Acts Chapter Nineteen

 Act 19:1  And it happened, in the time Apollos was in Corinth, Paul was passing through the higher parts to come to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, 

Act 19:2  he said to them, Believing, did you receive the Holy Spirit? And they said to him, We did not even hear whether the Holy Spirit is. 

Act 19:3  And he said to them, Then to what were you baptized? And they said, To the baptism of John. 

Act 19:4  And Paul said, John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe into the One coming after him, that is, into the Christ, Jesus. 

Act 19:5  And hearing, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 

Act 19:6  And Paul laying hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in languages and prophesied. 

Act 19:7  And all the men were about twelve. 

Act 19:8  And going into the synagogue, he spoke boldly over three months, having reasoned with them, and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 

Act 19:9  But when some were hardened, and did not obey, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, departing from them, he separated the disciples, conversing day by day in the school of a certain Tyrannus. 

Act 19:10  And this happened over two years, so as all those living in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 

Act 19:11  And God did uncommon works of power through the hands of Paul, 

Act 19:12  so as even handkerchiefs or aprons from his skin to be brought onto those sick, and the diseases to be released from them, and the evil spirits to go out from them. 

Act 19:13  But certain from the strolling Jews, exorcists, undertook to name the name of the Lord Jesus over those having evil spirits, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches. 

Act 19:14  And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, doing this. 

Act 19:15  But answering the evil spirit said, I know Jesus, and I comprehend Paul, but who are you? 

Act 19:16  And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, and having overmastered them, he was strong against them, so that having been wounded and naked, they fled out of that house. 

Act 19:17  And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, those living in Ephesus. And fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 

Act 19:18  And many of those who had believed came confessing, and reporting their practices. 

Act 19:19  And many of the ones practicing the curious arts, bringing together the books, burned them before all. And they counted the prices of them, and found it to be fifty thousands of silver. 

Act 19:20  So with might, the Word of the Lord increased and was strong. 

Act 19:21  And when these things were fulfilled, passing through Macedonia and Achaia, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have come there, I must also see Rome. 

Act 19:22  And sending into Macedonia two who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he stayed a time in Asia. 

Act 19:23  And about that time there was no little disturbance about the Way. 

Act 19:24  For a certain silversmith named Demetrius was making silver shrines of Artemis, providing no little trade for the craftsmen. 

Act 19:25  And assembling the workmen about such things, he said, Men, you understand that from this trade is our wealth. 

Act 19:26  And you see and hear that not only Ephesus, but almost all of Asia, persuading, this Paul perverted a considerable crowd, saying that those being made by hands are not gods. 

Act 19:27  And not only is this dangerous to us, lest our part come to be in contempt, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted nothing, and her majesty is also about to be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships. 

Act 19:28  And having heard, and having become full of anger, they cried out, saying, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! 

Act 19:29  And all the city was filled with confusion. And they rushed with one passion into the theater, keeping a firm grip on Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, traveling companions of Paul. 

Act 19:30  And Paul intending to go in to the mob, the disciples did not allow him. 

Act 19:31  And also some of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sending to him begged him not to give himself into the theater. 

Act 19:32  Then others indeed cried out a different thing, for the assembly was confused, and the majority did not know on what account they came together. 

Act 19:33  But they dragged Alexander forward out of the crowd, the Jews thrusting him in front. And waving his hand, Alexander desired to defend himself to the mob. 

Act 19:34  But knowing that he is a Jew, one voice was from all, as they were crying out over two hours, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! 

Act 19:35  And quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, Men, Ephesians, for what man is there who does not know the city of the Ephesians to be temple keepers of the great goddess Artemis, and of That Fallen From the Sky? 

Act 19:36  Then these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you, being calmed, to be so, and to do nothing rash. 

Act 19:37  For you brought these men, being neither temple robbers nor blaspheming your goddess. 

Act 19:38  If then, indeed, Demetrius and those craftsmen with him have a matter against anyone, courts are being held, and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another. 

Act 19:39  But if you seek concerning other things, it will be settled in a lawful assembly. 

Act 19:40  For we are in danger to be accused of insurrection concerning today, there being no cause about which we will be able to give account of this crowding together. 

Act 19:41  And saying these things, he dismissed the assembly. 

