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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
SECOND TOUR IN GALATIA AND PHILIPPI

[“Timothy, Lydia and a Jailer”]
Key word: Macedonia

Acts 16:1-5 – Timothy Joins Paul

AC16:1 So Paul arrived again to Derbe and to Lystra. 659 And, look, there was a certain disciple named Timothy, 660 the son of a believing Jewish woman, though his father was a Greek. 661

659	Derbe and to Lystra: Paul retraces his steps almost 400 miles if they went inland. See notes on place names under their names elsewhere.

660

Timothy: His name means “Honors God.” He is known to be a youth, likely in his early 20s. It is possible Lystra was his hometown where his mother and grandmother lived. [2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15] He was raised on the Bible from infancy and this is in part responsible for his quick advancement in the Church. For other details see 1 Timothy 1:18; 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.

661	His father was a Greek: Or, non-Jew, and thus explaining why he was not circumcised. It is possible he was a Roman citizen because of his father.

AC16:2 He was praised 662 by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.

662

Praised: Or, well reported, well attested, good reputation, well recommended. There was a body of elders here and they had appointed Timothy to some duty. It is to Timothy that Paul latter writes the list of qualifications for an overseer. Though young, Timothy has experienced a Biblical Jewish upbringing by his mother and grandmother, so he likely knew the Hebrew Bible well. He is also well known in Iconium, so his good reputation has spread.

AC16:3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and so he had him circumcised because of the Jews 663 that were in those places, for everyone knew his father was a Greek.

663

He had him circumcised because of the Jews: He was not circumcised because he was half-Jew, but “because of the Jews.” Likely Paul did not want to offend his Jewish audiences who knew of Timothy’s background. Public Roman baths were a common practice and this meant public exposure of his condition. Paul will later write that “circumcision is worthless.” [Romans 2:25; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Galatians 5:6] This would have required some days of recovery for Timothy in order to travel. Compare Genesis 34:25.

AC16:4 As they traveled through the towns, 664 they delivered to [the congregations] for observance the dogma 665 that had been reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.

664	As they traveled through the towns: We are not told which towns, but evidently the Gospel has spread and Paul visits these new congregations.

665

For observance the dogma: Or, decrees, decisions. The Greek is DOGMATA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1378, law, ordinance]. This is no mere suggestion, but a firm policy for all the congregations: abstain [refrain from, desist] from idolatrous pollution, sexual immorality, strangled animals, and blood. Later Paul will be more precise when he lists “the works of the flesh” that prohibit entrance into the Kingdom. [Galatians 5:19] His letters to Galatia will circulate among all of these congregations within a year or two.

AC16:5 So the congregations were strengthened in the faith, 666 and they daily increased in numbers. 667

666	The congregations were strengthened in the faith: This strength comes about for two primary reasons: a] Paul’s visit; and, b] the Apostolic Decree. Both represent the centralized authority in Jerusalem.

667

They daily increased in numbers: Each Christian disciple was a bearer of the Good News and so because of the evangelism on the part of all these the truth of the Gospel spread rapidly. Within three centuries it would become the official Roman religion, something that would have been thought impossible in the pagan world.

Acts 16:6-10 – To Galatia and Macedonia

AC16:6 Now because the holy Pneuma had forbidden them to speak the Word in Asia [Minor], 668 they traveled on through the provinces of Phrygia and Galatia. 669

668

Holy Pneuma had forbidden them to speak the Word in Asia [Minor]: How this was done is not explained, but later Paul lists the charismatic gifts of the Pneuma in 1 Corinthians 12 and it is likely Paul possessed some of these. Asia Minor is comparable to modern Turkey and the location where the seven congregations in Revelation are located. Paul will visit all of these later. The Master knows where the “fish” are – whether on this side or the other side of the fishing boat. [John 21:1-8] He also is aware of conditions or circumstances. By what follows, it seems clear there were at least two women in great need in the other direction.

