[:en]Timothy Joins Paul and Silas (vs. 1-5)
Timothy’s mother was a Jewish while his father a Greek. His mother Eunice and grandmother were believers and had great influence upon Timothy. Since he was a half-bred, Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised to avoid barriers to his witness for Christ.
Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia (vs. 6-10)
The Holy Spirit kept Paul and his companion from preaching the word of God in the province of Asia. During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia begging him to come over to Macedonia. So Paul and his companions got ready at once to leave for Macedonia.
Lydia’s Conversion in Philippi (vs. 11-15)
They traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony of Macedonians and stayed there several days. Paul made his first evangelistic mission with a small group of women. Lydia, an influencial businesswoman and her household were baptized. She invited Paul to stay at her house.
Paul and Silas in Prison (vs. 16-40)
While going to a place of prayer, Paul and Silas met a slave girl who has fortune telling ability coming from the evil spirit. She made her master rich by interpreting signs and telling fortunes. The master exploited her unfortunate condition for personal gain. This girl followed Paul and shouted: “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved. ” (v. 17) Troubled and annoyed, Paul said to the spirit: “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her” (v. 18) At the moment, the spirit left here. Knowing that the hope of making money was gone, the owners of the slave girl seized Paul and Silas and brought them before the magistrate. The crowd joined in the attack. They were stripped, beaten, flogged and thrown into prison. They were put in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. Despite this discouraging situation, they praise God, praying and singing hymns to Him. Suddenly, there was a violent earthquake and all prison doors flown open and everybody’s chains came loose. When the jailers woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul restrained him and told him to believe in the Lord Jesus and he will be saved. The jailer and his family believed and were baptized. At daylight, the magistrate ordered the jailers to release Paul and Silas but Paul demanded them to escort them out because they illegally whip a Roman citizen.
Things to Ponder:
- Although Timothy’s father was not a Christian, the faithfullness of his mother and grandmother prevailed. This has proven that godly parenting is vital and effective in influencing a child.
- Timothy was not required to be circumcised, but he voluntarily did it to overcome any barriers to his witness for Christ. Sometimes we need to go beyond the call of duty to further God’s kingdom.
- The Holy Spirit did not allow Paul and his companion to go to Asia. Instead, a vision was given to Paul to go to Macedonia. It is important to know what God wants us to do. Let us seek God’s will by following His word, seeking advice from matured Christians, checking our motives and praying for His guidance.
- Paul started his ministry with a small group of women. God worked in and through women in the early church. So, the good news must not be restricted to gender or cultural boundaries.
- Lydia was a wealthy and influencial businesswoman who responded in faith to the good news. She immediately show hospitality by inviting Paul to come and stay at her house. If given the opportunity, let us be hospitable and generous to God’s servant.
- Paul drove out the evil spirit from the slave girl. This shows that evil spirits still exist today. But Jesus has the power to drive them out.
- Despite being in jail, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the Lord rescued them. No matter what circumstances you are facing now, remember to pray and praise Him. He cares for you and He will solve your problem in His miraculous way.
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