the money I am earning worth the price? Do I earn it by serving or by exploiting my neighbours?’ Often, the greatest obstacle to the crusade of Christ is human selﬁshness.

Barclay, W. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated., p. 146). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

V.20-The slave owners lie-sin causes you to do that.

The crowd joined in attacking-people dont need much reason to hate. Most hate crimes and white supremicist gangs are started this way. They hate others because someone else hates others.

The Philippian Jailer Converted

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 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 everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 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.

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.

Prisoners were listening to them-when we see Joy and the peace of Jesus in others its attractive.

Muslims-there are two ways they are being converted. Dreams. Compassion in Christians.

Prisoners were listening to them-when we see Joy and the peace of JEsus in others its attractive.

Muslims-there are two ways they are being converted. Dreams. Compassion in Christians.

“What must I do to be saved?”-as a minister we preach for conversion. as believers, we give testimony in hopes that others will hear the hope in us and be motivated to change. Or strengthened in their faith.

Again I turn to William Barclay

Lets examine 3 characters

First, there is Paul. We note three things about Paul.

(1) He could sing hymns when he was in jail.

The one thing you can never take away from a Christian is God and the presence of Jesus Christ.

With God there is freedom even in a prison, and even at midnight there is light.

(2) He was quite willing to open the door of salvation to the jailer who had shut the door of the prison on him.

There was never a grudge in Paul’s nature.

He could preach to the person who had chained him into the stocks.

(3) He could stand on his dignity. He claimed his rights as a Roman citizen. To scourge a Roman citizen was a crime punishable by death. But Paul was not standing on his dignity for his own sake but for the sake of the Christians he was leaving behind in Philippi. He wanted it to be seen that they were not without inﬂuential friends.

Second, there is the jailer. The interesting thing about the jailer is that he immediately proved his conversion by his deeds. No sooner had he turned to Christ than he washed the wounds upon the prisoners’ backs and gave them food.

From this example we get two principles:

1.Unless our Christianity makes us kind, it is not real.

2.Unless our declared change of heart is guaranteed by our change of deeds, it is superﬁcial and false.

Barclay, W. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated., pp. 147–148). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

JAilors conversion

1. v.32-they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house

2. All were baptized

3. Showed hospitality and served the church