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Lesson 30

The People of Philippi

Acts 16:13-40

When I had an opportunity to travel to Russia for the first time I did not know what to expect. So many stories had been written about that country. Many of those did not depict it in glowing terms. I still believed that it was meant for me to travel there. I had made up my mind before the trip that no matter what took place I would be flexible enough to adapt to a new environment and culture for approximately two weeks. The nine days actually in Russia flew by all too quickly. What I discovered was a people who were loving and open to having a total stranger in their midst. The trip impacted my life to the point that went back two more times. The lesson I learned from that experience was that circumstances do not match what one anticipates them to be. It became apparent that I was to be faithful to the urging in my spirit to spend time with a people I did not know, hoping that my life would somehow impact them to come to know Jesus. Only time will tell if that is true. I probably will not know this side of heaven.

God’s church is made up of many different kinds of people. That statement may seem obvious. Even though we know it to be fact our actions sometimes would just the opposite about us. Our tendency is to surround ourselves with people just like us. All we have to do is look at all the little groups in the church to know this is true. We say we are open and receptive to many kinds of people but in reality most of the time we are more isolated than we realize.

Paul is going to experience this type of diversity in the city of Philippi. He would meet three different kinds of people. Each would be impacted by Paul with two different results. We will pick up the narrative on the first Sabbath.

Acts 16:13

On the Sabbath Paul found himself down by the river side where he expected to find the Jews praying. Obviously there was no synagogue in Philippi. It would have taken ten Jewish males to establish one. The Jewish population must have been very small. When he came to the place of prayer he found only women there so he began to have conversation with them.

1. Why did Paul go down to the river bank?
2. Why was there no synagogue in the city?
3. What does the fact that Paul was willing to speak to the women say about his view of the reach of the gospel.
4. Why did he not find any men there?
5. What might have been the object of their prayer?

Acts 16:14

One of those praying on that Sabbath was a woman named Lydia. Luke gives us some information about here and there is one thing that can be concluded from his description. She was:

1. A woman from Thyatira, one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, who was living in Philippi.
2. A business woman, a merchant who dealt in fabrics dyed purple.
3. Probably a woman of some means. This can be gleaned from the fact that she sold fabrics that were very expensive to produce. The purple dye use had to be extracted from a shell fish one drop at a time.
4. Worshipper of God. This verse did not even indicate that she was a Jew but more than likely a God fearer.

God was working in the heart of Lydia. As Paul spoke, God opened her heart to receive the message of Jesus and she became His follower. She must have been the spiritual leader in her household, because the Bible tells us that she and her whole household were baptized. Upon becoming a follower of Christ she put her new found faith into action by persuading Paul to stay with her.

1. What had prepared Lydia to be receptive in the message from Paul?
2. What event showed her influence in her household?
3. What might we conclude about her husband?
4. What did her invitation tell us about her new faith?
5. In what ways should we follow the example of Lydia in our community and home?

Acts 16: 16-18

Paul continued to go to the place of prayer on the river bank. A demon possessed slave girl began following him around. Her owners were using her to make a profit for them as a fortune teller. As she followed Paul she kept repeating, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” This went on for several days. Finally Paul had had enough and commanded the demon to come out.

1. Why did Paul continue to go to the place of prayer?
2. How did the girl know that Paul and the others were bond-servants of God?
3. What about the girl’s actions annoyed Paul?
4. What would be the consequence of Paul’s action?
5. What benefit would being free of the demon be for the girl?

Acts 16:19-21

There was immediate reaction from the owners. Those saw that any opportunity for profit just went out the window. They brought Paul and Silas before the authorities. The charge they made against the two men was false but as it obtained the result they desired. The accusation was that, “these men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe being Romans.” Although we will never know for sure, the quick action by the owners and the authorities may have kept Paul from leading the young lady to the Lord. How sad it is when men are only concerned for personal gain and do not care at about the people they use and abused to get what they want.

1. What was the real reason that the owners brought Paul and Silas to the authorities?
2. Why do we not hear anymore about the girl?
3. Which parts of the charges were false? Explain.
4. Why did the men not bring accusations that were true?
5. When have there been times when we may have changed the facts to suit our purposes?
6. What have we done that may have hindered someone from becoming a follower of Christ?

Acts 16:22-24

This sham trial resulted in Paul and Silas being beaten with rods. They were then placed into the hands of the jailer who put them into the most secure part of the jailed and to make sure they did not escape put their feet into stocks.

