The Jailhouse Rocks Viewing Acts Chapter 16 Prepared by: Soon Siak. June 2010

Who needs to spin/toss coins? Each person is to spin the coin. Those match stay but those that don’t are out. Last person(s) win(s). How do you make decision? Toss/Spin coins? With the Holy Spirit to guide us, we certainly don’t need to do that – something Paul and Silas experience in this chapter.

Paul Re-visits Derbe and Lystra Why did Paul and Silas decided to have Timothy join their team (v1-5)? He had developed a reputation for good character among the local church leaders. Perhaps Timothy had become a Christian during Paul’s previous visit, and Paul wanted to help him develop his faith. Maybe Paul wanted someone from that immediate area as another witness to God’s power to change lives. Or perhaps Paul wanted Timothy to take over the things John Mark had done on the first trip (13:5).

Paul Visits Galatia The church leaders had just ruled that circumcision was not necessary step for becoming a Christian (15). So why do you think Paul wanted Timothy to be circumcised (v3-5)? It had nothing to do with salvation. Many of Paul’s hearers would be Jewish, and having an uncircumcised man whose mother was Jewish (v1) might have unnecessarily impaired the effectiveness of Paul’s teaching.

The Apostles Cross into Macedonia What do v6-10 tell us about finding God’s will for our lives? Sometimes God closes doors for us – His Spirit might prevent us from doing things, even things that may seem right at the time. Though Paul’s intention was to follow up in many of the places that he had visited previously (15:36), God had other plans for Paul and Silas.

A man of Macedonia saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (16:9)

The Apostles Cross into Macedonia Take note of the account, response and conclusion from the apostles (SPM1998). Notice in v10 that the person telling the story shifts from using words like “they” to “we”. What do you suppose is the reason for this? The writer of Acts, appears to join the travellers in Troas.

Preaching at Philippi What happened when the group got to Philippi (v11-15)? The people seemed to be very responsive. One in particular, named Lydia, immediately gave the disciples her support. Note the city and the details about this lady (SPM1997A).

Lydia, seller of purple goods, believed & baptized with her household.

Give an account of the conversion of Lydia. Comment on the significance of her conversion. Name two other women who helped in the growth of the early church and mention what they did. Give an account of the conversion of Lydia. Comment on the significance of her conversion. Name two other women who helped in the growth of the early church and mention what they did. SPM 2009 Part B

Paul Casts Out the Spirit of Divination But then what happened that caused Paul and Silas some trouble (v16-24)? Paul removed an evil spirit from a girl, eliminating her ability to make money for her masters. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison. Note the city and the whole event. Note the similar miracle done in another city by Paul – see pg xxiii, A71Q5 – MIRACLES IN THE ACTS (SPM1994). Name two occasions of demonstration of power over magic (SPM1994,2005).

Conversion of the Jailer at Philippi Far away from home and in prison, how would you feel? How did Paul and Silas act (v25)? And because their emphasis was on praising God rather than getting out of jail, what was the result (v26-34)? When an earthquake set the prisoners free, Paul and Silas turned the occasion into a revival meeting rather than an escape party. The jailer, who assumed that the Roman authorities would hold him accountable for escaped prisoners, was stopped from committing suicide and found a secure future in Jesus instead.

Conversion of the Jailer at Philippi Note what jailer saw, what he tried to do and the conversation between him and Paul (SPM2004A)

Conversion of the Jailer at Philippi Why might some people today feel that suicide is their only option? What would you say to someone who was contemplating suicide? If you had to write a song about the events in v25-34, what would the title of your song be?

“Men, what must I do to be saved?” cried the jailer. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (16:30-31)

Release of the Apostles Word was sent the next morning that Paul and Silas could be release. But why didn’t they go right away (v35-40)? As Roman citizens, they had rights that had been violated. They should not have been beaten-much less without a trial.

Release of the Apostles Why do you think Paul demanded that the magistrates come to the prison and release them personally? Perhaps he wanted them to think twice before doing the same thing to the next people who came along. And he probably wanted a public acknowledgment of the innocence of his party so his work would not be hindered.

Release of the Apostles Paul claimed his right of Roman citizenship on three occasions (pg84). 1. At Philippi (16:37); 2. At Jerusalem, where the chief captain would examine him by scourging (22:24); 3. When before Festus he appealed unto Caesar (25:10-11) SPM Question ??? Last appeared in SPM2002A

Are you ready? Prepare for test June 27 th Luke 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 Acts 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10