CORRECT BAPTISM, MIRACLES, RESISTANCE

Verses 1-7: Paul heads to Ephesus, teaches a proper baptism, then baptizes. He then lays hands and some receive the Holy Spirit.

1. What event marked a “correct” baptism? they should believe into the One coming after him, that is, into the Christ, Jesus.  Act 19:5  And hearing, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 

   a. When did the event happen in this case? Immediately. It happened before the laying on of hands,

Verses 8-20: Paul spends a great deal of time in Ephesus. He exhibits God's power through many works. Some men attempt to release a demon from someone. The demon acknowledges Jesus and Paul, then attacks the men. Many people are converted. Even the pagan wizards burn their books at great personal loss.

2. How long did Paul reason with those who would listen? Paul spent two years in Ephesus. He preached in the synagogue for three months.

3. What did the exorcism incident prove? (16) Authority. As has been the case in all instances. Signs and miracles authenticate the one through whom God uses as His agent.

Additional: Compare Mark 9:38-41. What can we conclude? Jesus addresses heart/motivation/intent:

Mar 9:38  And John answered Him, saying, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, who does not follow us. And we forbade him, because he does not follow us.
Mar 9:39  But Jesus said, Do not forbid him. For there is no one who shall do a work of power in My name, yet be able to speak evil of Me quickly.
Mar 9:40  For who is not against us is for us.
Mar 9:41  For whoever gives you a cup of cold water to drink in My name, because you are of Christ, truly I say to you, In no way he will lose his reward. 

4. What acts of faith and repentance do we see here? The burning of the books incident reveals the depth of faith in these converts. It was a monetary loss for them, but gaining salvation was far more worthy to hold in their lives.  

Verses 21-28: Paul spends time in the Macedonian area. A silversmith named Demitrius takes issue with Paul since he teaches that idols are worthless. This cuts into his business. Demetrius gathers all the silversmiths and he stirs them up against Paul.

5. What drove Demetrius and the others? Money. Paul's teaching threatens their livelihood. If their idol Artimus is discredited, who will buy an idol? 

   a. Does the gospel still threaten people’s livelihood today? Yes. There are plenty of ways to ill-gotten gain that God would not approve of. Divorce, porn, abortion, prostitution, false Christianity are but a few.

Verses 29-34: The whole city becomes a mob. Paul wants to address them but the disciples stop him. The mob is chaotic with some not even knowing what the issues were. They find one Alexander and put him forward screaming for their idol. Alexander could not be heard to defend himself.

6. How do we know the situation is chaotic? 
Act 19:32  Then others indeed cried out a different thing, for the assembly was confused, and the majority did not know on what account they came together. 

Typical mob mentality. 

7. What is Paul’s reaction? He wants to teach.

Verses 35-41: The town clerk advises everyone to disperse before they are accused of something (because of the chaotic gathering).

8. How/why does the town clerk diffuse the situation? Rome does not like chaos/riots. Likely the orders would have been arrest, inquire, and judicate. How would a soldier know what the matter was from the mayhem? It was a near riot, something that soldiers would not care to discern on the fly. The correct action would be to drag everyone in.

 

 

 

 

 

Acts Chapter Eighteen

Act 18:1  And after these things, departing from Athens, Paul came to Corinth. 

Act 18:2  And finding a certain Jew by name Aquila, of Pontus by race, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome, he came to them. 

Act 18:3  And because he was of the same trade, he lived and worked with them; for they were tentmakers by trade. 

Act 18:4  And he reasoned in the synagogue on every sabbath persuading both Jews and Greeks. 

Act 18:5  And when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was pressed by the Spirit, earnestly testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 

Act 18:6  But they having resisted, and blaspheming, having shaken his garments, he said to them, Your blood be on your head. I am pure from it; from now on I will go to the nations. 

Act 18:7  And moving from there, he went into the house of one, Justus by name, one worshiping God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 

Act 18:8  And Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believed the Lord along with all his house. And hearing, many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized. 

Act 18:9  And the Lord said to Paul through a vision in the night, Do not fear, but speak, and do not keep silence; 

Act 18:10  because I am with you, and no one shall set on you to oppress you; because there is much people to Me in this city. 

Act 18:11  And he remained a year and six months teaching the Word of God among them. 

Act 18:12  But Gallio being proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rushed against Paul with one passion and led him to the tribunal, 

Act 18:13  saying, This one persuades men to worship God contrary to the Law. 

