Acts 16
Summary. In this chapter, the apostle Paul and Silas continue their missionary journey, which began in chapter 15. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul travels with his companions to various places, delivering the decrees to the churches for them to keep. They encounter persecution and numerous challenges along the way. Acts 16:1-5. Apostle Paul chooses Timothy to join him. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Paul wanted Timothy, a dedicated servant of the Lord, to join him in the ministry. To maintain peace among the local Jews, he had Timothy circumcised. Acts 16:6-11. The Lord calls the apostle Paul to go to Macedonia. The Holy Spirit and the Spirit of the Lord Jesus had a plan for spreading the good news, guiding the apostle Paul and the believer Silas at every step of their journey. They were forbidden from going to some places and were instead called to go to Macedonia. Acts 16:12-15. The conversion of Lydia and her household. In Philippi, Macedonia, the Lord called a woman named Lydia to faith in the Lord Jesus. She and her household were baptized, and Lydia welcomed Paul and Silas into her home. Acts 16:16-24. The apostle Paul and Silas are attacked, beaten, and thrown in prison. While in Philippi, the apostle Paul, in the name of the Lord Jesus, delivered a maid from a spirit of divination. This miracle caused trouble for Paul and Silas because the maid’s masters lost their means of profit. They reacted by abusing Paul and Silas, inciting the crowd against them, taking them to the magistrates of the city, who ordered them to be beaten, and ultimately throwing them into jail. Acts 16:25-34. The Lord works miracles, and the jailor and his household are converted. Apostle Paul and Silas did not lose their trust in the Lord while they were in prison. Miraculously, the Lord sent an earthquake that shook the prison, opened the doors, and loosened all the chains. This miracle touched the heart of the jailor and led him and his family to believe in the message of the Lord Jesus that Paul shared with them. The jailor and his entire household were baptized and received the Lord Jesus as their Savior. Acts 16:35-40. Apostle Paul and Silas are released from prison. The apostle Paul and Silas revealed their citizenship to the jailor, and the report stirred concerns for the magistrates, who came personally to release them and beg them to leave the city.
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Then he came also to Derbe and to Lystra; and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman, a believing Jew, but of a father, a Greek,
Comments Acts 16:1
“Then he came also to Derbe and to Lystra.” The Lord God Almighty guided His disciple to the places where the work needed to be spread out, specifically to towns and places where he could work.
“And behold, a certain disciple was there ...” In this place, the Lord God Almighty had a certain servant waiting for work. The disciple, Paul, would have a little bit of a hard time introducing this worker to work along with him because he was not completely of the bloodline of the Lord’s children.
“And behold, a certain disciple was there ...” In this place, the Lord God Almighty had a certain servant waiting for work. The disciple, Paul, would have a little bit of a hard time introducing this worker to work along with him because he was not completely of the bloodline of the Lord’s children.
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who was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.
Comments Acts 16:2
However, this person had a good reputation among people. His name among the outsiders was good, and among the believers, he has also shown himself as a faithful believer in the Lord God Almighty.
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This one Paul wanted to go forth with him, and having taken, he circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
Comments Acts 16:3
“This one Paul wanted to go forth with him.” The Lord God Almighty guided His apostle’s heart to take the chosen servant to go with him for work.
“And having taken, he circumcised him ...” The children of the Lord keep the old law by tradition to circumcise the male child, but because this faithful servant, being a partial Jew, did not keep the old law, they requested the apostle of the Lord to follow the tradition that has been passed on from the forefathers. To keep peace, the apostle did as the Lord’s children requested him to do.
Q: But didn’t they just receive the rule from the Jerusalem Council that the Gentiles do not need to be circumcised? A: Remember as well, the will of the Lord God Almighty is to keep peace among His children, and to do this tradition does not disobey the teaching. But to follow the tradition of their forefathers, the apostle allowed it to follow the tradition, for keeping peace among people together.
“And having taken, he circumcised him ...” The children of the Lord keep the old law by tradition to circumcise the male child, but because this faithful servant, being a partial Jew, did not keep the old law, they requested the apostle of the Lord to follow the tradition that has been passed on from the forefathers. To keep peace, the apostle did as the Lord’s children requested him to do.
Q: But didn’t they just receive the rule from the Jerusalem Council that the Gentiles do not need to be circumcised? A: Remember as well, the will of the Lord God Almighty is to keep peace among His children, and to do this tradition does not disobey the teaching. But to follow the tradition of their forefathers, the apostle allowed it to follow the tradition, for keeping peace among people together.
