Acts 16:11-40

Read Acts 16:11-40

Helpful Background Information:

• At this point in Acts, Paul was on his second missionary journey and traveled from Asia to Philippi. The company of believers included Paul, Timothy, Silas, and Luke.

• This passage shows when the church in Philippi was first established. The gospel is described as being first received by Lydia, then by the jailer. The Philippian church then went on to be supportive of Paul from then on. This is evident in the description from Philippians 1:5. It is also likely that Luke stayed behind in Philippi because of the change from a first person narrative to third person in chapter 17.

• This passage talks about how Paul refused to leave without an official apology, as he was a Roman citizen. This was an issue because Roman citizens had a right to a due process. If word got out that Roman law and custom was broken, the Philippian officials could have been severely punished. 

Reflection Questions: 

• In verse 14, it says that “the Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.” It is not the work of the Christian to change people’s hearts. Is there anyone in your life you have been trying to force change upon? How can you hand the decision to change his/her heart over to the Holy Spirit while you are faithfully speaking the truth of the gospel in love?

• While Paul and Silas were in prison, they continued to pray and sing hymns to God. They did this even after being stripped and beaten publically. Instead of letting their circumstances hurt their faithfulness, their faith drove them to their knees in praise before the Lord. How can you petition the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in the same way?

• Despite the difficult circumstances that Paul and company faced, God had a plan to grow His church in Philippi. How have you seen God redeem difficult situations in your own life for His glory? Sometimes there is no way to know what God is doing in difficult situations, how can you praise God despite knowing?