Acts 16
1. What stood out to you from this chapter?
In verses 6-10, I love that Paul and his companions didn't just sit in a room twiddling their thumbs waiting for a burning bush to tell them where to go. They got up and moved. There were several places they tried to go and preach but the Spirit prevented them. But that didn't stop them from trying other spots. Finally Paul received the vision of the man from Macedonia and it was clear what God was doing. I just love that we don't just discern God's will by sitting around and meditating or anything. A lot of times God's will is revealed as we are moving forward in life and ministry and as doors open and close we can see God's hand guiding us.
2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know.
The jailer's question is a basic fundamental question about Christianity, "What must I do to be saved?" Paul's response echoes the previous chapter's emphasis that we are not saved by anything we do. Rather we are saved simply by believing in who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. The word "believe" is used in several other key NT passages that describe this same concept. John 1:12 ("Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name..."), John 3:16, Romans 3:22 ("righteousness is given by faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe"). James 2 also echoes this sentiment about belief, but adds that "believing" in this sense is not just a mental acknowledgement, but a life-shaping heartfelt belief that reveals itself in our actions.
3. What does this mean for me?
This may seem like a funny application for those of us who live in the U.S. where we are blessed to have a great deal of religious freedom. But I believe that there have already been some compromises to that freedom and that legally and/or culturally Christians have been targeted to be quiet. But Paul and Silas were not afraid to assert their rights as citizens. They weren't flaunting it, but they weren't about to be pushed around and silenced "just because." I think it's really important for us to know our rights to practice faith - to know what's appropriate and allowed. Then we need to be bold in asserting our rights to these things.
4. What questions do I have about this chapter?
I have a few legitimate questions, but none that are super important. First, what were the circumstances that led Paul and his companions to conclude, "The Holy Spirit is keeping us from entering these place?" Or was it just a hindsight revelation? Also, why did they rebuke the slave girl who was telling everyone that Paul and Silas were godly men leading people to salvation? Doesn't that seem like free publicity? That was a little weird.
God bless. Sorry this came so late in the day. I'm glad for Daylight Savings and the extra hour of sleep. :)
In Christ,
Dan
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