Act 18:14  But Paul being about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If, indeed, then, it was some wrong or wicked criminality, O Jews, according to reason I would endure you. 

Act 18:15  But if it is a question about a word, and names, and the law according to you, you will see to it yourselves; for I do not wish to be a judge of these things. 

Act 18:16  And he drove them from the tribunal. 

Act 18:17  And all the Greeks having seized Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, they beat him before the tribunal. And not one of these things mattered to Gallio. 

Act 18:18  And having remained many days more, having taken leave of the brothers, Paul sailed to Syria, having shaved his head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow. And Priscilla and Aquila were with him. 

Act 18:19  And he came to Ephesus, and he left those there. But he going into the synagogue, he reasoned with the Jews. 

Act 18:20  And they asking him to remain over a longer time with them, he did not agree, 

Act 18:21  but took leave of them, saying, I must by all means keep the coming feast at Jerusalem; but I will come again to you, God willing. And he sailed from Ephesus. 

Act 18:22  And landing at Caesarea, having gone up and greeted the assembly, he went down to Antioch. 

Act 18:23  And spending some time, he went out, in order passing through the Galatian and Phrygian country, making strong all the disciples. 

Act 18:24  But a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus, being powerful in the Scriptures. 

Act 18:25  This one having been taught by mouth in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things about the Lord, having understood only the baptism of John. 

Act 18:26  And this one began to speak boldly in the synagogue. And hearing him Priscilla and Aquila took him and more accurately expounded the way of God to him. 

Act 18:27  And he having intended to go through into Achaia, having been encouraged, the brothers wrote to the disciples to welcome him; who, having arrived, helped much those who were believing through grace. 

Act 18:28  For he powerfully confuted the Jews publicly, proving through the Scriptures Jesus to be the Christ. 

 

CORINTH, EPHESUS, APOLLOS

Verses 1-11: Paul goes to Corinth, stays (and works) with Aquila and Priscilia. He teaches every sabbath in the synagogue. Silas and timothy come. Paul devotes his time to preaching. When the Jews blaspheme, he takes the gospel elsewhere. He goes to Jason's house (who is next door to the synagogue). Crispus, the synagogue ruler becomes a believer. Many Jews and Gentiles are converted. Jesus encourages Paul to not be afraid.

1. Paul works with Aquila & Priscilla as tent makers. When and why did he stop? When Silas and Timothy come, he devotes his time to preaching. It was imperative for him to preach full time. Paul at this point is the tip of the Gospel spear. 

2. Did all the Jews reject the gospel? No. Even the synagogue leader believed! At this point they must have understood that preaching in the synagogue was a case of diminishing returns. Paul knows to well how people can/will twist his message to get him removed or worse, beat up. What is most interesting is that he sets up church right next to the synagogue. Anyone wishing to hear the Gospel can hear it without having loud obnoxious detractors pushing back. 

3. Why did Jesus need to speak to Paul? Do not fear, but speak, and do not keep silence; 
There is only one reason to say that. Paul has already been through a lot. He is hounded wherever he goes. His life is in constant threat. 

Verses 12-17: Paul is dragged before a tribunal. Gallio is the proconsul who hears their complaint. He tells them that since it is a religious matter to take care of it themselves and throws out their case. Some of the Gentiles grab Sosthenes and beat him in front of Gallio, who is indifferent concerning the whole matter.

4. The Jews bring charges against Paul. Who was Gallio, and what was his attitude toward these charges? (See Summary)

Additional: Be ready to discuss the situation of the Christian church. Where was it? If you were an unbeliever (of Christ) in the synagogue what are you thinking? Why was there so much violence? This is a repeated theme of tradition and radical conservatism overtaking the word of God in the hearts of men (in some cases).

Verses 18-22: Paul travels various places and heads back to Antioch. At this point he is planning to return.

5. Why did Paul cut his hair? For a vow.

6. Did Paul flee Corinth? Why not? He did not. He was there 1-1/2 years. He was encouraged by Jesus to continue.

Verses 23-28: Paul continues traveling in his ministry. Apollos is recognized as a strong preacher. Priscila and Aquila bring Apollos up to speed concerning the baptism of Jesus. 

7. Is baptism not important, as some may teach? (25-26) No. Contrary to that thought, understanding baptism of the Holy Spirit through Jesus has to be included in the baptism process. It is not an after-thought.

