Summons to appear before Felix, the Roman governor, to present their case against Paul, Ananias, the high priest, members of the Sanhedrin, and Tertullus, their lawyer, arrived in Caesarea within five days.
Tertullus opened the prosecution, verbally flattering the governor before describing Paul as a profaner of the Temple, which was a capital charge that the Romans would allow the Jews to kill a person for doing this. He labeled Paul as a leader of a sect known as the Nazarenes, a seditionist, and an instigator of treason against the Roman government. Additionally, he voiced that all of this could have been avoided if Claudius Lysias, the chief captain, had not forcefully interfered, and he concluded his case with his companions, concurring with Paul’s indictment.
When Felix gave Paul an opportunity to speak, he proved the charges made against him were not substantiated. He shared that for the short length of time he was in Jerusalem, he would be unable to organize a sedition. Also, in his defense presentation, Paul admitted he believed in the Jewish laws and books of prophecy, he believed in a future resurrection of both the righteous and ungodly, and he had a clear conscience before God and man. Paul ended his defense, revealing that his mission in returning to Jerusalem was to bring financial aid to the needy and to worship God with fellow believers. Thus, when he was in the Temple following protocol and making his sacrificial offerings, he did not instigate a riot. Besides all of this, Paul noted the persons who initially brought the charges against him were not present.
Knowing the actions of Christians, Felix adjourned the proceedings and the verdict until the arrival of Lysias, the garrison commander. Meanwhile, he had Paul detained in prison with visitation privileges and provisions.
The scripture records that a few days later, Paul had the opportunity to share the faith with Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He ministered so effectively on righteousness, self-control, and future judgment that it left Felix fearful, and he sent Paul away to be called back at a later date. Over the next two years, hoping to receive some bribery money from Paul, Felix occasionally met with him, and when Porcius Festus was replacing him, he left Paul in prison to gain favor with the Jews.
Here are the nuggets I have gleaned from this chapter:
When those in authority summon you, you must appear.
Some people use flattery to gain favor with those in charge.
Unfortunately, due to jealousy, those in leadership will sometimes make false accusations about you.
People with ill intent toward you will falsely label you.
Challenging people to prove their lies about you is a must when you are innocent.
God will allow you to find favor in unexpected places.
Acts 23 opens with Paul, a prisoner of Rome, appearing before the Sanhedrin to provide clarification for the Roman chief captain of his offense. First, Paul declared his innocence and righteous lifestyle, which enraged Ananias, the high priest, and he instructed a man to slap Paul’s mouth. Not knowing why this assault occurred, Paul responded, “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?” Then Paul was told his statement was against the high priest, to which he acknowledged it was not right to speak against a high priest.
Paul recognized that there were two different doctrinal groups present, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, so he framed his defense around this information. Declaring alignment with the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection from the dead, Paul orchestrated a rift between them and the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or eternal spirits.
When the Pharisees voiced their acceptance of Paul’s beliefs, the dissension between these two factions became so chaotic that the chief captain had Paul forcefully escorted back to the castle. The scripture records that night, the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”
On the following day, a group of forty-plus Jews joined together in an oath, neither to eat nor drink until they murdered Paul. However, learning of the planned ambush, Paul’s nephew came to the castle and informed him of it. Paul had his nephew relay this information to the chief captain, who then, at night, under heavily armed guards had Paul escorted to Felix the Governor in Caesarea. Additionally, he sent a letter sharing the events that led to Paul’s arrest, his continuous intervention in keeping Paul a Roman citizen alive, and his conclusion that this was a religious dispute between the Jews and Paul, which was not worthy of death. After reading the letter and finding out Paul was a citizen of Cilicia, which was under his jurisdiction, Felix agreed to a hearing with Paul and his accusers. And so ends Acts 23, but before I stop, here are the nuggets that I gleaned from this chapter:
Witnessing for Jesus can be life-threatening.
Assaulting someone because of their beliefs can lead to repercussions.
If you are innocent, say so.
It is always right to respect leadership.
When people hate you, they will go to the extremes to end your life.
God will cause the evil plots of men to be revealed.
God sends unexpected help when you need it the most.
God will cause men to protect you in dangerous times and situations.
God will cause those in authority to rescue you as needed.
Despite the danger, God’s will for a man’s life will be fulfilled.
When presenting your defense, you must be strategic and know who is present.
