November 12, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 16
1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard 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 every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Acts chapter 16 describes the travels and ministry of the Apostle Paul in Asia Minor and Macedonia, illustrating how Paul and his companions were guided by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel. This chapter includes significant events: the call to Macedonia, the conversion of Lydia, the encounter with a fortune-teller, and the spectacular release of Paul and Silas from prison in Philippi. These events highlight divine guidance and the influence of the gospel, even under challenging circumstances.
Commentary
In chapter 16 of Acts, the spread of the gospel into new regions is depicted, emphasizing the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul meets Timothy, whom he calls to be his companion and collaborator, and adapts his behavior to meet the cultural expectations of the Jews to better communicate with Jewish communities. The call to Macedonia, which Paul receives in a nighttime vision, underscores the urgency and scope of the Christian mission and leads to the first evangelization on European soil.
A central section of the chapter is the story of Lydia, a seller of purple goods, who converts and opens her home to Paul and his companions. This encounter demonstrates how the gospel transcended cultural and social boundaries, transforming people’s hearts. The conflict with the fortune-teller and the subsequent imprisonment of Paul and Silas highlight the confrontation with spiritual and social resistances that early Christians often faced. The nighttime praise scene in prison and the ensuing earthquake symbolize God’s power and the liberation that the gospel brings even in the most difficult circumstances. The chapter concludes with the conversion of the prison keeper, who becomes a believer through the testimony of Paul and Silas—a further reminder that God’s work occurs even in unexpected places.
Summary
In Acts chapter 16, Paul and his companions set out for Macedonia after Paul is called in a vision. In Philippi, they encounter Lydia, who becomes a believer and offers her hospitality. They also meet a fortune-teller, whose exorcism of her spirit leads to the arrest of Paul and Silas. In prison, the two praise God, and an earthquake opens the prison doors, prompting the prison keeper to ask how he can be saved. Through the testimony of Paul and Silas, he becomes a believer. The chapter ends with the release of Paul and Silas and their return to the community.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 75—Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas
This chapter is based on Matthew 26:57-75; Matthew 27:1; Mark 14:53-72; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:13-27.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 75 describes the events when Jesus stands trial in the houses of Annas and Caiaphas. Here, he is mocked, ridiculed, and subjected to an illegitimate trial that is intended to result in his death. The account highlights the profound contrasts between Jesus’ majestic demeanor and the cruelty of his opponents. The insight into how Jesus endures contempt and suffering without anger demonstrates his unwavering obedience to the Father’s will and his boundless compassion for humanity.
Commentary
In this trial scene, Jesus’ inner strength becomes particularly evident. He stands in unwavering calm before his accusers while being insulted and physically abused. The priests, entangled in their malice, do everything they can to convict Jesus of blasphemy and portray his actions as rebellious. However, Jesus’ demeanor, his wise restraint, and his words expose the depravity of his enemies and ultimately lead them to their own indictment. Peter’s denial of Jesus highlights the human weakness that affects all believers and the failure that can occur without spiritual vigilance. This chapter calls for recognizing the importance of faith strength, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice, especially in moments of greatest trial.
Summary
Chapter 75 describes how Jesus is brought to trial in the night following his arrest by Annas and Caiaphas. As Jesus endures unfounded accusations and mistreatment, he exhibits unwavering composure and gentleness. The Jewish leaders strive to construct a charge against him that would be acceptable to both the Romans and the Jewish people, treating him as a criminal despite finding no guilt in him. In the end, Jesus is condemned to death while contempt and slander continue. Peter, who had previously spoken boldly, denies Jesus out of fear. The events illustrate Jesus’ unconditional dedication to his divine mission and the ultimate failure of the people who condemn him.
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