669	Through the provinces of Phrygia and Galatia: They bypass Asia by staying east going north over 300 miles overland.

AC16:7 And when they got down to Mysia, 670 they tried to go into Bithynia, 671 but the Pneuma of Jesus did not permit them. 672

670	Mysia: Northwestern Asia Minor.

671	Bithynia: A Roman province on the southern shores of the Black Sea. Christians would be numerous here later according to Pliny at the beginning of the 2nd Century including “villages and rural districts too.” [The Letters of Pliny, X, XCVI, 9] [Compare 1 Peter 1:1]

672	The Pneuma of Jesus did not permit them: How this occurs is not explained. The Greek PNEUMA can have a variety of meanings. It could mean the inclination of Christ, or God’s Pneuma channeled through Jesus. It is clear that Heaven is directing this missionary tour and where the pressing needs exist.

AC16:8 So, skipping Mysia, they descended to Troas. 673

673	Troas: Near the ancient city of Troy. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Timothy 4:13.

AC16:9 Then during the night Paul had a vision of a Macedonian 674 who was standing beseeching him, and saying: “[Paul], 675 step over to Macedonia and help us.”

674	During the night Paul had a vision of a Macedonian: It is interesting to note who this Macedonian might have been in the first disciple baptized in this region – the woman Lydia.

675	[Paul]: The Greek is the singular “you” indicating Paul.

AC16:10 As a result, when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we left for Macedonia, 676 concluding The God had called us to declare the Good News to them.

676	We left for Macedonia: Here suddenly the words “we” and “us” are introduced. Many think this is where Luke joined the missionary tour though he is not mentioned by name. [See also Acts 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16]

Acts 16:11-15 – Lydia in Philippi

AC16:11 So setting sail from Troas, we made a straight run to Samothrace, 677 and then on the following day to Neapolis. 678

677	We made a straight run to Samothrace: Over 100 miles of sailing to this mountainous island with a city of the same name in the NE Aegean Sea.

678

Following day to Neapolis: Across the straits to the mainland about 25 miles. It seems likely these stops included the unloading of cargo and the taking aboard other travelers. We can see Paul conversing with strangers about the Good News. Neapolis was a seaport that serviced Philippi. It is now called Kavalla, Greece.

AC16:12 From there to Philippi, 679 which is the principal city of the province of Macedonia, [and a Roman] colony. We spent several days in this city,

679

Philippi: Inland about 9 miles, likely following the Via Egnatia the main trade route from Asia to Rome. It climbed a mountain pass 1,500 feet above sea level and then dropped down onto the Philippian Plain. A congregation will be started here and Paul will write an epistle to the Philippians. [Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:2]

AC16:13 and so on the Sabbath day 680 we went outside the gate beside a river, where we thought there was a place of prayer. 681 There we sat down and spoke to [some] women who had gathered together. 682

680	On the Sabbath day: It is interesting that Paul does not go to a synagogue. He is not observing the Sabbath but rather looking for Jews who would be open for conversation.

681	A place of prayer: A quiet place by a river or stream is a wondrous place for prayer.

682	Spoke to [some] women who had gathered together: Judging form matters later, there may have not been a large Jewish population here. We note these are women and not a mixed group. Is this the Macedonian who were praying for God’s help?

AC16:14 Now a certain woman named Lydia – a seller of purple 683 from Thyatira 684 and one who revered The God – kept listening. The Master opened wide her heart to pay attention 685 to what Paul taught.

683	Lydia – a seller of purple: Lydia is a Jewess, likely well off and either widowed or single. With this thought in mind read Philippians 4:15. Her family became the first converts to Christianity in Europe.

684	Thyatira: Perhaps formerly and now located in Philippi. On Thyatira see Revelation 1:11. A city back south in Asia [Minor] where Paul had been told to bypass.

685	The Master opened wide her heart to pay attention: Or, TCN: touched this woman’s heart; WMS: moved. RIE: listened attentively. We can imagine, without a synagogue and a local rabbi, she was enthused to hear and discuss the Hebrew Bible.

