Chapter 16 of Acts records various events that occurred during the missionary journey of Paul and Silas. Notable events in this chapter include Timothy's joining, the first missionary journey to Europe, the conversion of Lydia, the healing of the fortune-telling maid, and the imprisonment and miraculous release of Paul and Silas. Each incident is described in detail as follows:
1. Timothy’s joining (Acts 16:1-5)
Paul and Silas visit Derbe and Lystra, where they meet Timothy. Timothy was a young disciple born to her Jewish mother and Greek father. Paul circumcises Timothy to make him her companion. This was to facilitate Timothy's fellowship with the Jews. Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel to various cities to strengthen churches and increase the number of believers.
2. First missionary work to Europe (Acts 16:6-10)
Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul and his party did not go to Asia, but ended up in Troas. In Troas, Paul sees a vision of a Macedonian man asking him to “come over to Macedonia and help us.” Through this, Paul and his group realize that God is telling them to go to Macedonia and preach the gospel, and they set out.
3. Conversion of Lydia (Acts 16:11-15)
Paul and his group arrive in Philippi, the first city in Macedonia. On the Sabbath they go to the river to find a place to pray. There, they meet a God-fearing woman named Lydia and several other women. Lydia was a frequent merchant and worshiper of God. After hearing Paul's words, Lydia opens her heart to God, is baptized, and offers her home for their missionary work.
4. Healing of the fortune-telling slave girl (Acts 16:16-18)
In Philippi, Paul and his party meet a female slave who can tell fortunes. She was possessed by a demon and was telling fortunes, bringing great profits to her owners. She followed Paul and his companions, shouting, “These are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to salvation.” After several days, Paul casts out the demon by the power of her Holy Spirit. As a result, the owners lose their profits and report Paul and Silas.
5. Imprisonment of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:19-24)
The owners of the fortune-telling slave accuse Paul and Silas and take them to the rulers. The rulers beat Paul and Silas and put them in prison. The jailer puts them in a deep prison and puts their feet in stocks.
6. Miraculous release from prison (Acts 16:25-34)
In the middle of the night, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns. Suddenly, a huge earthquake occurs, the prison doors open, and all the prisoners are freed from their bonds. The jailer thinks the prisoners have escaped and tries to commit suicide, but Paul stops him and informs him that all the prisoners are there. The jailer trembles with fear and asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas respond, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” The jailer and his entire family are baptized and saved that night.
7. Release of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:35-40)
The next day, the rulers order that Paul and Silas be released. However, Paul reveals that they are Roman citizens, and he protests against being flogged for breaking the law. The rulers are afraid and come in person to release Paul and Silas and ask them to leave the city. Paul and Silas stop by Lydia's house to encourage the brothers and then leave.
summary
Acts 16 shows how Paul and his co-workers spread the gospel under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and how God worked miraculously in their ministry. This chapter vividly describes the process by which God opens the way for missions and opens people's hearts to accept the gospel.