1. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2. Expanding Ministry Acts 16:6-40
Paul & Barnabas were in conflict.
They were people like you and me
God used them despite their failings
God will use us – if we are willing and press on - Phil. 3:13-14

3. The Spirit’s Leading Acts 16:6-8

4. The Spirit’s Leading Acts 16:6-8
Spirit resisted going to Asia or Bithynia
They end up in Troas

5. The Spirit’s Leading Acts 16:6-8
The “Holy Spirit” & “Spirit of Jesus” are used interchangeably
Paul is sensitive to the Spirit’s leading
The Spirit leads by a variety of methods: a dream (Acts 16:9), a vision (Acts 10), an Angel (Acts 5), direct revelation (Acts 9) or by impression (Acts 16)

6. The Spirit’s Leading Acts 16:9-10
The vision gives Paul direction
How does God lead us now?
The commands, principles & precepts of His word
Confirmation by other godly people
Impressions from His Spirit
His providence

7. Journey to Philippi - Acts 16:11,12
It is a Roman city along the Egnatian Hwy

8. Ruins of Philippi below Acropolis

9. View from Acropolis at Philippi

10. Remains of Egnatian Way at Philippi

11. Gangites River near Philippi

12. The Conversion of Lydia – Acts 16:13-15
There was not a Synagogue, so Paul went to a place of prayer by the river
Lydia is a Gentile business woman, and the first convert in Europe during Paul’s mission

13. The Casting Out of the Demon Acts 16:16-18
“spirit of divination” – puqwn / puthon (Python). The pagans thought Apollo spoke through her.
The demon annoyed Paul, so he cast it out of the servant-girl
Her masters were upset about their loss of profit

14. The Arrest of Paul & Silas Acts 16:19-25
They are falsely accused
They are beaten without cause
They are unjustly imprisoned
They are praying and singing at midnight

15. The Jailer’s Conversion Acts 16:26-34
The earthquake damages the prison
The guard (wrongly) assumes the prisoners have escaped
Paul & Silas stop him from suicide
The jailer trembles with fear

16. The Jailer’s Conversion Acts 16:26-34
Sirs, What must I do to be saved?
Believe in the Lord Jesus
Belief must be in the correct person for accomplishing the correct thing.
They explained the whole gospel to him & his household, who then believed and were baptized that night

17. The Release of Paul & Silas Acts 16:35-40
The magistrates have illegally beaten Roman citizens.
In fear the beg Paul & Silas to leave
They leave after they revisit Lydia and strengthen the brethren

18. Conclusions
We do not know the future – nor often understand the present
We can praise God in any circumstance for He holds the present & future and we know Him
Difficult circumstances can be faced with God & the other believers in your church family

19. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