God strategically places people around us to assist us when needed.
Acts 21 concluded with Paul getting ready to speak to the mob that attempted to kill him prior to his rescue by the Roman military. Chapter twenty-two begins with Paul having received the approval of the chief captain to speak; thus, he stood on the stairs of the tower of Antonia and presented his defense to the people. Speaking to those gathered in their native Hebrew language, Paul caught their attention and caused them to listen quietly.
Paul began by sharing his lineage, his religious and educational training, and his previous zeal for persecuting the Christians. He shared the events of his conversion on the road to Damascus to capture and bring back Christians to Jerusalem to be punished. However, while traveling, a light from heaven shone on him, causing him to fall to the ground. He heard a distinct voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” to which he responded, “Who art thou, Lord?” Jesus then said, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. ”Those traveling with Paul saw the light, but only he heard the voice.
He revealed that due to temporary blindness from the light, he was led to Damascus by his companions, following the instruction from the Lord. In Damascus, his future was revealed to him by Ananias, a godly, law-abiding, respected Jew who visited him and said, “The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Furthermore, at the command of Ananias, Paul received his sight.
When Paul returned to Jerusalem, he had a trance while in the temple praying. In a trance, he was directed by God to leave Jerusalem quickly because of his past persecution, and the Jews would not believe he had been converted nor accept his message. Agreeing with God, Paul acknowledged his cruelty to the Christians and his part in the death of Stephen.
When Paul announced, God said, “Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles,” the listeners became furious, shook off their clothes, threw dust into the air, and yelled for Paul to be killed. This prompted the chief captain to bring Paul into the castle and interrogate him by scourging. However, Paul stopped this from happening by informing the centurion, who related the information to the chief captain, that he was a Roman citizen. After questioning him, the chief captain canceled the scourging.
Acts 22 concludes on the next day with the chief captain unshackling Paul and commanding the Jewish Sanhedrin council to appear before him so that he might seek out Paul’s case.
Here are the nuggets that I gathered from Acts 22:
Sharing your credentials may be necessary to gain people’s attention.
Despite possible harm when able share your testimony.
In your testimony, share the good and the bad.
Thank God for those that can lead you when you are unable to see.
Command the sight of the blind to be restored.
As needed, God will reveal your future to you.
Following God’s instruction can save your life.
Citizenship yields benefits.
Despite knowing the fate that awaited him in Jerusalem, Paul, with resolve, continued on his journey. He sailed to Rhodes, onto Patara, and then to Tyra, where he met with fellow believers during his seven-day port stay. Without success, some of the believers told Paul he should not go to Jerusalem. Still, he would not be stopped, and on his departure, the believers and their families accompanied Paul to the seashore, where they knelt and prayed before returning to their homes.
Sailing on to Ptolemais, Paul briefly met with the brethren before sailing on to Caesarea, where he and his companions visited the home of Philip the evangelist. Additionally, the scripture noted Philip had four virgin daughters who were referred to as “prophetesses.” While there, Agabus, the prophet from Judaea, came and, taking Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it. Then said, “Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” Hearing this, those present attempted to dissuade Paul from going to Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Paul responded, ‘What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” So, the brethren said, “The will of the Lord be done.”
Leaving Caesarea, Paul, his missionary companions, along with some Caesarea disciples accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, where they stayed in the home of Mnason. Paul, who the brethren in Jerusalem cordially received met with James and the elders to share what had occurred among the Gentiles during his third missionary journey.
Though the men gathered and praised God for what He did, they expressed their alarm over a rumor circulating about Paul. It was rumored Paul taught the Gentile converts to forsake the teaching of Moses concerning circumcision and the practices of their forefathers. To help dispel these rumors it was suggested that Paul join and pay the expenses of four men who were taking a temporary Nazarite vow and undergoing a purification rite in the temple. The leaders also affirmed their previous recommendations to the Greeks remained the same.
Complying with the leader’s suggestion on the following day, Paul went to the temple and interacted with the Jews. All went well until the seventh day when some Asian Jews saw Paul in the temple and falsely accused him of bringing a Gentile into the temple and polluting it with his presence. They had previously seen Paul with an Ephesian man in Trophimus, and unfortunately, they thought he had accompanied Paul into the temple. Stirring up the city, the Jews caught Paul, dragged him out of the temple, and closed the doors.