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And as they went on their way through the cities, they delivered them the decrees to keep which had been ordained of the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.
Comments Acts 16:4
The letter had been handed out to the Lord’s children about the apostles’ and elders’ decision in this case. Circumcision is needed to keep peace, but it is no longer a law from the Lord God Almighty, and by the grace and the mercy of the beloved Son of God, this tradition can be stopped, and the people should not feel as committing sins against the Lord God Almighty by not keeping the tradition furthermore.
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Therefore, indeed, the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Comments Acts 16:5
Because the word of encouragement in the letter made the believers’ hearts be strengthened in faith, and they obeyed the guidance they received from the letter. And all believers believed in one heart together that this advice was from the Lord God Almighty, and everyone was willing to obey.
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And having passed through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia,
Comments Acts 16:6
“And having passed through the region ...” The apostle and the believer traveled through towns, but did not make any impact on the people there, because the Lord God Almighty had a purpose for them to just pass through only. However, the presence and rumor will stir up people’s hearts; humans sometimes listen to rumors more than the message being spoken, and here is an example of it.
“Having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit ...” In the area where the hearts of people were darkened and life was filled with worship in the dark ways, the Lord God Almighty saw the trouble that the apostle and believer would face, and that the result wouldn’t be positive. But later on, when the time is right, the Lord God Almighty will send the right people to spread the good news.
“Having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit ...” In the area where the hearts of people were darkened and life was filled with worship in the dark ways, the Lord God Almighty saw the trouble that the apostle and believer would face, and that the result wouldn’t be positive. But later on, when the time is right, the Lord God Almighty will send the right people to spread the good news.
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and having gone toward Mysia, they were trying to go toward Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them;
Comments Acts 16:7
The Lord God Almighty had specific places and people waiting to receive the good news, and this verse clearly indicates the direction the Lord wanted them to take. Also, the Spirit of the beloved Son of God Himself is guiding the apostle to go and do what He wants them to do. The place that people’s hearts are not ready to receive the beloved Son of God, His Spirit also forbids them to go there, because it will make those people’s souls commit greater sin against the Trinity of God.
Note that the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus are distinct but One in the Trinity of God.
Note that the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus are distinct but One in the Trinity of God.
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then, having passed by Mysia, they came down to Troas.
Comments Acts 16:8
The Lord God Almighty guided the traveling path for the apostle and the believer to go to a certain place. The way of traveling will meet more people, and more hearts that are open will receive the good news. And the faith of the apostle and the believer that travel will be strengthened as well, when they can see that the Lord God Almighty is guiding them and using them in proclaiming the good news.
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And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: A certain man of Macedonia was standing, and beseeching him, and saying, Having come over into Macedonia, help us.
Comments Acts 16:9
“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night ...” The apostle received straight direction and picture from the Lord God Almighty. The vision the apostle received would guide the heart of the apostle to follow the order later on as well.
“And beseeching him, and saying ...” Give attention, all readers, to what the verse says: the man was asking for help. The Lord God Almighty was guiding the apostle to see and hear. The word had been told to him, indicating the purpose of the vision: where the apostle should go and the work should be done, as the Lord God Almighty has specific work in this place for the apostle to do.
Q: Does the Lord speak in visions today to the believers as shown here in this verse? A: Not often, but the Lord God Almighty still gives the visions. Regarding the person who receives, the heart and mind must be clean, and they should meditate on the word most of the time in their life. When the heart and mind are clean, the Lord God Almighty will show the vision to that person.
Q: We see some churches practice the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including visions. What is the difference between the visions believers receive in some of these churches and this particular vision received by the apostle Paul? A: It is a big difference from what we can see in some churches today and this vision in this verse in the Bible. The vision the apostle saw was regarding the work of the Lord God Almighty, but what we might experience in some churches today are visions with a general telling of what is, not specifics about faith; they don’t have specific details like in this vision here.
“And beseeching him, and saying ...” Give attention, all readers, to what the verse says: the man was asking for help. The Lord God Almighty was guiding the apostle to see and hear. The word had been told to him, indicating the purpose of the vision: where the apostle should go and the work should be done, as the Lord God Almighty has specific work in this place for the apostle to do.
Q: Does the Lord speak in visions today to the believers as shown here in this verse? A: Not often, but the Lord God Almighty still gives the visions. Regarding the person who receives, the heart and mind must be clean, and they should meditate on the word most of the time in their life. When the heart and mind are clean, the Lord God Almighty will show the vision to that person.