AC16:15 So after she was baptized, 686 along with her household, she entreated us, saying: “If you [men] 687 have judged me to be faithful to the Master, 688 come and stay at my house.” 689 And she just kept insisting. 690

686	After she was baptized: This moves very quickly. As a Jew she has some background in the Hebrew Bible and the essential truths as taught by the Jews.

687	If you [men]: Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

688	Judged me to be faithful to the Master: Or, a believer. It is interesting she would say this after she was baptized.

689	Come and stay at my house: Or, be my guests. Hospitality was the norm in the ancient world and the Christians were head and shoulders above others in general. [Compare Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2.] By such hospitality she becomes a “sheep.” [Matthew 25:31-46]

690	She just kept insisting: Or, constrained. Not only as a course of hospitality, but also a yearning to hear more from Paul.

Acts 16:16-18 – A Demon of Python

AC16:16 Now later it happened that as we were going to this place of prayer we met a certain servant girl who possessed a spirit of Python. 691 She had brought her masters considerable profit by her ventriloquism. 692

691

A spirit of Python: Or, divination, spirit of ventriloquism, fortune-telling. This rendering above is the literal Greek from PYTHON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4436], the great snake. [Or, python-spirit, pneumatic python; pythonic pneuma] Some of the great oracles, such as the Oracle of Delphi, spoke through cobras or pythons. In so doing they used the gift of ventriloquism. This is probably an echo of Genesis 3:1-5.

692

Ventriloquism: See MOF. Or, fortune-telling demon [NOR], spirit of divination [KJV], spirit of Python [RHM], divining spirit [TCN]. Though possibly speaking through a serpent, many understand this to be a form of fortune-telling and thus the money source. Possessed women to this day will mesmerize a large snake such as the cobra by hypnotic motions and then kiss the head. From these are received messages to rely to others. It is likely Satan first used ventriloquism in speaking through the Edenic serpent. [Genesis 3:1ff]

AC16:17 She kept following Paul and us, calling out: 693 “These persons are slaves of The God Most High! They announce to all of you the way of salvation!”

693	Calling out: Did she “throw” her voice in doing so?

AC16:18 She continued to do this for many days. Finally, Paul got tired of it, and turning to face her, he said to the demon: 694 “I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” 695 And it came out that same hour.

694	Demon: Or, spirit, pneuma.

695

Come out of her: Though what the woman [demon] was saying was true, likely Paul did not want the Truth to be revealed through such an agency. Nor did he want to give any appearance of some how being associated with such a person. We are not told what happened to her afterward. We would like to think she also became a disciple.

Acts 16:19-24 – Paul and Silas Beaten and Jailed

AC16:19 However, when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers. AC16:20 Now when they had led them before the praetors, 696 they said: “These are Jews 697 and they are agitating our city! 698

696	Praetors: Or, magistrates, chiefs of the police court, highest Roman officials. Luke’s use of precise designations has been confirmed by history and archaeology.

697	These are Jews: Possibly explaining there were only a few, mostly women, in the city, and thus Paul stood out. They are not called “Christians.” Though Jews were tolerated the law forbid their trying to convert Romans.

698	They are agitating our city: Or, NAS: throwing our city into confusion. An untruth and considerably exaggeration.

AC16:21 They proclaim illegal customs 699 that Romans can neither take up or practice!”

699	Illegal customs: Likely proselytizing Romans. Muslims have the same laws today regarding Christianity.

AC16:22 The crowd took their stand against Paul and Silas, 700 and the praetors ripped off their outer garments and commanded they be beaten with rods.

700	Paul and Silas: It is interesting Timothy is not mentioned.

AC16:23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the guard to keep them secured. AC16:24 Having received this order, he threw them into the deepest cell 701 and locked their feet in the wooden stocks.

701	Deepest cell: Or, inner dungeon.

Acts 16:25-34 – Escape and Salvation

AC16:25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns 702 to The God – and the other prisoners were listening to them –

702	Singing hymns: Or, psalms. Likely also a way of reaching the ears of the other prisoners. Certainly it attracted the jailer.