1. Why would what happen to Paul be called a sham trial?
2. Why did the authorities not investigate further the claims of the owners?
3. Why was Paul and Silas considered such dangerous criminals that the authorities took such measures to ensure they would not escape?
4. Why did the Jailer go to such extremes?
5. How often are we willing to listen to gossip and pronounce judgment on another before finding out the truth of what is being shared?

Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas spent their evening in jail praying and singing hymns. What a testimony the singing and praying was for others in jail.

1. What choices did the two men have as they spent the evening in Jail?
2. What impact did the singing and praying have on the other prisoners?
3. What do you do in times of crisis or challenges?
4. How does what we do impact others for Christ?

Acts 16:26-28

Luke writes almost in a matter of fact way, that a great earthquake occurred at midnight while the men were singing hymns. The amazing thing about the earthquake was it seemed to be localized at the jail. No one in the city came to check out what was going on. It was so strong that it shook the foundation of the building, opened the doors and caused the chains and in the case of Paul and Silas the stocks to be unlocked.

The response of the jailer would have been a natural one. Awaking from sleep by the earthquake his first thought was that if his prisoners had escaped he would be executed. Assuming the worse he decided to take his own life and not have to face the humiliation of going before the authorities.

1. Why did an earthquake occur at midnight?
2. Why did Paul and the others not attempt to escape?
3. What would the jailer immediately think was happening?
4. Why was the jailer going to take his life?
5. How was Paul able to keep him from committing this act?

Acts 16:29-32

The Jailer immediately called for someone to bring a light. He did some expected things. He

1. Rushed in
2. Fell on his knees trembling with fear
3. Brought them out of the cell
4. Asked what did it take for a man to be saved?

Paul responded by telling him that he needed to “believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved and household.” He then went on share the gospel with the jailer and his household.

1. Why do we see such unexpected actions by the jailer?
2. What may have been his idea of salvation?
3. What may have been some other influences on his life that would have brought him to the point of decision? Remember nothing takes place in a vacuum.
4. Why did the jailer take the unprecedented step of releasing Paul from jail?
5. What brought him to the point of seeking salvation?
6. Why did Paul indicate that if the man were to be saved so would his whole household?

Some last thoughts before we move on to the next verses. In this incident it is evident that God has been moving behind the scenes. For a Roman jailer to come to Christ there had to be something happening in his life of which there is no record. One thing is sure there had to be a direct link between the summoning of Paul to Macedonia, the women praying, Paul and Silas praying and singing, the earthquake and salvation coming to the jailer.

One other point that must not be overlooked is the timing of the earthquake. A question asked above why midnight? The answer has to do with God’s timing. If the event had occurred during the day the jailer may have been distracted by the people coming to see what had taken place or other duties. It may not have had the impact on him that it did.

Acts 16:33-34

Like Lydia, the jailer took immediate action based on his new found faith which he would have not done previously? He first saw to the physical needs of Paul and Silas by washing the wounds.   Then upon the completion of the ministering to Paul, he and his household were baptized. The final act carried out on behalf of Paul would have been unusual before his conversion. Men who had only a short time before had been prisoners of the state were taken to his home and fed. The change in the life of the jailer was dramatic to say the least. Luke ends with the fact that the man, “Rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.

1. What was the first priority for this follower of Christ?
2. Why did Paul baptize him immediately?
3. What evidence is there that the change in this man’s life had an impact on his household?
4. In what instances has there been seen this same pattern taking place?
5. In what ways was it evident that God was working behind the scenes?

Acts 16:35-39

The next day the authorities were going to release Paul and Silas. Paul realized that they were trying to get him out of town secretly. He exposed them by claiming that they had acted against Roman law. They had beaten a Roman citizen in public without a proper trial. Then the two men had been thrown in prison. Paul however did not play into their hands but demanded that they come and formally release him.

The report of Paul’s words brought fear to the chief magistrates because Paul was a Roman citizen. They came and formally released him begging him to leave town.

1. Why did the chief magistrates want Paul to leave the city in secret?
2. Why did Paul share with them that he was a Roman citizen?
3. Why did he want to be release formally and above board?
4. What occurred when the men found out Paul was a Roman citizen?
5. Who would benefit from Paul’s actions?

Acts 16:40

Once released Paul headed to the home of Lydia. He wanted them to know he was all right. This time was also used to encourage them in their new faith. Although not said he would probably shared with them that they would experience persecution from the people of Philippi.

1. Why did Paul not leave Philippi immediately?
2. What did he share with the new believers at the home of Lydia?
3. Why would they need to be encouraged?
4. For what reasons do we need to gather together to receive encouragement?