As the city mob was about to kill Paul, hearing what was happening, the chief captain took centurions and soldiers to the place where Paul was being beaten, rescued him, and bound him with chains. The chief captain demanded the mob to tell him what the commotion was all about; however, some cried one thing, and some another. Therefore, the chief captain had Paul taken to the castle while some of the mob still attempted to assault him, and others cried out, “Away with him.”
When Paul requested to speak to the captain, who, before being corrected, mistakenly thought Paul was the Egyptian who had previously led an insurrection with 4,000 men, allowed him to do so. Paul told him, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia which is no small town. I request permission to talk to these people.” Chapter twenty-one ends with Paul, after receiving the captain’s approval, standing on the castle stairs and addressing the quiet crowd in the Hebrew language.
Here are the nuggets I gleaned from Acts 21:
God will send warnings of pending danger via the prophets.
When you receive a word, it is up to you to decide what to do with it.
Some people are not scared when faced with the prospect of death.
When someone feels strongly about an action, they will be undeterred by the words of people.
Commit unresolved issues to the will of the Lord.
Sharing a testimony of the things God has done should bring gladness to the hears.
Unfortunately, some people will find fault over the things you do.
Some suggestions that people make are unfruitful.
Trying to appease your opposers does not always work.
Being trilingual, Paul spoke Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.
God will not allow you to die before your appointed time.
After the tumult ended, Paul met with the disciples and bade them farewell before heading to Macedonia. Being a responsible and caring missionary, Paul traveled through various cities, revisiting and encouraging the new believers who resided in those areas. Arriving in Greece, he stayed for three months until an insidious plot by the Jews against him was revealed. This caused him to divert his sailing plans and travel by land.
Traveling part of the journey with Paul into Asia were seven Gentile companions: Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timotheus, Tychicus, and Trophimus. Finally boarding a ship at Philippi and joined by Luke, Paul arrived in Troas and, on that Sunday, fellowshipped with the Troas brethren. Paul preached into the night, and a young man named Eutychus, who was present and sitting on the windowsill, fell asleep and fell out of the window. Landing three stories below, Eutychus died; however, Paul went and gathered him in his arms, and life was restored in Eutychus. Happily, they returned to the third floor and had communion, and Paul continued preaching until dawn, when he departed the gathering.
Now sailing, Paul traveled through Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium, and into Miletus, where he requested that the leaders from Ephesus meet him. When they arrived, he shared a farewell address, which included his ministry time in Ephesus, his present situation, and their future responsibilities. Paul told how he humbly, boldly, with impeccable behavior, served the Lord and preached the same message to the Jews and Greeks of faith in Jesus Christ. He discussed his emotional state, the opposition he experienced, and being compelled to go to Jerusalem despite the prophesied ill fate that awaited him when he arrived there. He warned the leaders to watch out for the flock because there would be wolves who would come with evil intentions. Additionally, Paul entrusted the leadership to God, who would build them up. He reminded them to take care of the poor, for it was more blessed to give than to receive. Knowing they would never meet again, Paul ended his farewell address by kneeling and praying for those gathered. Chapter twenty ends with a great deal of crying and kissing as the leaders sadly walk Paul back onto the ship.
Here are the nuggets I gleaned from Acts 20:
Your safety is essential while you are involved in ministry.
Revisiting and encouraging new converts is beneficial.
Though rewarding missionary work can be laborious and life-threatening.
Traveling with a missionary team provides support and allows ministry responsibilities to be shared.
Human bodies can only stay awake for so long before becoming tired and falling asleep.
The power of God is able to raise the dead.
Use every opportunity to share the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
The minister’s character should be exemplary.
Leaders must watch out for the people in their care.
Direct leadership to God, who is able to keep them.
Saying farewell to people you love can be emotional.
As Acts 19 opens, Paul is on his third missionary journey, and he arrives in Ephesus, where he meets a group of twelve disciples who were baptized under John the Baptist teaching. After questioning them, Paul discovers they had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit., nor were they baptized in the name of Jesus; therefore, Paul shares the gospel of Jesus with them. Upon hearing Paul’s teaching, these disciples were baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking with tongues and prophesying when Paul laid his hands on them.
