Paul and Silas now join together in ministry. Timothy grows in the faith.
Acts 16: Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.
2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.
5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.
The Macedonian Call
6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
The Conversion of Lydia
11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,
12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days.
13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.
14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.
Paul and Silas in Prison
16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.
17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."
18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.
19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.
20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city.
21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice."
22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.
23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.
24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
The Philippian Jailer Converted
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to 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 everyone's bonds were unfastened.
27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."
29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, "Let those men go."
36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace."
37 But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out."
38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens.
39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city.
40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
Acts 17: Paul and Silas in Thessalonica
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."
4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.
6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."
8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things.
9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
Paul and Silas in Berea
10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.
11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.
13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.
15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
Paul in Athens
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.
17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.
18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities"---because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?
20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean."
21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.
Paul Addresses the Areopagus
22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.
23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,
25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,
27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,
28 for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.'
29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.
30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this."
33 So Paul went out from their midst.
34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
Things to think about…
1. Paul circumcises Timothy and at the same time takes the letter from Jerusalem to the Jews that says observing the Law of Moses was not required, Acts 16:1-5. Why did Paul do this? The answer is that Paul did not want Timothy to be a stumbling block in the way of his Jewish hearers. Timothy’s outward obedience gave the opportunity for others to hear the gospel. If we are doing something that has no bearing on holiness but which stops our fellow Australians from hearing the gospel, we are the ones who need to change.
2. It is interesting to note that the decrees of the Jerusalem council are taken by Paul to Derbe, Lystra and Iconium. As they deliver them the testimony in Acts 16:5 is that “the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily”. The Word of God should encourage Christians and bring about health and grow in the congregations where it is applied.
3. We don’t know what stopped Paul and Timothy from going into Asia – it simply says the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them, Acts 16:7. We know where one door closes another opens. Sometimes it is simply an impression placed on our hearts one way or another. Sometimes it is a physical limitation. In this case Paul received a vision to go to Macedonia, vss 9, 10.
4. Rather than being a misogynist as he has often portrayed, Paul meets with women who met for prayer along the river in Philippi, Acts 16:13. No synagogue was there because 10 families were required to justify having one. The men of Philippi were clearly not interested in the things of God. Such is the case for many woman married to unbelieving husbands today. Paul started by ministering to the women and why not, he found a real blessing for the beginning of a church in the person of Lydia, vss 14, 15. Praise God for faithful women who study God’s word and are believing for a spiritual breakthrough.
5. We see the point of why no men wanted to join the women. The men wanted to keep the Philippian colony as a Roman city, it was ok for the women to meet together, but the men would have no part of it, Acts 16:16-22. This is likely due to the fact that many men in Philippi would have been retired soldiers who served in the Roman Legion. Paul was now disturbing this status quo. Let’s be like Paul and do the same by challenging our culture with Christ. When we start challenging cultural norms like what Paul did by rebuking the demon in the slave girl, the community is confronted with the power of the gospel.
6. Paul and Silas do not reveal their Roman citizenship in Acts 16:22-24. They are beaten then taken and bound in the Philippian prison. It seemed good for Paul to initially reveal his Roman citizenship before being beaten in Jerusalem but not here in Philippi. We must listen to and obey the Holy Spirit in every circumstance. The jailor and his family are saved as a result. Paul and Silas reveal their Roman citizenship after these events and thereby make a more lasting impression on the town magistrate who would no doubt respect Paul and Silas for not taking them before a Roman tribunal for their illegal arresting, then beating, then imprisoning uncondemned and untrialled Romans.
7. Sing to the Lord and praise His name, Acts 16:25. Who knows what effect it might have? For Paul and Silas it produced an earthquake that delivered them out of prison and resulted in the conversion of the jailor and his household, vss 26-34. The church in Philippi is now established. All it takes is for someone to step out and rejoice in God’s goodness. The Lord will then see that His name is honoured. Let’s see some building’s shake for Christ and see the gospel spread in our community.
8. Paul and Silas travel to Thessalonica and reason in the Synagogue with the Jews, Acts 17:1-9. The city turns into an uproar, thugs are hired and as they can’t find Paul and Silas they go and attack the house of Jason who had let Paul and Silas stay with him. Sometimes we are given some grief because we are related or associate with people that others hate. If this happens within the church let’s always stand on the side of truth and grace.
9. Paul and Silas travel to Berea where there is a more noble spirit, until Jews from Thessalonica arrive causing trouble, Acts 17:10-13. Paul leaves for Athens but Silas and Timothy stay. Sometimes our work can continue with different voices. Paul was a trail blazer but Silas and Timothy were left to solidify the message.
10. Paul’s arrives in Athens to await Silas and Timothy. Before doing so he addresses the Athenians by starting at their level of understanding by beginning at creation and he speaks about the fact that they are all worshipping something. He then uses this platform to convince them that they need to worship a risen Saviour, Acts 17:31. Let’s always assess what people need to hear from a point where they can begin to understand our message. A number of people believe and the church in Athens begins, Acts 17:34.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. On break over the school holidays.
Young adult Life group – Onbreak over school holidays
Prayer Points
1. The beginning of “The Blessed Life” series. The encouragement of the ‘Stories’ we heard on Sunday.
2. Pray for Lauren as her brother has just passed this morning. She is with the family in South Africa now.
3. Keep praying for Anna and the Playgroup on Fridays, pray for more families to be reached.
4. Pray for Chaplaincy and Kids Hope at Karalee State School.
5. The ongoing conflict in Israel and Ukraine.
6. Church finances to continue to grow and expenses to be more than met.
7. Pray for Kids@Church, Life groups. Young Adults back this week.
8. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 5:30pm at church. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
9. Pray about the possibility and planning of a Farmers Market at Chuwar Baptist Church on Saturdays. Anastasia taking the lead on this. Pray for us as we plan
10. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
11. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. New folk this week. Pray the stories speak to those in the building and online.
2. Worship team did a great job.
3. Praise God for young people stepping up in the worship ministry.
4. Playgroup is a great encouragement for our church.
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. The blessed life – Part 2 “God must be first”. This Sunday morning
2. Working bee Saturday morning 27th July. Please contact Che for a list jobs and requirements.
3. Monday and Wednesday evening prayer at church 5:30-6:30pm
4. Life Group Wednesday 6:30pm at church – start back this week.
5. Young Adults Life group starts this week after church.
6. Kids@Church starts back this week. Check your roster out today.
7. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
8. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for July...
Q. 22. What is Sin? A. Sin is any transgression of the law of God.
Bible References – 1Jn.3:4; Rom.3:20; James 2:9-11
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