Q: We see some churches practice the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including visions. What is the difference between the visions believers receive in some of these churches and this particular vision received by the apostle Paul? A: It is a big difference from what we can see in some churches today and this vision in this verse in the Bible. The vision the apostle saw was regarding the work of the Lord God Almighty, but what we might experience in some churches today are visions with a general telling of what is, not specifics about faith; they don’t have specific details like in this vision here.
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And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Comments Acts 16:10
“And when he had seen the vision ...” The apostle saw and heard the vision clearly. The Lord God Almighty stirred his heart to share what he had received, and because of the message he received, everyone agreed to go immediately without doubting.
“Concluding that God had called us ...” The apostle and the believer came to the same conclusion: that the Lord God Almighty wanted them to go and tell the good news to the people in that place. The help the man asked for was not physical but spiritual.
“Concluding that God had called us ...” The apostle and the believer came to the same conclusion: that the Lord God Almighty wanted them to go and tell the good news to the people in that place. The help the man asked for was not physical but spiritual.
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Then having sailed from Troas, we sailed straight to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis;
Comments Acts 16:11
The apostle received a direct traveling path from the Lord God Almighty, including the towns he should pass through and the places to stay. The path of travel will be the path that the good news will also be proclaimed, because by seeing, humans will talk about what they have seen. The word by mouth will spread out more than how much the disciples could imagine.
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and from there to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia, a colony; and we were in this city staying some days.
Comments Acts 16:12
“And from there to Philippi, which is the leading city ...” Give attention, all readers; the path the Lord God Almighty chose for the apostle to pass through will impact not only the people they meet but also themselves as well. When the apostle and believer would see the way of life in each place they pass through, the impact of life will make their minds stay firm on what they have been taught. The Lord God Almighty has specific ways of teaching the disciples and believers; this experience will shape their minds in the later stages of their lives.
“And we were in this city staying some days.” The Lord Good Almighty brought His apostle and believer to this place to stay longer than other places. The length of time staying will guide their minds and hearts. When they proclaim the good news, they will see the impact of work on people’s hearts in that place, and also, they will see the reaction when people reject the good news.
“And we were in this city staying some days.” The Lord Good Almighty brought His apostle and believer to this place to stay longer than other places. The length of time staying will guide their minds and hearts. When they proclaim the good news, they will see the impact of work on people’s hearts in that place, and also, they will see the reaction when people reject the good news.
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Then on the day of the Sabbaths, we went forth outside the city gate, by a river, where was customary to be a place of prayer; and having sat down, we spoke to the women having gathered.
Comments Acts 16:13
“Then on the day of the Sabbaths ...” The Lord God Almighty stirred the apostle’s heart, first to go where the people worship. There will be work, because where people worship, the need will also be there.
“And having sat down, we spoke to the women having gathered.” In this place, the women whose hearts were tender towards the Lord God Almighty gathered together to worship.
“And having sat down, we spoke to the women having gathered.” In this place, the women whose hearts were tender towards the Lord God Almighty gathered together to worship.
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And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, worshiping God , was listening, whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things being spoken by Paul.
Comments Acts 16:14
“And a certain woman named Lydia ...” Give attention to what the verse tells us: a woman with a normal occupation. Regardless of gender and occupation, the Lord God Almighty gives attention to all the same.
“Worshiping God, was listening.” Give attention, all readers: the Lord God Almighty knows who is worshiping Him, and although other humans may not notice, she has been noticed by the Lord God Almighty Himself.
“Whose heart the Lord opened to attend ...” The ear that gave attention to listen to what the apostle spoke stirred the heart to open. When an honest heart opens to receive the Holy Word, the Lord God Almighty will bless that heart.
“Worshiping God, was listening.” Give attention, all readers: the Lord God Almighty knows who is worshiping Him, and although other humans may not notice, she has been noticed by the Lord God Almighty Himself.
“Whose heart the Lord opened to attend ...” The ear that gave attention to listen to what the apostle spoke stirred the heart to open. When an honest heart opens to receive the Holy Word, the Lord God Almighty will bless that heart.
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And when she was baptized, and her household, she begged, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord , having come into my house, abide. And she constrained us.
Comments Acts 16:15
“And when she was baptized, and her household, she begged.” The common person had been called to serve the Lord God Almighty; her heart opened, and her mind agreed to follow the call. Let all readers pay attention: when all of you, your mind and heart submit and follow the Lord’s teachings, you will find courage to do what you have been guided in your heart.
“Saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord.” Her words have convinced people in her house to see an example. Strong words that followed the heart convinced all her household to follow her. This was not some forcing by the house master, but they committed by themselves; the people in her house had given their hearts to follow the Lord God Almighty.