For three months Paul was able to go into the synagogue and vehemently speak about the kingdom of God until opposition arose and people rejected Paul’s ministry. Consequently, taking those who believed Paul daily met at Tyrannus’s school, sharing the gospel for the next two years, which resulted in both Jews and Greeks who lived in Asia hearing about the Lord Jesus. Furthermore, when Paul’s handkerchiefs or aprons were placed on the sick, they were healed, and those who were demon-possessed were delivered.
Impressed with the power that Paul displayed, some Jewish itinerant exorcists attempted to cast out the demons of a man like Paul. Included in this group were the seven sons of the Jewish chief priest named Sceva. The evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” He then leaped on them and successfully attacked them, and when he finished, they ran out of the house naked and wounded. This event was made public to the Jews and Greeks at Ephesus, causing all the populace to fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
New converts came forward and confessed their involvement in the occult. Many brought their literature on divination and magic, made a pile of them, and burnt them. The estimated value of the burnt literature was fifty thousand pieces of silver. Also, the word of God expanded and prevailed.
After spending years in Ephesus, Paul left, passing Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem with the intention of going to Rome. While he was in Asia, Paul sent Timotheus and Erastus to Macedonia.
Demetrius, a silversmith who employed many artisans to manufacture silver shrines of the Greek goddess Diana, had a meeting with those involved in similar manufacturing. He discussed with them the negative effect of Paul’s ministry on their trade throughout Ephesus and Asia. Furthermore, he was concerned that the goddess Diana and her temple would no longer be highly esteemed, recognized, and revered throughout Turkey and around the world. Demetrius’s words incited the hearers, and they started shouting, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians,” and as people gathered, confusion ensued. Grabbing Paul’s Macedonian companions Gaius and Aristarchus, the people dragged them to the amphitheater. When Paul wanted to join his companions in the amphitheater, his fellow believers and the city officials advised him to stay away.
Meanwhile, adding to the confusion in the amphitheater, the crowd shouted different things. Alexander, who was recognized in the crowd by some of the Jews, was dragged upfront. When he tried to speak, realizing his nationality for several hours, the crowd hindered him from doing so by shouting, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
Finally, the mayor was able to silence the crowd and address them. He reminded them that Ephesus was known to house the great goddess Diana, and no one could hinder the worship of Diana, so there was no need to fret and cause a disturbance. If the artisans had a complaint, they needed to address the courts properly, for their present complaint was false. Finally, the riotous crowd’s behavior that just took place could jeopardize them with the Roman officials. The mayor then dismissed the crowd, and after understanding the implications of what the mayor said, they went home and so ended this chapter.
Here are the nuggets I gleaned from Acts 19:
When in doubt, ask questions about a person’s conversion.
Many people on this earth have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Man’s religious knowledge is often limited to what they have been taught.
When you don’t know something, ask questions.
Willingly share truths with others.
When you receive knowledge, act on it.
When people believe they receive.
Demons recognize who has power.
Trying to exorcise a demon without the power to do so can be dangerous.
God will expose counterfeiters for all to see.
God will cause the name of Jesus to be magnified.
When people are genuinely convicted, they will repent and relinquish their sinful practices.
When signs and wonders happen, people with occult practices can be swayed.
As Acts 18 opens, we find Paul in the city of Corinth, where he meets a Jewish couple, Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. Sharing the same occupation of a tentmaker, Paul lived in their household and worked with them.
When Silas and Timotheus, bringing a financial gift from the Macedonia church, arrived in Corinth, they found Paul working and sharing the gospel in the synagogue every sabbath. Not having much success ministering to the Jews in the synagogue and exasperated with their opposition and blasphemed, Paul said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” However, all was not lost for Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue and his household became converts.
Paul continued ministering to the residents of Corinth from Justus, a believer’s home which was located next to the synagogue. From this location many Corinthians believed and were baptized. Plus, in a vision one night, the Lord told him, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace. For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” So, without fear, Paul continued ministering in Corinth for eighteen months.
Afterward, during Gallio’s appointment as the governor of Achaia, the Jewish opposers joined together and brought Paul to court with the accusation he was seducing people to worship illegally. Knowing the allegations were not about criminal acts but rather a religious dispute, Gallio refused further discussion and dismissed them from his presence. The Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him, but Gallio also did not respond to this.
After spending more time in Corinth, Paul, who had cut off his hair, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, sailed to Syria and Ephesus, where he left Priscilla and Aquila. Additionally, on the one sabbath he was in Ephesus, Paul went to the synagogue and ministered to the Jews. When they asked Paul to stay longer, he refused, saying, “I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will.”
