The Acts of the Apostles

1. Acts 16:1-5: Timothy Joins Paul It’s a long way to Derbe and Lystra (1st missionary journey), and Acts 15:41 states that Paul first traveled through Syria and Cilicia – confirming the churches but no details. The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 16:1-15 “Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey: Part 1” 1 August 24, 2014 Bob Eckel

2. Who believed, Timothy and/or his Jewish mother? Her name was Eunice – II Tim 1:5 Presumably both – II Tim 1:5 and Timothy (II Tim 3:15) because he was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Iconium and Lystra. Word gets around doesn’t it. What difference does it make that his father was Greek? Likely not circumcised for if he was Timothy would have been also. Was it really necessary for Timothy to be circumcised? Because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. See Acts 21:19-25; I Cor 9:19,20 Verse 4 - They delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. Relates to the doctrine that was accomplished at the Jerusalem council– Acts 15. And the churches increased in faith and number. The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 16:1-15 “Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey: Part 1” 2 August 24, 2014 Bob Eckel

3. Is this the same theme of church planting we see today? Acts 16:6-10: The Holy Spirit Leads the Journey In general, Paul’s course followed the roads of the Roman Empire. Look how the Holy Spirit intervenes. Verse 6 - Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia (Asia Minor) – back to the map. But didn’t they before; what’s changed, is it simply how Asia is defined? Paul’s 1st missionary journey was in the Roman province of Asia. Clearly these regions were the larger part of Asia Minor – proconsular Asia. The Gospel needed to reach the Greeks 1st? Verse 7- the Spirit did not permit them to go into Mysia and Bithynia – see map. But Bithynia was reached with the gospel – I Pet 1:1. Now on to Troas (very near ancient Troy) - Europe not Asia. A key turning point in bringing the Gospel to the entire world. The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 16:1-15 “Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey: Part 1” 3 August 24, 2014 Bob Eckel

4. No evidence Paul preached in Troas but a church would be established – Acts 20:6-12 Iconium to Troas is ~300 miles And the vision of a man of Macedonia pleaded with Paul to come to Macedonia and help us. Who is this man? Notice us not just Paul! God spoke in visions in the early church age, 11 times in Acts 9:10,12; 10:3,17,19; 11:5; 12:9,10; 18:8; 26:19. Then also see - we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. A heathen land north of the Aegean Sea – rooted under Alexander the Great but now a Roman province. Notice we not just Paul! Luke is now with the missionary team. Paul, Silas and Timothy and perhaps others Luke, a most faithful companion of Paul's In his letter to Timothy from Rome, Luke was mentioned as the only one with Paul shortly before his death (II Tim 4:11). Acts 16:11-15: On to Philippi and Lydia is Saved The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 16:1-15 “Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey: Part 1” 4 August 24, 2014 Bob Eckel

5. Back to the map, sailing from Troas…. to Samothrace (island),and …. to Neapolis and …. to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia Philippi was noted as a Roman colony with special privileges. The city had been rebuilt by Philip, the father of Alexander the Great and was later established by Caesar Augustus. Now on the Sabbath Jewish women were accustomed to gathering for prayer by the riverside (Gangas), and Paul et al showed up. No synagogue or an alternative for Jewish women? And Lydia heard (akouō) – heard and/or understood and was persuaded Lydia was described as being from Thyatira and as a seller of purple. Thyatira was a wealthy town in the northern part of Asia Minor. Purple could be the dye or the garment dyed with purple. Designated as a sign of royalty – Judges 8:26. Christ crucified with a purple robe – Mark 15:17 Rich man clothed with purple – Luke 16:19 The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 16:1-15 “Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey: Part 1” 5 August 24, 2014 Bob Eckel

6. Mother of Harlots clothed in fine linens, and purple, and scarlet – Rev 17:4 Lydia likely did business with the wealthy. Notice the Lord opened up her heartto heed the things Paul had spoken to her – Luke 24:32. Then her household (family, servants) was saved and baptized and she became hospitable to the evangelistic team. What is the significance of this sequence of events? Lydia was the first saved in Europe, and she was woman. She was from Asia not Europe. She was the first to be baptized by Paul. Her business was with the wealthy. Paul was the messenger but the Lord opened her heart. Her hospitality reflected her conversion and likely the size of her dwelling. The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 16:1-15 “Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey: Part 1” 6 August 24, 2014 Bob Eckel