“Having come into my house, abide ...” Now the character of the house master came out in the way of her invitation. Many can understand her as a forceful yet smart house master. She used forceful terms but in a polite way to invite the apostle to stay, because she believed her household would benefit from having these guests.
“Saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord.” Her words have convinced people in her house to see an example. Strong words that followed the heart convinced all her household to follow her. This was not some forcing by the house master, but they committed by themselves; the people in her house had given their hearts to follow the Lord God Almighty.
“Having come into my house, abide ...” Now the character of the house master came out in the way of her invitation. Many can understand her as a forceful yet smart house master. She used forceful terms but in a polite way to invite the apostle to stay, because she believed her household would benefit from having these guests.
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Now it happened, as we were going to the prayer, that a certain maid having a spirit of Python met us, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.
Comments Acts 16:16
“Now it happened, as we were going to the prayer.” The distance was not long, but the hearts that were faithful wanted to go to worship the Lord. Obstacles can happen to disturb the travel, but if your heart is faithful, you will go through them all.
“That a certain maid having ...” Give attention, all believers: the crafty, evil servant had many techniques in disturbing the peace, and the way to sway the human mind to follow, as this maid had one of the evil spirits that occupied her soul. In this place, her heart has been captured as a slave to evil.
“Who brought her masters much gain ...” Let all readers pay attention: this evil spirit claimed to know the future; indeed, they may guess, but the one in control of the future is the Lord God Almighty Himself.
“That a certain maid having ...” Give attention, all believers: the crafty, evil servant had many techniques in disturbing the peace, and the way to sway the human mind to follow, as this maid had one of the evil spirits that occupied her soul. In this place, her heart has been captured as a slave to evil.
“Who brought her masters much gain ...” Let all readers pay attention: this evil spirit claimed to know the future; indeed, they may guess, but the one in control of the future is the Lord God Almighty Himself.
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She, having followed after Paul and us, cried out, saying, These men are servants of the God Most High , who proclaim to you the way of salvation.
Comments Acts 16:17
“She, having followed after Paul and us ...” The dark mind controlled by the evil spirit saw the true light from the apostle and followed with no good intention but to stop the work of God.
“These men are servants of the God Most High ...” Give attention, all believers, read the word and pay attention, even the evil spirit knew who the servant of the God Most High was. When you have become a believer in the Lord God Most High, in your soul, the bright light will shine out, and in the unseen world, the dark spirits will notice you right away when they come around you.
“These men are servants of the God Most High ...” Give attention, all believers, read the word and pay attention, even the evil spirit knew who the servant of the God Most High was. When you have become a believer in the Lord God Most High, in your soul, the bright light will shine out, and in the unseen world, the dark spirits will notice you right away when they come around you.
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And this she did for many days. Then Paul, having been distressed, and having turned, said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her. And it came out the same hour.
Comments Acts 16:18
“And this she did for many days.” The evil spirit tempted the Lord God Almighty’s servant, because in their mind, they wanted to challenge the power of the apostle himself. In stopping the work of the Lord, they wanted to make sure that this apostle did not have enough power to fight against them.
“Then Paul, having been distressed ...” Not by the power of the apostle can he drive the spirit away, but by the name of the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, who has the power to chase away the evil spirit.
“And it came out the same hour.” Give attention, all readers, the mighty power in the name of the beloved Son of God can do things instantly. The power in His name is beyond what the evil spirit can fight against; give attention, the spirit departed right away, in that moment.
“Then Paul, having been distressed ...” Not by the power of the apostle can he drive the spirit away, but by the name of the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, who has the power to chase away the evil spirit.
“And it came out the same hour.” Give attention, all readers, the mighty power in the name of the beloved Son of God can do things instantly. The power in His name is beyond what the evil spirit can fight against; give attention, the spirit departed right away, in that moment.
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Now her masters having seen that the hope of their profit was gone, having seized Paul and Silas, they dragged them into the public square before the rulers,
Comments Acts 16:19
“Now her masters having seen ...” Money is like a god in human eyes in every generation; losing money is a bigger problem than losing faith; for humans, the most powerful power is money.
“Having seized Paul and Silas.” The apostle and the believer faced a challenge now; their faith stayed firm in the Lord God Almighty, but discouragement occurred, which could disturb their faith. But the base of faith in their hearts was not for comfort; their hearts had a wish to spread the good news, and that would make them have the strength to carry on.
“They dragged them into the public square ...” Taking them to the rulers who also have power among humans, the people did not seek the judgment of the Lord God Almighty, but rather believed in the power of humans.
