Study 32 From The Book of Acts
Is: Acts 16: 16-40
- Verses 16-24. What was the origin of the
persecution, and in what way did it differ from all those hitherto
recorded? Note the successive stages of it, as described in Luke’s very
vivid account. Do you find yourself
tempted or persecuted in new ways in your Christian life?
- A
beating with rods (verse 22) was very severe. Yet Paul and Silas are calm
and rejoicing. What caused them to
triumph? Cf. Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 1:7-8. Paul insists that a public
declaration of their innocence is made (verse 37). What use would this be
to the advance of the gospel? Are there any ways we can use public
authority to help advance the gospel?
- What
caused the jailer to believe? What was essential to his salvation? What
change was immediately found in his life? Cf. 8:39; 13:52. Does your salvation give you the joy of
the Lord?
Note. Verses 20, 21. Philippi, as a Roman colony,
was proud of its Roman connections and privileges. Hence the charges brought
against the missionaries would excite the people and magistrates.
