Bible Commentaries
Acts 16

Verses 1-40

Here begins the account of Pads second journey. At Lystra he found Timothy. His action in the circumcision of Timothy is startling in view of the recent decision of the council. Some charge him with inconsistency, and yet perhaps it was a proof of a larger and deeper consistency.

The beginning of this journey is noted for a remarkable experience. The Spirit compelled Paul to a course against his own inclination. At the end of that journey the man of Macedonia appeared to him, and the movement toward Europe began. They came to Philippi, a Roman colony. There they first went to a Jewish place of prayer, and found there a Gentile woman who worshiped, whom, with her household they baptised.

At last Paul and Silas found themselves in prison, and then occurred that wonderful revelation of Christian courage. In prison they sang with their feet fast in the stocks. They were delivered supernaturally, and the first result was winning the jailor for Christ. It is interesting here to see Paul making use of his earthly citizenship in demanding that his rights should be respected by the magistrates. Undoubtedly, he did this in the interest of others. To suffer wrongfully, without protest, is likely to issue in perpetuation of the wrong and involving others in suffering.