“Having seized Paul and Silas.” The apostle and the believer faced a challenge now; their faith stayed firm in the Lord God Almighty, but discouragement occurred, which could disturb their faith. But the base of faith in their hearts was not for comfort; their hearts had a wish to spread the good news, and that would make them have the strength to carry on.
“They dragged them into the public square ...” Taking them to the rulers who also have power among humans, the people did not seek the judgment of the Lord God Almighty, but rather believed in the power of humans.
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and having brought them up to the magistrates, they said, These men, being Jews, agitate our city,
Comments Acts 16:20
“And having brought them up to the magistrates.” Those in positions of power have the authority to make decisions, and everyone is waiting for them to make decisions on their behalf.
“These men, being Jews, agitate our city.” Children of the Lord themselves viewed the apostle and the believer as problem-makers rather than helpers in keeping them safe; with this accusation, they expected greater judgment on them.
“These men, being Jews, agitate our city.” Children of the Lord themselves viewed the apostle and the believer as problem-makers rather than helpers in keeping them safe; with this accusation, they expected greater judgment on them.
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and declare customs that are not lawful for us to receive, nor to observe, being Romans.
Comments Acts 16:21
“And declare customs that are not lawful ...” The people with dark minds corrupt their own souls and believe that the good news the apostle proclaimed is not truly good for their souls. When the people are against the good news, they are not against the apostle, but the dark mind itself fights against the Lord God Almighty. The salvation of souls is the good news that the apostle brings in the good news they share.
“Being Romans.” Humans believed that the nation with power on earth at that time was greater than heaven itself.
“Being Romans.” Humans believed that the nation with power on earth at that time was greater than heaven itself.
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And the multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates having torn the garments from them, commanded to beat them with rods.
Comments Acts 16:22
“And the multitude rose up together against them.” When humans join together, they also do not bring their own minds with them. It is easy to sway the minds of a multitude to accept the human talking, and here is the place where all can see it.
“And the magistrates having torn ...” When humans gain power, it also makes them believe they are greater than all others. The leaders will always try to do things to please people, regardless of whether the action is right or wrong, but receiving support from people is the real power for them.
“And the magistrates having torn ...” When humans gain power, it also makes them believe they are greater than all others. The leaders will always try to do things to please people, regardless of whether the action is right or wrong, but receiving support from people is the real power for them.
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Then having laid many blows on them, they cast them into prison, having commanded the jailor to keep them securely;
Comments Acts 16:23
For humans whose hearts are controlled by the dark, the word mercy does not exist in their hearts. The way humans treat each other brings sadness to all who see. The Lord God Almighty created humans in His likeness out of love, but humans have no love for each other. Even if they receive the command from another human, it does not mean the action has to be cruel. Keeping the prisoners in the inner prison means they cannot escape, but to fasten their feet that way is painful for any human to receive.
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who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks.
Comments Acts 16:24
“Who, having received such a command ...” The one who works as the jailor follows the order, and also with his eyes has seen much violence, which makes the jailor himself have no mercy left for anyone; the actions for one another will be more rough than normal.
“And secured their feet in the stocks.” The heart of the jailor thinks of the prisoners as animals taken for slaughter; to secure their bodies, keeping them under control is the way humans do to the violent animals.
“And secured their feet in the stocks.” The heart of the jailor thinks of the prisoners as animals taken for slaughter; to secure their bodies, keeping them under control is the way humans do to the violent animals.
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Now about midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing to God , and the prisoners were listening to them;
Comments Acts 16:25
“Now about midnight, Paul and Silas ...” Give attention, all believers; in all situations, singing and praising God is the most important thing to do; regardless of time, in every moment, this is precious to do.
“And the prisoners were listening to them.” When you sing and praise with faith, all those who hear you do it, will be touched in their hearts, and those who the Lord God Almighty touches their hearts will feel and make a difference.
“And the prisoners were listening to them.” When you sing and praise with faith, all those who hear you do it, will be touched in their hearts, and those who the Lord God Almighty touches their hearts will feel and make a difference.
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then suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison-house were shaken; then immediately all the doors were opened, and of all, the chains were loosed.
Comments Acts 16:26
“Then suddenly there was a great earthquake.” The Lord God Almighty showed His power to all believers, revealing who truly is in control; the earth shook and moved according to His will alone.
“So that the foundations of the prison-house ...” Humans build things, but the Lord God Almighty shakes them all; all things can stand or fall according to the Lord God Almighty’s will.