Paul continues his travel to Caesarea, up to Jerusalem to see the church leaders, and then to Antioch. Furthermore, Paul continues to travel and minister throughout Galatia and Phrygia to encourage the brethren.
Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, eloquent and proficient in Word, arrived in Ephesus. Educated, inspirational, and zealous, Apollos ministered in the synagogue; however, his knowledge of the Word was limited, for he only knew up to the ministry of John the Baptist. Fortunately, Priscilla and Aquila heard him and were able to enlighten him about the life and ministry of Jesus. Because of his effective ministry, when Apollos decided to go to Achaia, the brethren gave him a letter of endorsement stating his qualifications to give to the disciples in Achaia. His ministry and knowledge of the Word were effective in Achaia, for he was able to prove to the Jews that Jesus was Christ publicly.
Here are the nuggets I gleaned from Acts 18:
People having the same trade can work together harmoniously.
To sustain oneself, employment may be necessary.
With the right kind of financial assistance, evangelizing the lost is possible.
It is often difficult for people to accept teachings that differ from their traditional one.
When one door closes, expect God to open another one.
God will give you a Word of encouragement when you need it the most.
People who oppose you will make false accusations to turn others against you.
Despite the opposition, God adds to the church.
Some governmental officials can discern the intent of men.
When you meet someone with half of the gospel truth, share your knowledge of the whole truth with them.
After leaving Philippi, Paul and Silas traveled through several cities until they arrived in Thessalonica. They went to the synagogue for three sabbaths, and Paul shared with the Jews the Gospel of Christ, His life, suffering, and resurrection. This resulted in some Jews believing, a large number of Greek proselytes and many influential women.
The envious, unbelieving Jews were able to gather hoodlums who helped them stir up the people in Thessalonica against Paul and Silas. While looking for them, they went to Jason’s home, where Paul and Silas had been staying, but they were not there when the riotous crowd arrived. Unable to locate Paul and Silas, the men took Jason and other believers to the city rulers, and they accused Jason of lodging a person who committed treason. According to them, Paul was turning the world upside down by teaching things contrary to the decrees of Caesar and promoting another king named Jesus. Though disturbed by the accusations after they posted bail, the city’s rulers allowed Jason and his companions to leave. Meanwhile, that night, the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea.
In Berea, Paul and Silas went to the synagogue and found open-minded individuals who were students of the Word and daily searched for the Truth written therein. Once again, prominent Greek women converted along with men.
When the Jewish opposers heard that Paul was successfully sharing the Gospel in Berea, they followed him there and stirred up trouble. Concerned for his welfare, the brethren sent Paul to Athens, but Silas and Timotheus remained in the city until Paul sent a request for them to come to Athens speedily.
While awaiting his missionary companions, Paul surveyed the idolatrous city, which motivated him to discuss his concerns with the Jews who were in the synagogue, devout Gentiles, and individuals he met in the marketplace. When the Epicurean philosophers who were materialistic and thought pleasure was the greatest good, and the rationalistic Stoics philosophers who believed in self-sufficiency heard the Gospel shared by Paul, those who did not consider the message as nonsense took him to the court of Areopagus on Mars Hill. It was their desire that Paul share with them this new doctrine that they never heard.
Standing on Mars Hill, Paul used the inscription he saw on an altar in the city, which said, “To The Unknown God,” to draw in the listeners. He skillfully continued sharing the sermon of God, the Creator and Lifegiver of everything who is all-sufficient, needs not the assistance of humans, and cannot be contained in temples built by man. This God made all humankind from one man and gave them the opportunity to seek Him during their limited, predetermined lifetime. Furthermore, since man was God’s offspring, God could not be made of metal. God’s expectation of man was for him not to be ignorant but repentive. Unfortunately, Paul’s mention of a resurrected Christ who would eventually judge man caused some to ridicule him while others wanted to hear him speak at another time.s
The chapter closes revealing several new converts were gained from the Mars Hill experience. The names of two new converts were Dionysius, the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris.
Here are the nuggets I gained from Acts 17:
There will always be those who oppose the Gospel message.
Give all an opportunity to hear the Gospel.
Your opposers will lie about you to others.
Do not allow the opposers to stop you; keep on the move.
In the world, there are those who are serious about studying the Word.
It is good to be a student of the Word.
