Here is a summary of the key events we will look at together:
• Meeting Timothy: Paul travels to Derbe and Lystra, where he meets a young disciple named Timothy, who is well-regarded by the believers. Paul decides to take Timothy along on his journey. But, before Paul brings Timothy on the journey he asks him to do one thing that seems hypocritical based on what Paul declared at the Jerusalem council in Chapter 15.
• Strengthening the Churches: Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel through various towns, delivering the decisions from the Jerusalem Council to the churches. This strengthens the churches in faith and leads to their growth in numbers.
• Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit guides Paul and his companions, preventing them from preaching in certain regions of Asia. Instead, during the night, Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help.
• Call to Macedonia: Interpreting the vision as a call from God, Paul and his companions immediately set out for Macedonia, confident that God has called them to preach the Gospel there.
• Conversion of Lydia: In the city of Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia, they meet a group of women by the river on the Sabbath. Among them is Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from Thyatira, who is a worshiper of God. The Lord opens her heart to respond to Paul's message, and she and her household are baptized. As we reflect on Acts 16:1-15, several key themes emerge:
• Discipleship and Mentorship: The relationship between Paul and Timothy highlights the importance of mentoring and raising up new leaders in the faith. Who is the “Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas” in your life?
• Obedience to the Spirit: Paul’s journey shows the importance of being sensitive and obedient to the guiding of the Holy Spirit, even when it means changing our plans. That can be hard!
• Openness to the Gospel: Lydia’s story reminds us that God prepares hearts to receive the Gospel, and He can use us to bring His message of salvation to those He has prepared. Are you ready and willing to deliver the Gospel?