“Then immediately all the doors were opened ...” Let all believers pay attention; this verse clearly tells all humans that the Lord God Almighty freed His apostle and the one who believes in Him. No door or chains can hold anyone unless the Lord God Almighty allows it, but now, His will is to free everyone; those who trust and worship Him with a true heart, He frees them all.
“So that the foundations of the prison-house ...” Humans build things, but the Lord God Almighty shakes them all; all things can stand or fall according to the Lord God Almighty’s will.
“Then immediately all the doors were opened ...” Let all believers pay attention; this verse clearly tells all humans that the Lord God Almighty freed His apostle and the one who believes in Him. No door or chains can hold anyone unless the Lord God Almighty allows it, but now, His will is to free everyone; those who trust and worship Him with a true heart, He frees them all.
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And the jailor being awoken, and seeing the doors of the prison open, having drawn his sword, he was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners had escaped.
Comments Acts 16:27
“And the jailor being awoken ...” The soldier’s duty in his mind: the door must be locked to keep the prisoners in. If the door is open, his life also comes to an end. And the death won’t be the easy way out, but in his mind, the worry goes beyond normal. The family left behind will also be punished; his hope is gone. Humans give attention: the hope is in one place only, in the Lord God Almighty; don’t put hope on anything else but the One who lives forever, who has the true power to protect.
“Having drawn his sword ...” To take your own life is the wrong thing to do, regardless of the consequences of your actions. The true owner of your life is the Lord God Almighty; to live or die is the Lord’s choice alone, not yours.
“Having drawn his sword ...” To take your own life is the wrong thing to do, regardless of the consequences of your actions. The true owner of your life is the Lord God Almighty; to live or die is the Lord’s choice alone, not yours.
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However, Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do no harm to yourself; for we are all here.
Comments Acts 16:28
“However, Paul called out with a loud voice.” The apostle of the Lord God Almighty, with the Lord’s guidance, called out to the jailor, being a prisoner, but did not worry. He could let the soldier die, but his heart, led by the Lord God Almighty’s mercy, could not leave those to take their lives with their own hand but had to help stop them from committing the great sin.
“Do no harm to yourself ...” By telling them that all the prisoners were still inside and had not escaped, it gave the soldiers the courage to face the day and find peace, knowing that no one had escaped, and their own lives were also still safe.
“Do no harm to yourself ...” By telling them that all the prisoners were still inside and had not escaped, it gave the soldiers the courage to face the day and find peace, knowing that no one had escaped, and their own lives were also still safe.
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And having called for lights, he rushed in, and having become trembling, he fell down before Paul and Silas,
Comments Acts 16:29
“And having called for lights.” The dark brings fear to humans, even to those who have not been captured. The soldiers needed light not for checking their own safety, but to ensure who was making the mistake and deserved more punishment.
“He rushed in, and having become trembling.” The fear in humans is hard to explain. When the eyes do not see and when the eye can see, both have fear, but each case is for a different reason. Now the soldiers fear for themselves; the doubt has come to their heads; this is the fear of the unknown.
“He fell down before Paul and Silas.” The mind of the soldier encountered the miracle of the earthquake; the foundation was shaking, not only did the floor shook, but their own hearts were also shaking. The fear had come and controlled their minds at this moment.
“He rushed in, and having become trembling.” The fear in humans is hard to explain. When the eyes do not see and when the eye can see, both have fear, but each case is for a different reason. Now the soldiers fear for themselves; the doubt has come to their heads; this is the fear of the unknown.
“He fell down before Paul and Silas.” The mind of the soldier encountered the miracle of the earthquake; the foundation was shaking, not only did the floor shook, but their own hearts were also shaking. The fear had come and controlled their minds at this moment.
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and having brought them out, he said, Sirs, what must I do that I may be saved?
Comments Acts 16:30
“And having brought them out.” For this soldier, to take prisoners out without receiving the order was an action above what a normal soldier would do.
“Sirs, what must I do that I may be saved.” Let all believers pay attention to this question of the soldier. The non-believers faced the miracles of the Lord God Almighty, and fear and awe took over, making the heart of the soldier want to glorify the Lord God Almighty. The soldier asked the prisoner for the way to be saved; this was a miracle from the Lord God Almighty.
“Sirs, what must I do that I may be saved.” Let all believers pay attention to this question of the soldier. The non-believers faced the miracles of the Lord God Almighty, and fear and awe took over, making the heart of the soldier want to glorify the Lord God Almighty. The soldier asked the prisoner for the way to be saved; this was a miracle from the Lord God Almighty.
31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.