8. How could we teach Jesus as the Christ from the Old Testament? Using the same passages we see in any of the New Testament. Virtually ALL of the Old Testament points to Jesus. Once we understand that the Old Testament has everything to do with God leading mankind to the sacrifice of His son on our behalf, we cannot "unsee" that fact in all scripture. 

Acts Chapter Seventeen

 Act 17:1  And traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 

Act 17:2  And according to Paul's custom, he went in to them and reasoned with them from the Scriptures on three sabbaths, 

Act 17:3  opening and setting forth that the Christ must have suffered, and to have risen from the dead, and that this is the Christ, Jesus, whom I announce to you. 

Act 17:4  And some of them were persuaded and joined themselves to Paul and Silas, both a great multitude of the worshiping Greeks, and not a few of the leading women. 

Act 17:5  But becoming jealous, and having taken aside some wicked men of the market loafers, and gathering a crowd, the disobeying Jews set the city into turmoil. And coming on the house of Jason, they sought to bring them on to the mob. 

Act 17:6  But not finding them, they dragged Jason and some brothers before the city judges, crying, Those turning the habitable world upside down have come here, too; 

Act 17:7  whom Jason has received. And these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, Jesus. 

Act 17:8  And hearing these things, they troubled the crowd and the city judges. 

Act 17:9  And taking security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. 

Act 17:10  But the brothers at once sent both Paul and Silas to Berea during the night; who having arrived went into the synagogue of the Jews. 

Act 17:11  And these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the Word with all readiness, daily examining the Scriptures if these things are so. 

Act 17:12  Then indeed many from among them believed, and not a few of the honorable Greek women and men. 

Act 17:13  But when the Jews from Thessalonica knew that the Word of God was also announced in Berea by Paul, they came there also, shaking up the crowd. 

Act 17:14  And immediately, then, the brothers sent away Paul, to go as toward the sea. But both Silas and Timothy remained there. 

Act 17:15  But those conducting Paul brought him as far as Athens. And receiving a command to Silas and Timothy that they come to him quickly, they departed. 

Act 17:16  But awaiting them in Athens, Paul's spirit was pained within him, seeing the city full of images. 

Act 17:17  Then, indeed, he addressed the Jews in the synagogue, and those worshiping, also in the market every day, to those happening to be there. 

Act 17:18  And some of the Epicureans and of the Stoics, philosophers, fell in with him. And some said, What may this seed-picker wish to say? And these others, He seems to be an announcer of foreign demons (because he announced Jesus and the resurrection to them). 

Act 17:19  And taking hold of him, they led him to the Areopagus, saying, Are we able to know what is this new doctrine being spoken by you? 

Act 17:20  For you bring startling things to our ears. We are minded, then, to know what these things wish to be. 

Act 17:21  And all Athenians and the strangers living there have leisure for nothing else than to say and to hear newer things. 

Act 17:22  And standing in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul said, Men, Athenians, I see in everything how god-fearing you are; 

Act 17:23  for passing through and looking up at the objects of your worship, I also found an altar on which had been written, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Not knowing, then, whom you worship, I make Him known to you. 

Act 17:24  The God who made the world and all things in it, this One being Lord of Heaven and of earth, does not dwell in handmade temples, 

Act 17:25  nor is served by hands of men, as having need of anything. For He is giving life and breath and all things to all. 

Act 17:26  And He made every nation of men of one blood, to live on all the face of the earth, ordaining fore-appointed seasons and boundaries of their dwelling, 

Act 17:27  to seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel after Him and might find Him, though indeed He not being far from each one of us. 

Act 17:28  For in Him we live and move and exist, as also some of the poets among you have said, For we are also His offspring. 

Act 17:29  Then being offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Godhead is like gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and the imagination of man. 

Act 17:30  Truly, then, God overlooking the times of ignorance, now strictly commands all men everywhere to repent, 

Act 17:31  because He set a day in which "He is going to judge the habitable world in righteousness," by a Man whom He appointed; having given proof to all by raising Him from the dead. Psa. 9:8 

Act 17:32  And hearing of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed ridiculed, but said, We will hear you again concerning this. 

Act 17:33  And so Paul went out from their midst. 

Act 17:34  But some men believed, joining themselves to him, among whom also were both Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. 