You

1. As the women did in Philippi spend time praying that dramatic changes will occur in our church, community, county.
2. Remember to others you are different so be accepting of a diversity of people coming in to the church.
3. Look for opportunities to share with others as Paul did.
4. No matter what you might be experiencing right now use the time to continue to praise God in spite of the circumstances.
5. Be ready to share the truth no matter the situation in which you find yourself.

We now find ourselves in a different world than many of us have ever experiences. The circumstances that surround us may cause us to want to withdraw in to our own little world. Instead we should them as an opportunity to be a witness for Christ. We are not to do anything that will hinder us from helping those around us see Christ in us. Like Paul we are not to be frightened or intimidated by what others might do or say.

Finally the church, the gathering of the followers of Christ, should be a place of true worship, instruction and encouragement. All of these are needed to face a world that is on the surface hostile to the gospel. I say on the surface because if we dig deep enough, pray and sing the unexpected may just occur and we will find a Philippian jailer just waiting to hear the good news of salvation for he and his household.

Additional Notes:

C-On the Sabbath they went down to the riverside thinking they would find a place of prayer located there. By the river he found a number of woman with whom Paul began to speak. (Acts 16:13)

RT-Prayer was not taking place in institutions of worship if indeed there were any in Philippi. (Acts 16:13)

RT-The women of Philippi were doing the praying. They had been praying prior to the coming to Paul coming to Philippi. (Acts 16:13)

C-Lydia of Thyatira became the first in Philippi. (Acts 16:14)

DM-The decision to go to Philippi led to the conversion of Lydia, the first convert in Europe and the Philippian Jailor and his family. (Acts 16:14-15; 30-34)

RT-Lydia may have invited Paul into her home, but it was also in the jail that the lives of people were changed. (Acts 16:14-15, 25-33)

RT-The first convert in Europe was a lay person named Lydia. She was:

1. Seller of purple (a business woman)
2. Worshipper of God in a pagan society
3. A listener
4. One with a open heart
5. One who responded to the gospel
6. An influence in her home.                                                                                     (Acts 16:14-15)

C-The slave girl who had followed Paul for many days was freed from the demon who possessed her. She had been the main source of income for her owner having the spirit of divination (fortune telling). When the owner say that he could no longer use the girl in this way he stirred up the city against Paul and Silas. The charges were only partially true. Yes, they were Jews. Yes, radical Christianity would throw a city into confusion by the mere fact that people would be faced with the life changing decision. The teaching of Paul brought them to the crossroads of accepting the truth or to continue to live a lie. Part of the accusation made against Paul was wrong. The message he was proclaiming was not invalid for the Romans to accept or observe. He understood that the gospel was for all people not just the Jews. (Acts 16:16-21)

C-As a consequence of the events that took place when Paul had healed the slave girl, he and Silas were beaten and thrown in jail. (Acts 16:22-24)

RT-Where were the men of Philippi who would stand up to the evils of that city. It was a city that would jail a Paul and Silas because they supposedly brought confusion there, but rather they brought God’s order. (Acts 16:23-24)

RT-The earthquake felt in the jail was the drastic means used by God to open the opportunity of witnessing. Why did it occur at that particular time?

1. Could it have been the result of the prayers of the women seeking a change in the lives of the citizens of Philippi?
2. Could it have as a response to the prayers and praises of Paul and Silas?
3. Whatever the cause it touched the heart of the jailer and changed him and his family forever.                                                                                                     (Acts 16:13, 25, 29-33)

GC-Those who truly want to know God;

1. Is willing to listen to His message
2. Has an open heart
3. Responds to the good news.

(Acts 16:14)

RT-Lydia may have invited Paul into her home, but it was also in the jail that the lives of people were changed. (Acts 16:14-15, 25-33)

RT-What affect if any did Paul and Silas praising God and singing have on the prisoners to cause them not to flee when the doors were opened by the earthquake? Or were they just afraid of the event that had occurred. What was the correlation between the earthquake and their actions? Did they see it as the hand of God in action? What would it take to affect our lives in a like manner as the jailer experienced and the impact on the prisoners? (Acts 16)

RT-Do we think of the places in which we find ourselves as prisons or do we view them in light of opportunities to witness for our Lord. (Acts 16:22-33; Phil. 1:12-13)

OC-Paul and Silas did not allow the beatings and being thrown into prison stop them from praying to and praising the Lord. As result of their prayer and praise God sent an earthquake. The real reason for the things that occurred was the conversion of the jailer and his family. Often our strongest witness for Christ can take place in the midst of a personal turmoil. (Acts 16:25-32)

GC-The follower of Christ is able to rejoice even in times of distress because he knows that greater is He who is in us that he who is in the world. Christ is our example. If he willingly suffered how we expect anything less in our lives. (Acts 5:41; 16:25)

GC-Even when times are difficult the believer;

1. Praises God
2. Sings hymns of praise in those times of trial and tribulation.
3. Remains steadfast in the face of great adversity                                                   (Acts 16:25)

RT-Sometimes it is the verses that almost appear incidental to the events that occurring that carry a very powerful message. We find just such a verse when Paul and Silas were in jail having been beaten by the public officials. What were they doing? They were praying and singing hymns of praise. While this was happening we are told in Acts 16:25, “And the prisoners were listening to them.”

