By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
EVERY OPPORTUNITY
Acts 16:11–15, 29–40
Witness at the River (11–15)
Paul and company traveled to Philippi in Macedonia and on the Sabbath, they went to the nearby river to pray. (There was likely no synagogue in Philippi; otherwise, they would have gone there).
At the river they encountered some women, and Paul and his companions spoke with them, sharing the gospel. One of the women was Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, who loved God and responded to the gospel.
Paul took advantage of the circumstances he was in to share the gospel. This is a clear model for us to follow as well. We need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to recognize divine appointments.
What is encouraging to see is that the Lord had opened Lydia’s heart to respond to the gospel. God is the One who saves, and this takes all the pressure off of us. We are merely messengers. It is our job to share the gospel and God does the rest.
Witness in Jail (29–34)
Paul and Silas healed a girl who had a demonic spirit, and the owners of the slave girl lost the income they had from the demon’s fortune telling.
Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed basically for causing a disturbance and as Jews were assumed not to be Roman citizens. Luke and Timothy were not jailed with them likely because as Gentiles, it was assumed they were Roman citizens.
Instead of protesting, Paul and Silas went to jail and while there sang hymns and praised God. What a wonderful way to approach the situation!
If we understand that God is in control and that He works all things for good for Christians then no matter our circumstance, we can praise God. All of the prisoners were listening to them, and when God caused an earthquake that broke the chains on all the prisoners, none of the prisoners left.
We don’t know if Paul convinced them to remain or if they were so captivated they stayed put.
This was so impactful that the jailer, who thought the prisoners had escaped, asked to be saved. We are not certain what led to this man’s understanding that he needed to be saved — the earthquake, the hymns being sung or the attitudes of Paul and Silas — but he understood that they believed something that he needed.
Paul and Silas were taken to the jailer’s house for food and treatment, and the man’s entire family embraced the gospel.
Paul and Silas lived lives that showed their belief in God, and they were willing and able to share this belief with a simple, ”Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved!”
Witness upon Release (35–40)
News of Paul being a Roman citizen disturbed the magistrates because this meant they had beaten a Roman citizen without a fair trial.
They pleaded with Paul and Silas to leave, but Paul wanted an official escort out of the city, probably to show everyone that they had done nothing wrong. This would allow other believers to realize that Christianity is not a disruptive religion.
Before Paul left he made sure to visit and encourage Lydia and the new believers there in Philippi. It is important for Christians to support and encourage other Christians, especially in areas where Christianity is sparse.
Short-term missions trips can accomplish this, as can being involved in prison and college ministries. We can all look for ways to minister to those who need encouragement.
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