ACTS CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

JEALOUSY, REJECTION, ACCEPTANCE AND THE “GREAT” AUDIENCE

Verses 1-9: Paul and Silas head to Thessalonia. They teach in the synagogue and the gospel converts many people. Some of the Jews become jealous and stir up a mob. They go to the house of Jason supposing they are there to give over to the mob. Paul and Sials are not there. They pull Jason and some others out and drag them to court. They claim that they are disrupting the laws of Caesar, claiming that Jesus is king. The judges take a surety from them and release them.s

1. From verse four, who was being persuaded? Some of the Jews, Gentiles and leading women.

   a. What does this say about the position some women held in society? These are "chief" citizens. They apparently held a measure of political sway.

2. Describe the actions of the “jealous” Jews. Their intent was fairly typical based on similar actions in other cities. Find anyone easily swayed by false narratives. Whip up violent dissent. Then go after your opponent. Not finding their objectives, they sought to discredit anyone else associated with them.

   a. Did Jason stand firm? Ultimately unknown, but I like to think yes. We do not see him denouncing Christianity. He pays the fine and goes on with his life. Moving forward, he might need to stay out of the synagogue.

Verses 10-15: The brothers head to Berea. The Bereans studies the scriptures and many were converted. Rebel rousers in Thessalonia hear of this and come to Berea to stir up the crowds against Paul. He goes off to Athens, eventually calling for Silas and Timothy.

3. How were the Bereans different from the Thessalonians? They studied the scriptures Paul used to convey the gospel.

4. Berea and Thessalonica are about fifty miles apart. Considering the modes of transportation during this time, how powerful was the jealousy in these men’s lives? That was a 2-3 day walking journey (one way). This took a week out of their lives at minimum. These had to be people of means. Seeing their traditions and power of influence change or removed was too much to bear. Their anger clouded their judgement. 

   a. How can a person’s emotions take over their actions? In this instance, pride and a lack of an open mind drove action. In this day, these were the "conservatives." They had become too comfortable in their estimation of their own "righteousness." The term "stiffnecked" is used extensively throughout the old testament. Stephen uses it to accuse his murderers. The term simply illustrates an unwillingness to look at and consider other things we do not agree with, with an open mind. Growing a firm faith is imperative for all Christians. That does not mean that if someone teaches something from the scriptures we do not agree with that we summarily reject it (unless it is obviously false). At the same time, we should grow our faith so as not to be "blown about with every doctrine."
Conservatism is good if what is being conserved is good.  

Verses 16-21: Paul is in Athens and he is disturbed by all the idolatry. He begins evangelizing in the synagogue and in the market place. Many of the elite philosophers hear the word and are disturbed by it. They take Paul to the Areopagus and ask him to expound.

5. Athens was a center for wealth, culture, knowledge, wisdom, and idolatry. What did all this “provoke” Paul to do? Evangelize, to whomever was near enough to hear it.

6. Why were these people interested in Paul? The gospel was something new to them. Many of these citizens had ample leisure time to speak and debate concerning philosophical/religious matters. The gospel startled them. They simply had never heard anything like it. For many, if this was going to be the next big "thing" they wanted to be at the forefront.

Verses 22-34: Paul preaches in the Areopagus. He baits them with their own idolatry and assigns Jehovah God to their "unknown" god-idol. He then tells them to repent since God has been revealed to them. He tells of judgment coming from the risen son. At that point they scoff and Paul leaves. Some of the crowd is convinced. 

7. Paul’s audience was made up of some well respected, influential citizens. If any of them were won over to the gospel, it would be a great victory. Why? Some of these people were cultural and by influence, political leaders. 

   a. Is it any less of a victory when “ordinary” folks are won over to Christ? No. It may well be that ONLY ordinary folk were won over in this case. If you are influential in one thing, changing that one thing may damage your reputation or reach. It is somewhat apparent that the topic of resurrection was a doubtful topic to these influencers. 

   b. How does Paul approach these people? He petitions their weakness, idolatry. What is even more fascinating is that they might believe in all the idol mumbo-jumbo, but balk at the thought that Jesus died and rose victorious over that death.

   c. Does Paul make God part of the many gods? (24) No. It starts to look that way, but ultimately he makes Jehovah the only true God. He also tells them to repent. I think that is when he starts to lose much of the audience.