The two men could have fed the others the poison of a bitter spirit. Instead of gripes they prayed and sang praise music. The lesson we learn from their example is by the way we respond to adversity we can make a tremendous impact on the lives of others.

Paul certainly did not want to be beaten and stoned or chased out of almost every city he visited. The thing he did was to turn problems into praise and woes into worship and oppression into opportunity to share the good news of Jesus.

And it said, “And the prisoners were listening to them. We truly need to understand in our own situations that the world is listening to us. What are they hearing? (Acts 16:25)

C-While Paul and Silas were praying and singing about midnight an earthquake hit the prison house where they were being held. I believe this was a localized event that only occurred at the jailhouse. All the doors were opened and all of the chains fell from the prisoners. Every prisoner was released not just Paul and Silas. (Acts 16:25-26)

OC-While Paul and Silas were praying and singing about midnight an earthquake hit the prison house. The door was opened and all the chains fell from the prisoners as a result of the earthquake. (Acts 16:25-26)

RT-Because the jailer knew that to allow a prisoner to escape, especially one of the stature of Paul, that he himself would be executed he decided when the earthquake occurred to take his own life. For him that meant sure death and separation from God. In a short period of time he moved from death to eternal life as Paul shared the message of salvation to the jailer and his family. Paul said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Then because of the influence that the husband and father would have with his family, Paul added, “you and your household.” Paul shared the gospel before he and Silas were even treated for their wounds. The Bible tells us that, “Immediately he (the jailer) was baptized, he and his entire household. Just think in the darkness of the night, the jailer and his family came to the light. (Acts 16:25-33)

C-Out of fear that all of the prisoners had escaped, the jailer was about to take his own life when Paul stopped him with the assurance that they were all still there.               (Acts 16:27-28)

GC-Each of us at some point have been confronted with our awesome Father. Our only response is to come before Him with fear and trembling asking the question, “What must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:28-30)

GC-When comes face to face with obvious acts of God and the witness of His people, he will brought to the place critical point in his life when he will ask with all honesty, “What must I do to be saved?” Receiving the answer for which he has longed to hear, he chooses that eternal salvation offered to him. (Acts 16:30-31)

RT-Paul did not use the name Christ when speaking with the Philippian jailer. It would have been a foreign to him. The idea of Jesus being the Anointed One was a Jewish concept. The characterization of Jesus as Lord was all he needed to hear. Paul said just enough for the jailer and his family to become believers. Anything said would have been over kill. (Acts 16:30-32)

C-The jailer then asked his own key question, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer has never changed. It is “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” The jailer and his whole household was saved and baptized that night. (Acts 16:30-33)

RT- Paul spoke with confidence when he told the Philippian to “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” What a radical change this would bring in the life of this hardened Roman official. Paul went even further and said, “You and your household.” The impact on the man’s life would cause his family members to desire the same salvation that he had discovered through Christ. (Acts 16:31-34)

GC-The answer we all need to hear to our cry out to God is to believe and be saved. There must be no delay in the decision upon hearing the word of the Lord.                 (Acts 16:31-32, 34)

GC-See note on Acts 10:44 (Acts 16:31-32)

GC-To find salvation brings rejoicing in the life of a new Christian. This is a characteristic that should never diminish no matter how long one has known the Lord.

C-Paul and Silas were taken from the jail to the jailer’s home where he dressed their wounds and provided food for them. (Acts 16:34)

RT-After his baptism the Bible says of the jailer, “He rejoiced greatly, having believed in God, with his whole household.” (Acts 16:34)

C-The men who had been so belligerent the previous day now had to apologize to Paul. They found out that he was a Roman citizen. Their only desire was for Paul to leave Philippi. (Acts 16:38-39)

C-Paul left Philippi but only after saying goodbye to Lydia and the other believers and encouraging them in their walk. This encouragement was important after being witness to the events of the preceding day. (Acts 16:40)