Paul recruits Timothy at Lystra, circumcising him for Jewish sensibilities since his mother was Jewish though his father was Greek, and the Spirit prevents ministry in Asia and Bithynia until Paul's Macedonian vision summons them to help. At Philippi, Lydia the purple-seller from Thyatira believes and is baptized with her household, but Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned after casting a spirit of divination from a slave girl whose owners' profit vanishes. An earthquake opens prison doors and loosens chains, the terrified jailer's 'What must I do to be saved?' receives the answer 'Believe on the Lord Jesus,' and his whole household is baptized that night, with the magistrates apologizing upon learning they have beaten uncondemned Roman citizens.
Read Acts Chapter 16 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Places in This Chapter
Galatia was a region in central Asia Minor where Paul established several churches during his missionary journeys. He wrote the letter to the Galatians to combat the teaching that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish law, powerfully arguing that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone.
Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia where Paul established the first church in Europe. Lydia, a seller of purple, was his first convert there. Paul and Silas were imprisoned here but miraculously freed by an earthquake, leading to the jailer's conversion. Paul later wrote his joyful letter to the Philippians from prison.
Thyatira was an ancient city in Asia Minor (modern Akhisar, Turkey) and one of the Seven Churches addressed in Revelation. Known for its trade guilds and production of purple dye, it was the home of Lydia, the seller of purple goods who became Paul's first European convert. Christ's letter to this church commended their love and service but warned against tolerating the false prophetess Jezebel.
Position in Book
Macedonia, Athens, Corinth.
Bible Bites
The Gospel Spreads in 28 Chapters
The book of Acts contains 28 chapters chronicling the explosive growth of the early church from Jerusalem to Rome. Written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel, it begins with 120 believers in an upper room and ends with Paul preaching boldly in the capital of the Roman Empire.
ActsThe narrator joins the story
In Acts 16:10, Luke suddenly switches from 'they' to 'we,' revealing he personally joined Paul's missionary journey. These 'we passages' (Acts 16, 20-21, 27-28) provide eyewitness accounts showing Luke was present for key events including Paul's shipwreck.
Acts 16:10