8. Did the gospel work? Yes. This is the bigger overview. Paul likely knew the futility of trying to teach a group "intellectuals." That did not stop him. It was another day at the office for him. He was well practiced by going first to the synagogues, constantly being rejected. He knew the word would have some effect. There would always be a few tender hearts looking for God.

   a. Do you think Paul ever felt intimidated by his audiences? Yes. Paul is normal, extraordinary, but normal.

Additional: From verse six, what does the gospel do and why is it important to remember this? It will turn some people's world upside down. That is why we see all the different reactions to it. Some are looking for it. Others are looking for it, but they don't want the "extreme" parts like repenting or life changes. Repentance simply means to change your mind/thinking.

Acts Chapter Sixteen

 Act 16:1  And he arrived in Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a certain believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. 

Act 16:2  This one was being testified of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. 

Act 16:3  Paul desired this one to go forth with him, and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews being in those places. For they all knew his father, that he was a Greek. 

Act 16:4  And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the need to keep the decrees that had been determined by the apostles and the elders in Jerusalem. 

Act 16:5  Then indeed the assemblies were being made stronger in the faith, and increased in number day by day. 

Act 16:6  And passing through the Phrygian and the Galatian country, being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the Word in Asia, 

Act 16:7  coming against Mysia, they attempted to go along Bithynia, and the Spirit did not allow them. 

Act 16:8  And passing by Mysia, they came down into Troas. 

Act 16:9  And a vision appeared to Paul during the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing, entreating him and saying, Passing over into Macedonia, help us! 

Act 16:10  And when he saw the vision, we immediately sought to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to announce the gospel to them. 

Act 16:11  Then having set sail from Troas, we ran a straight course into Samothrace, and on the morrow into Neapolis, 

Act 16:12  and from there into Philippi, which is the first city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in this city, staying some days. 

Act 16:13  And on the day of the sabbaths, we went outside the city beside a river, where it was customary for prayer to be made. And sitting down, we spoke to the women who came together there. 

Act 16:14  And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, one reverencing God, listened, whose heart the Lord opened thoroughly to pay attention to the things being spoken by Paul. 

Act 16:15  And as she and her household were baptized, she entreated Paul, saying, If you have judged me to be believing in the Lord, entering into my house, remain. And she strongly urged us. 

Act 16:16  And it happened, as we went into a place of prayer, a certain girl slave having a Pythonic spirit met us, whose divining brought much gain to her lords. 

Act 16:17  Following after Paul and us, she cried out, saying, These men are slaves of the Most High God, who are announcing to us a way of salvation! 

Act 16:18  And she did this over many days. But becoming distressed, and turning to the demonic spirit, Paul said, In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out from her! And it came out in that same hour. 

Act 16:19  And seeing that the hope of their gain went out, having seized Paul and Silas, her lords dragged them to the market before the rulers. 

Act 16:20  And bringing them near to the magistrates, they said, These men are very much troubling our city, being Jews, 

Act 16:21  and announce customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, nor to do, being Romans. 

Act 16:22  And the crowd rose up against them. And tearing off their clothes, the magistrates ordered men to flog them. 

Act 16:23  And laying on them many stripes, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them securely, 

Act 16:24  who, receiving such a charge, threw them into the inner prison, and locked their feet in the stocks. 

Act 16:25  And having prayed, toward midnight Paul and Silas praised God in a hymn. And the prisoners listened to them. 

Act 16:26  And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the jail were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and all of the bonds were loosened. 

Act 16:27  And having been awakened, and seeing that the doors of the prison had been opened, having drawn a sword, the jailer was about to do away with himself, supposing the prisoners to have escaped. 

Act 16:28  But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do no harm to yourself! For we are all here. 

Act 16:29  And asking for lights, he rushed in. And becoming trembly, he fell before Paul and Silas. 

Act 16:30  And leading them outside, he said, Sirs, what must I do that I may be saved? 

Act 16:31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. 

Act 16:32  And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him, and to all those in his house. 

Act 16:33  And taking them in that hour of the night, he washed from their stripes. And he and all those belonging to him were baptized at once. 

Act 16:34  And bringing them up to the house, he set a table before them, and exulted whole-housely, believing God. 

Act 16:35  And day having come, the magistrates sent the floggers, saying, let those men go. 

Act 16:36  And the jailer announced these words to Paul, The magistrates have sent that you be let go. Now, then, going out, proceed in peace. 

