As we look at Acts 16 and Paul’s ministry in Philippi, there are just so many great principles for us to learn and apply in our own lives. Frankly, along with chapter 20, it is one of my favorite chapters in Acts. First, notice the Spirit’s leading of Paul and Silas in v. 6-10. How this specifically occurred, Luke does not tell us, but we see the Spirit forbidding them to speak the word in Asia, the Spirit not allowing them to go into Bithynia despite their attempts, and then the vision of the Macedonian call. I would not suggest that we wait for dreams and vision before acting, but I would say that we need to be sensitive to God’s leading, especially when we are carrying out our own personal plans and desires.
The first known convert in Europe was Lydia and her conversion is recorded in v. 13-15. I believe this passage teaches the true nature of regeneration, or the new birth. God opened Lydia’s heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul (v. 14). Before this time, she was spiritually blind and deaf. The Holy Spirit worked the miracle of the new birth in Lydia so that she would be enabled to respond to the preaching of the gospel with understanding and saving faith (see also 1 Corinthians 2:6-16). We need God to act in hard hearts for them to respond in faith to the good news of Jesus.
I am struck by Paul and Silas and their amazing response to undeserved persecution. In v. 25, Luke records that while they were in prison, fastened in stocks, that around midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God. Some years later, when Paul wrote the church in Philippi, he told them, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” He and Silas sure proved that in their worship and gratitude while imprisoned. And God used them in this condition to save the Philippian jailer and his family (v. 30-34).
There is so much more to consider in chapter 16, but this should be enough to chew on for a while. Moving on:
Acts 17:11 – The people here were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, since they received the word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (CSB) Paul and Silas left Philippi for Thessalonica, where they preached, per Paul’s custom, in the synagogue on at least three Sabbaths. Their message that Jesus was the promised Messiah persuaded some, but the majority of the Jews responded with rioting. Perhaps there was some jealousy. Perhaps there was fear of Roman reprisal. Perhaps cultural accommodations were more important to the Jews than the truth. Whatever, Paul and Silas were sent off to Berea for their safety, and there they experienced a totally different reception. The Bereans valued the truth, so they searched the Scriptures to see if Paul’s teaching was accurate. The result was that many believed. The truth of God’s word needs to be more important to us than what the world thinks. It needs to be more valuable than our safety, position, or reputation. It need to have the final say on all issues of doctrine and practice. I pray that God would help us to treasure his Word, to take it in, chew on it, live it, and be controlled by it.
Blessings as you continue to be Bereans!