Comments Acts 16:31
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus.” When you speak with the outsiders, whom you have noticed have had their hearts touched, your heart and mouth will be filled with the true gospel to give and have an effect on the person in a positive way, and here the most important message has been told: to be saved is only through the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Give the true message, and you will see the result of it.
“And you will be saved, you ...” Give attention, all believers, the Lord God Almighty knows the heart of man, and here this person has a heart for the family. The good news that is proclaimed to them will save not only themselves but the family together.
“And you will be saved, you ...” Give attention, all believers, the Lord God Almighty knows the heart of man, and here this person has a heart for the family. The good news that is proclaimed to them will save not only themselves but the family together.
32
And they spoke the word of the Lord to him, accompanied by all those in his house.
Comments Acts 16:32
“And they spoke the word of the Lord to him.” The Lord God Almighty gave the message to His apostle to proclaim to this outsider, and here, the message has been given, and that message will spread further to all generations.
“Accompanied by all those in his house.” Give attention as well; household does not mean only family alone, but also the size of the household, including those with whom the family has a relationship. The Lord God Almighty has a plan to save everybody related to the believer. If your heart is truly faithful, the gift of salvation will be given to all. People that you know will be impacted by this faith of yours; your faith will be the light that people will notice how powerful the message has been in your life.
“Accompanied by all those in his house.” Give attention as well; household does not mean only family alone, but also the size of the household, including those with whom the family has a relationship. The Lord God Almighty has a plan to save everybody related to the believer. If your heart is truly faithful, the gift of salvation will be given to all. People that you know will be impacted by this faith of yours; your faith will be the light that people will notice how powerful the message has been in your life.
33
And having taken them in that hour of the night, he washed their wounds; and he was baptized, he and all of him, immediately.
Comments Acts 16:33
“And having taken them in that hour ...” From the man without mercy in the heart, the Lord God Almighty touched him and changed him. Taking prisoners under his own care could also give him more trouble than he could take. But when the man’s heart had faith in the Lord God Almighty, to do good deeds for the apostle of the Lord God Almighty made him feel it was a duty and joy to do, even if it could bring him trouble, but the joy in his heart for believing in the Lord God Almighty had more pleasure than the suffering he might receive.
“And he was baptized, he and all of him, immediately.” Give attention, all readers; when the Lord God Almighty touched the heart of the person, all his household was also blessed; not he himself only, but all his household had received the Lord God Almighty into their hearts. This soldier became a faithful believer in the Lord God Almighty.
“And he was baptized, he and all of him, immediately.” Give attention, all readers; when the Lord God Almighty touched the heart of the person, all his household was also blessed; not he himself only, but all his household had received the Lord God Almighty into their hearts. This soldier became a faithful believer in the Lord God Almighty.
34
Then, having brought them into the house, he set before them a table and rejoiced with all his household, having believed in God .
Comments Acts 16:34
“Then, having brought them into the house.” The man received the apostle as a guest of the family, not as a prisoner. With a heart full of joy to serve the apostle, this man showed his commitment to God. This is the heart of a sincere man that people should consider.
“He set before them a table and rejoiced ...” Setting a prisoner at the same table with his household also showed that the man and his family had taken the apostle as part of their own family. To enjoy eating food together as a family, it becomes a calling from the Lord God Almighty to treat each other as one family.
“He set before them a table and rejoiced ...” Setting a prisoner at the same table with his household also showed that the man and his family had taken the apostle as part of their own family. To enjoy eating food together as a family, it becomes a calling from the Lord God Almighty to treat each other as one family.
35
Then day having come, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, Release those men.
Comments Acts 16:35
“Then day having come.” The Lord God Almighty works in many people’s hearts at the same time. Everything is under the Lord God Almighty’s control. All situations and moments of time in people’s lives are under the Lord God Almighty’s control.
“The magistrates sent the sergeants ...” The soldiers and people around, all witnessed what needed to be done. When the Lord God Almighty was working in people’s hearts, the leaders listened and obeyed. The order came from above to release the prisoners; everybody obeyed and did as the leaders told them.
“The magistrates sent the sergeants ...” The soldiers and people around, all witnessed what needed to be done. When the Lord God Almighty was working in people’s hearts, the leaders listened and obeyed. The order came from above to release the prisoners; everybody obeyed and did as the leaders told them.
36
And the jailor reported these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent that you may be let go; now therefore, having gone out, depart in peace.
Comments Acts 16:36
“And the jailor reported these words to Paul: ...” The jailor, who worked under the control of the magistrates, had come to tell the apostle of the Lord God Almighty, 'your time of suffering here is over, go.’ He also reminded the apostle to go with a peaceful heart.