AC16:26 and suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Then instantly all the cell-doors were opened and all the prisoners were freed. 703

703	All the prisoners were freed: No doubt they thought this was their lucky day.

AC16:27 Now when the jailer awakened form sleep and realized the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking all the prisoners had fled. AC16:28 Then Paul yelled: “Do not harm yourself! We are all still here!” AC16:29 And the jailer, shaking with fear called for lights and jumped in, falling down before Paul and Silas. AC16:30 He brought them out and then asked: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 704

704	Sirs, what must I do to be saved: Perhaps we have not been told all the details. Perhaps the jailer has heard the singing and now realizes the connection. There is a clear reason why Paul has not fled with the other prisoners – the jailer himself. Note the jailer addresses Paul and Silas as KYRIOI.

AC16:31 And they answered: “Believe on the Master Jesus, and you will be saved, 705 you and your household.”

705	Believe on the Master Jesus, and you will be saved: The only requirement to become a disciple. This is a Roman jailer with no background in Judaism that we know. We note that there is no probationary period of either instruction or proof of a moral life-style.

AC16:32 And they spoke the word of The God to him and to all that were in his house. 706

706	They spoke the word of The God to him and to all that were in his house: We can imagine that Paul covers the fundamental principles of “the doctrine of Christ.” [Hebrews 6:1] We would love to hear this Biblical discussion.

AC16:33 And during the same hour of the night he took them and bathed their blows. He and his family were baptized without delay. 707

707

He and his family were baptized without delay: Or, straightway, on the spot, at once. Possibly at the river mentioned earlier. Now in the space of a few days two whole households have become Christians. We can imagine that later these two families formed the basis of the first congregation in Philippi. We can also imagine that the jailer became one of the first elders. [Philippians 1:1]

AC16:34 Then he led them up to his house, 708 and set food before them. 709 He rejoiced with all of his household that he had believed in The God. 710

708	Then he led them up to his house: After the baptism.

709	Set food before them: Paul, Silas, and possibly Timothy and Luke, have put first things first, and though having been beaten and without food, they taught the Good News first, baptized the household, and then ate.

710	He had believed in The God: It is noteworthy that this does not say “believed in Jesus” but in The God of Jesus.

Acts 16:35-40 – “They Flogged Us – Romans!”

AC16:35 Now when it became day, the praetors sent the authorities, 711 saying: “Release those men.” 712

711	Authorities: Or, sergeants, police, lictors, attendants.

712	Release those men: Possibly the word about the whole affair has spread and these Romans fear they have abused men of God. Another mss reads: “…remembering the earthquake…”

AC16:36 And the jailer reported the words to Paul, saying: “The praetors have sent to release you. So you can not go and come in peace.” AC16:37 However, Paul told them: “They flogged us in public – innocent Romans – and then threw us in jail. And now they want to get rid of us secretly? 713 Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and release us!”

713

Get rid of us secretly: Paul is not going to let them off easily. There is another factor Paul begins to use – Roman citizenship. It is possible some think Paul’s father, though a Jew, had gained Roman citizenship as a soldier. In a world occupied by Romans, the one person you did not want to abuse was a Roman. Paul says “us” so either Silas or Timothy [maybe Luke] also had Roman citizenship. No doubt this matter spread and it would give Paul a freer hand.

AC16:38 The authorities reported these words to the praetors. But they became frightened when they heard they were Romans. AC16:39 So they came making entreaties to them. Then they released them and requested they leave the city. 714

714	Requested they leave the city: Or, begged. Note Paul does not do this immediately.

AC16:40 So when they left the jail they went to Lydia. 715 When they had seen the brothers, 716 they encouraged them and departed.

715	They went to Lydia: They make another visit on Lydia, no doubt relating their experiences and further strengthening her. We may suppose she also assisted them materially on their journey.

716	When they had seen the brothers: Perhaps there was a meeting between the two families which may have included several men to carry on after Paul’s departure.

Review Questions on Chapter Sixteen