QT - Actes 16 :11-40

THEY HAD SO MUCH JOY TO HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS

Key verse 16: 34

Philippians did not start spectacularly, but from the women near the river. In the work of God there is the work of grace, but there is also the impediment. Paul and Barnabas were imprisoned because of God's work. But they have also experienced a great work over there.

1. The successful life of the missionary Saint Paul. (16: 11-15)

Paul, lacking the synagogue in the city, came to walk near the river and met a group of women. Then a person became interested in Paul's words. Lydia opened her heart and accepted the gospel. Then he invited the whole group of Jesus to her home and she and her family were baptized. This was the work of the Holy Spirit. When Paul followed His direction, he was able to bear a lot of fruits. Paul did it on a one-to-one basis, and his love focused on Lydia and gave out a great impact around him. The work of God is not the work of mass, but the work of personal salvation. Paul especially appreciated the value of one soul.

2. The glory of God is revealed in the midst of all things (16: 16-40)

Paul practiced good deeds in the name of Jesus, however, he was imprisoned by the enemy. But instead of complaining,  he gave thanks, there came a miracle in which he and all the prisoners saw their chains undone. But the guardians, seeing that they had not escaped, was touched and asked the way of salvation to Paul. He and his family were converted and baptized. Then the great progress of the gospel took place in the city. Paul, despite imprisonment, obtained the greatest fruit of preaching. The will of God can be accomplished in difficult moments. Sing to each other with confidence to God, when you cross the difficulty, pray to God constantly! The officers were afraid that Paul was Roman. Perplexed, they wanted to secretly free Paul, but Paul makes it clear that they make a public apology and publicly declare their innocence. We must not close our eyes to the injustice of the world. Acquiescence and forgiveness are two different things.