“Now therefore, having gone out, depart in peace.” When the apostle of the Lord heard the words announced to him and to the believer, in their hearts came to understand that the Lord God Almighty protected them fully, and now they will have more confidence in spreading the good news to the people, because now people around have witnessed the mighty power of the Lord God Almighty, whom they serve.
“Now therefore, having gone out, depart in peace.” When the apostle of the Lord heard the words announced to him and to the believer, in their hearts came to understand that the Lord God Almighty protected them fully, and now they will have more confidence in spreading the good news to the people, because now people around have witnessed the mighty power of the Lord God Almighty, whom they serve.
37
But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly, uncondemned men, Romans being, they have cast us into prison; and do they now throw us out privately? No indeed! But rather, having come themselves, let them bring us out.
Comments Acts 16:37
“But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly ...” The apostle replied with a general answer, but what he said was more like a question to them. This way of speaking made the listeners confused, and questions arose in their hearts.
“Romans being, they have cast us ...” Now the apostle uses his status as a means of boasting to people; what he received from them is not that simple to answer. Punishing a man with important citizenship without being guilty is not right for anyone to do. The apostle boasted just to make them think twice about what they wanted to do with him.
“No indeed! But rather, having come ...” Basically, the apostle is saying, 'Treating us badly, don’t expect to finish that fast; let the leaders themselves come and take us out.’ This saying also lets them know that the apostle knows that he has the power to talk back because now all of them know he is not a common man.
“Romans being, they have cast us ...” Now the apostle uses his status as a means of boasting to people; what he received from them is not that simple to answer. Punishing a man with important citizenship without being guilty is not right for anyone to do. The apostle boasted just to make them think twice about what they wanted to do with him.
“No indeed! But rather, having come ...” Basically, the apostle is saying, 'Treating us badly, don’t expect to finish that fast; let the leaders themselves come and take us out.’ This saying also lets them know that the apostle knows that he has the power to talk back because now all of them know he is not a common man.
38
And the sergeants reported these words to the magistrates; then they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans;
Comments Acts 16:38
“And the sergeants reported these words ...” Now, the leaders heard the status of the prisoner being an important citizen, and the fear captured their own hearts. This time, to save their skins, their minds started making plans on how to save themselves.
“Then they were afraid ...” For being a citizen of a great country brings fear to all people. Capturing the citizens of a great country can lead to war, and if the peace talks do not succeed now, they will face problems, as they themselves cannot fight against the great nation; fear now holds power over them.
“Then they were afraid ...” For being a citizen of a great country brings fear to all people. Capturing the citizens of a great country can lead to war, and if the peace talks do not succeed now, they will face problems, as they themselves cannot fight against the great nation; fear now holds power over them.
39
and having come, they besought them, and having brought them out, they asked them to go out from the city.
Comments Acts 16:39
The leaders with hearts of fear come to meet the prisoners. These prisoners, for the leaders, had become a threat to their position. At this time, the way to communicate with the prisoners had changed; from above persons became below persons, because the prisoners now had the power to speak directly with the leaders, and the leaders knew that not dealing wisely could bring problems upon themselves.
40
Then having gone out of the prison, they entered into [the house of] Lydia; and having seen the brothers, they comforted them, and departed.
Comments Acts 16:40
“Then having gone out of the prison ...” The first thing the apostle did when he got out of prison was to seek the believers that the Lord God Almighty had guided his heart to draw to. The woman who had a heart for the Lord drew the apostle’s attention to come to her place and offer advice on how to receive people and practice worship.
“And having seen the brothers ...” When the apostle met with the believers, joy came to their hearts, and made them realize that their work also ended, and the Lord God Almighty guided them to go somewhere else for more work.
“And having seen the brothers ...” When the apostle met with the believers, joy came to their hearts, and made them realize that their work also ended, and the Lord God Almighty guided them to go somewhere else for more work.
Life and faith applications. 1) Traditions of men hold no value in our salvation; we are saved by grace. However, to maintain peace among believers, we can follow traditions as long as they do not interfere with our faith in the Trinity of God. 2) We should support one another in faith and in keeping all the commandments of the Lord. 3) As believers, we must not get involved with those who practice divination or fortune-telling. 4) Trust the Lord in all situations and give Him praise and glory, regardless of our life conditions. 5) Proclaim the Lord Jesus as the only One who can save our souls to everyone the Lord brings into our path. 6) Invite fellow believers to your home and share a meal if the Lord prompts you to do so.