Act 16:37  But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly, being Romans and uncondemned men, they threw us into prison. And now do they throw us out secretly? No, indeed! But coming themselves, let them bring us out. 

Act 16:38  And the floggers reported these words to the magistrates. And hearing that they were Romans, they were afraid. 

Act 16:39  And coming, they begged them. And bringing them out, they asked them to go out of the city. 

Act 16:40  And going out from the prison, they went into the house of Lydia. And seeing the brothers, they exhorted them, and went out. 

TIMOTHY, LYDIA, PHILIPPIAN JAILER

Verses 1-5: Paul arrives in Derbe/Lystra and seeks out Timothy as an aide. He circumcises Timothy so the Jews would not object to him since his father is a Gentile. They deliver the decisions made in Jerusalem and further strengthen the church.

1. What purpose did the circumcision of Timothy serve? He would likely receive less push-back if he were to go into synagogues.

Additional: What was one of the purposes for this trip according to verse four? The council's decisions at Jerusalem were to not worry about the Mosaical law, abstain from idol's foods/blood and fornication.

Verses 6-10: As they travel, the Holy Spirit tells Paul cities he is to stay away from. Paul sees a vision of a Macedonian asking for help. They head that direction.

2. Describe how the Holy Spirit guides Paul. Speaking directly to him and a vision.

  a. How does he guide us today? We have seen that all the Holy Spirit was to do was inform the new Christian as to what the meaning of Jesus' life means to us. Understanding that is the HS job. That understanding brings comfort, remembrance, and an emboldened faith.

3. Compare the personal pronouns in verses 8 and 10. Who has joined the journey? Luke.

Verses 11-15: Conversions in Philippi -While in the region they meet Lydia and baptize her and her household.

4. Describe Lydia.

   a. Occupation - Seller of purple

   b. Religious? - She has reverence for God

   c. How did the Lord “open” her heart? - She listened to the gospel

   d. Whose household did she belong to? It reads like she was head of the house

   e. Could she be persistent? - She insists the apostles stay with her.

5. Why did Lydia insist on the brothers staying at her house? She already has a great reverence for Jehovah. Now she has been given the Gospel and her life is now changed forever.
She is grateful

   a. What lesson(s) of hospitality can we learn from this? The "insisting" means to "constrain." She was not going to let these men leave without receiving her hospitality. Hospitality is the most intimate thank you we can give to anyone.

Verses 16-18: A demon possessed woman keeps harassing the group. The demon gave her divining powers that brought much gain to those who controlled her. Eventually, Paul gets annoyed to the point that he casts out the demon.

6. Why was Paul annoyed? She kept saying "These men are slaves of the Most High God, who are announcing to us a way of salvation! " Which is correct. But she would not stop and it was likely interrupting Paul's teaching. 

Verses 19-24: The owners of the possessed woman, now losing their source of income have Paul and Silas flogged and thrown in prison.

7. List the events in order:

   a. The source of anger. Losing wages from the demon possessed woman.

   b The immediate reaction. Complain to the magistrate, whip up the crowd.

   c. The immediate sentence. Flogging

   d. The sentence carried out. Flogging and imprisonment

Verses 25-34: The Philippian Jailer - Paul and Silas are in jail, praying and singing. An earthquake happens and opens all the doors. The jailer sees the doors are all open and starts to kill himself. Paul stops him. The jailer asks how he can be saved. He is taught, believes and is baptized.

8. Describe Paul and Silas in verse 25. They are singing and praying.

   a. Why would they do this? We have seen this to be a natural response by the new Christians during oppressive assaults. They pray. Now they also sing praises to God.

   b. What should this teach us? Do not despair. Count it a blessing to be disrespected for the cause of Christ. What I find even more interesting is "the prisoners listened to them." 

9. Why would the jailer commit suicide? To avoid execution.

10. What things did the jailer need to know to realize he needed salvation? He is taught the gospel from the Old Testament scriptures. 

Verses 35-40: The magistrates want to release Paul and Silas. Paul refuses and tell the floggers to get the magistrates to release them. He mentions their Roman citizenship. 

11. Paul’s Roman citizenship gave him certain rights. List the rights you think were violated in this incident.
No trial. Punishment without trial. Jailing without trial.

a. Why would this make the magistrates afraid? (38) This could have been petitioned by Paul to punish the magistrates for a flagrant violation of law.