Timothy Joins Paul and Silas The stoning at Lystra might have discouraged some men from returning. However, Luke told Theophilus that Paul and Barnabas went back through the city as they were strengthening the churches at the end of their missionary tour. Then, Paul returned again with Silas and d... [ Continue Reading ]
The Macedonian Call Just west of the cities in south Galatia was the Roman province of Asia. At this time, Luke says Paul was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to enter that region to teach. This might have been done directly or through the agency of a prophet inspired by the Spirit (compare Acts 20:23;... [ Continue Reading ]
The Conversion of Lydia It customarily took ten Jewish heads of households to form a synagogue within a community. In Philippi, there was just a group of Jewish women who met by the riverside for prayer. Paul's company joined the women on the Sabbath day and spoke to them. One of the women, Lydia,... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul and Silas Imprisoned Luke reported that the group went for prayer, possibly daily. A slave girl who was demon possessed followed them crying out, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation." It might seem that such an occurrence would be very help... [ Continue Reading ]
The Conversion of the Jailor At midnight, while the other prisoners listened to Paul and Silas singing and praying, a great earthquake shook open all the prison doors and released all those bound in stocks. Believing his prisoners had escaped, the jailor prepared to kill himself rather than face th... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul's Refusal to Depart Secretly The next morning, the magistrates sent to the prison to quietly release Paul and Silas. The apostle refused to go quietly, likely because he wanted the authorities to realize even Roman citizens had believed in Jesus. A Roman could not be beaten and imprisoned with... [ Continue Reading ]