The Acts of The Apostles

Acts was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Sixteen
(16:1-40)

In chapter (16) the gospel is presented in its most simple form. The most basic question a man could ever ask is asked, "What Must I do to be saved?" Also, the path with which the gospel will be preached is established. Paul is forbidden by the Holy Ghost himself (vs. 6) to go and preach the word in Asia.

Vs. 1-13

Here we meet Timotheus or Timothy. (Acts 17:14; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; Col. 1:1; Phil. 1; Heb. 13:23; 2 Tim. 1:5)

Verse (3) is used by Judaizers to prove that the law must still be kept and Paul was concerned about it. Paul was concerned about eliminating stumbling blocks.

Titus in (Gal. 2:1-5) was not compelled to be circumcised. For being a full-blooded Greek (Gentile) the Jew would not expect him to be circumcised. Timothy's mother was a Bible believing Jew. Timothy here is about to travel on a missions tour with Paul and will encounter unsaved Jews. Whereas Titus was only a visitor to Jerusalem whom Paul brought to prove a doctrinal point to believers.

Vs. 4

The decrees - (Acts 15:9-11,20,21,24,28)

Vs. 9

Paul has a vision that could be compared to Peter in (Acts 10). Paul is given a vision of a man of Macedonia (Greece) bidding him to come bring the gospel of salvation. Paul is sure (vs. 10) of the call. Silas must be taken aside by all of this.

Vs. 12

Paul lands on the European mainland at Neapolis. From there they go to Philippi where Paul has his first European converts. Corinthians, Philippians, Romans and Thessalonians are written to these believers.

Vs. 14,15

The first convert in Europe was a woman - Lydia. She worshipped God and the Lord opened her heart. Heart belief! (Rom. 10:9,10) She is then baptized, (Act 8:37), "If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest."

(Acts 8) - belief - baptism

(Acts 10) - belief - baptism

(Acts 16:15) - belief - baptism

(Acts 16:30,31) - belief - baptism

There is no place biblically for "infant baptism". Notice (vs. 15), "us". Luke has joined Paul somewhere between (Acts 15:41-16:9).

Vs. 16-24

Context, a demon-possessed woman preaches the truth, a group of business men who are using religion for monetary gain and town politicians who are more interested in commerce than the truth of God.

The women is fundamentalist; she believes in God, (James 2:19). She recognizes the deity of Christ (Mk. 1:24) (Mk. 5:7), and even worships him (Mk. 5:6). She testifies to the truth of salvation (Acts 16:17) and may even be a healer, like Judas (Matt. 10:8). But! she's demon possessed. Paul does not want the gospel to be identified with this Satanic element commands the demon to come out.

Vs. 19

Silas must have had doubts about Paul (vs. 9) at this time. Paul and Silas are jailed for their teachings, which have interrupted a steady climb in the heathen stock market in Philippi.

Vs. 25-34

A lesson is to be learned. When God calls us with a definite call and promises to bless our efforts, this call sometimes is to a jail, a stoning pit (Acts 7) or a chopping block (John the Baptist). Helping a bunch of sinners find Christ as Saviour could involve getting the stuffings kicked out of you or a few nights in the slammer.

Vs. 25

"Prayed and sang praises". (Eph. 5:18,19,20) "Giving thanks always for all things..." (Col. 3:16,17)

Vs. 26

God says "Amen", a great earthquake! (Acts 12:6) The miracle is that the prisoners have not escaped (vs. 28). The jailer had every right to think suicide was the best way out. (Acts 12:19; Matt. 28:11-15).

Vs. 30

This simplest yet most profound question ever asked follows, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (1 Jn. 3:23; Gal 3:22)

Vs. 31

"Thy house" - household salvation (Heb. 11:7; Lk, 19:9; Gen. 18:19; Acts 18:8; Ex. 12:22; Josh. 2:19). They heard the word (vs. 32), were baptized (vs. 33), and rejoiced in their salvation (vs. 34).

Vs. 35-40

The next day the city officials authorized the apostles' release. But Paul doesn't let them off the hook quite so easily. Paul and Silas are Roman citizens and their rights have been publicly violated. "We want an apology for this inconvenience." Paul's obstinacy is spirit led. They can now stick around for awhile if they like and secondly, the door is open for them to return. Paul and Silas depart while Luke and Timothy are somewhere else at this time, for the word "they" (vs. 39,40) is used instead of "we" (vs. 10).

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