Some people want to know the Truth.
Enemies of the Gospel will always attempt to discourage and squash evangelism.
Idol worship should ignite the Spirit of Evangelism in believers.
To win the lost, it is necessary to be wise in your presentation.
Man is part of God’s creation, and his life has been predetermined.
God the Creator did not need man’s assistance in His creative work.
Everyone born on earth has a common ancestor.
God wants man to seek Him.
God has a judgment day set for men.
All humans originated from one man.
God has set boundaries.
Traveling from town to town and sharing the decrees and instructions given to him by James, the apostles and elders for the Gentile converts, Paul and his companion Silas finally arrived in Derbe and Lystra. There, they met Timotheus, the son of a believing Jewess mother and a Greek father. Receiving a good report concerning Timotheus Paul decided to have him accompany them on their missionary journey. However, before departing, Paul had Timotheus circumcised to appease the Jewish believers, and as they continued in their mission, the churches were established in faith and membership.
Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go to Asia and Bithynia, they traveled throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia until they came to Troas, where Paul had a vision of a man saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Thus, they traveled through Samothracia and Neapolis to Philippi, a city in Macedonia.
Since there was no synagogue in Philippi Paul and his fellow laborers went to the riverside to pray. There, they met a prosperous woman named Lydia, who was born in Thyatira but had an established textile business in Phillipi. Hearing and responding to the gospel message, Lydia and her household were baptized. Furthermore, she invited Paul and his fellow laborers to stay in her home.
Eventually, while going to prayer, a girl possessed with the spirit of divination repeatedly followed Paul and said, “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.” Becoming annoyed with her behavior, Paul casts the spirit of divination out of her. This upset her masters when they realized she was no longer profitable to them, and they caught Paul and Silas and took them to the city magistrates. The masters accused Paul and Silas of causing a disturbance in the city by teaching an unlawful message that the Romans were not to receive or observe. With the approval of the multitude, the magistrate had Paul and Silas stripped, beaten, and put in prison.
Placed In the innermost part of the prison with their feet in stocks, the scriptures revealed at midnight. Paul and Silas were heard by the other prisoners praying and singing praises to God. An earthquake occurs, shaking the prison, causing the prison doors to open and all the prisoners’ bands to be loosed.
Awaking out of his sleep, seeing the prison doors open, assuming the prisoners had escaped, and knowing he would be held accountable, the jailer pulled out his sword to commit suicide. Paul, however, yelled out to him not to harm himself, and the jailer came with a light trembling and knelt before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out of the prison and asked them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas responded, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Furthermore, they ministered to the jailer’s household, who happily was baptized. The jailer washed their stripes, brought Paul and Silas into his house, and fed them as he and his household rejoiced and believed in God.
In the morning, the magistrate sent word to the jailer to let Paul and Silas go, but Paul refused to go quietly. He sent word to the magistrate that they, being Roman citizens, were beaten and imprisoned illegally. Fearing the consequence of their actions, the magistrates came to the jailer’s home and requested that Paul and his companions depart Phillipi. Thus, after leaving the prison, Paul and Silas went to Lydia’s home, encouraged the believers, and left the city, which concludes this chapter.
Here are the nuggets I gleaned from Acts 16:
Before including someone in your ministry assignment, know that they are credible.
God gives His servants directions in various ways.
Listen for directions; what you want to do may not be what God wants you to do.
The roads that lead to ministry are not always smooth.
Share the gospel wherever you go.
God will send His servants where the gospel is needed to be heard.
Be hospitable, especially to those in the ministry.
You can pray and share the gospel outside.
People from all economic backgrounds are open to the gospel message.
The enemy knows how to speak the truth.
When you witness someone who is bonded, if you can cast out the spirit of bondage and set the captive free.
You become a financial liability when you are no longer profitable to your employer.
At the darkest and most painful time of your life, pray and sing praise to God.
Your prayers and praise can set those held captive free.
God will shake the earth on behalf of His faithful children.
Some people prefer to commit suicide rather than be killed by someone else.
Desperate people will take desperate measures.
Miraculous occurrences can lead to conversion.
Responding to allegations without questioning all involved may lead to a false arrest.
Accepting Jesus as your Savior can also lead your household to accept Him.
Feed the hungry and soothe those who are bruised.
Roman law reveals you cannot be condemned if your case is not heard.
The Teacher's Pick 