#1586 Acts 16 Part 3 Medium Rare

 

16 Now it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a servant-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” 18 And she continued doing this for many days. But being greatly annoyed, Paul turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to leave her!” And it left at that very moment.

19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit had left, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities, 20 and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, 21 and are proclaiming customs that are not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.” 22 And the crowd joined together to attack them, and the chief magistrates, tearing their garments off of them, proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted them with many wounds, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely, 24 who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Acts 16: 16-24 LSB

Acts 16: 16-24

V. 16 A servant-girl having a spirit of divination met us - When we take worldly wisdom, feelings and emotions, and place them up as the measuring device, rather than God's word, it is easy to believe any number of things. God has already spoken to these practices, and has labeled them as being not of His Spirit. Now, don't be deceived because you are in church, for I had a man very recently, in small group, defend his Pentecostal beliefs by this worldly measure. "A woman told me things about myself that a stranger couldn't possibly have known," so in his mind her claim to being a prophetess was valid. But what does the Bible show and tell us, first, that there are spirits who are not of Christ, that there is sorcery and slight of hand, as Pharaoh's magicians were able to perform similar signs as Moses and Aaron, but not all, and what they did often only added to the problem, but they couldn't make the plagues that God sent go away. We are also told that there are prophets and dreamers of dreams that will say things that come to pass, but see Deuteronomy 13 below, and even though it came to pass, yet they taught a strange doctrine, brought in idolatry, led the people to sin, and God said, "you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer." We often convince ourselves that we are wise, savvy, that we have the gift of discernment, when really we are just gossips, and sometimes what we say comes true, yet other times it doesn't. I have talked to people in Wiccan, I have been a part of the Pentecostal and charismatic movement, have been to Rainbow gatherings, and all of this intersects whether we like to admit or not. I was taught by a charismatic woman to be very specific in my prayers for what I wanted, and that if God won't move then you move Him. Very scary, like when Saul went to see the medium at Endor. None of that is faith. The bar isn't, did some things come true, did I feel something, did they mention a person who has passed away that I knew? No, the bar is still their doctrine and their life. Did they get the Author's intent in Scripture and then go out and obey it, or are they preaching another gospel, like the prosperity gospel, or offering another Jesus, like the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and Roman Catholicism, or the hippie Jesus of the New age movements and Eastern philosophy?

…11But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. 12Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs. 13Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.… Exodus 7: 11-13

1If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, 2and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” 3you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.… Deuteronomy 13: 1-3

9When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, 11casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead.… Deuteronomy 18: 9-11

7Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied. 8So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.”… 1 Samuel 28: 7-8

More on the witch of Endor

…13So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10: 13-14

19When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.… Isaiah 8: 19-20

…19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.… Galatians 5: 19-21

…5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! 6 They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions, 7who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.…

…8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. 9But they will not advance much further. For just like Jannes and Jambres, their folly will be plain to everyone. 10You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance,… 2 Timothy 3: 5-10

Vincent - Spirit of divination (πνεῦμα Πύθωνα). Lit., a spirit, a Python. Python, in the Greek mythology, was the serpent which guarded Delphi. According to the legend, as related in the Homeric hymn, Apollo descended from Olympus in order to select a site for his shrine and oracle. Having fixed upon a spot on the southern side of Mount Parnassus, he found it guarded by a vast and terrific serpent, which he slew with an arrow, and suffered its body to rot (πυθεῖν) in the sun. Hence the name of the serpent Python (rotting); Pytho, the name of the place, and the epithet Pythian, applied to Apollo. The name Python was subsequently used to denote a prophetic demon, and was also used of soothsayers who practised ventriloquism, or speaking from the belly. The word ἐγγαστρίμυθος, ventriloquist, occurs in the Septuagint, and is rendered having a familiar spirit (see Levit. 19:31; 20:6, 27; 1 Sam. 28:7, 8). The heathen inhabitants of Philippi regarded the woman as inspired by Apollo; and Luke, in recording this case, which came under his own observation, uses the term which would naturally suggest itself to a Greek physician, a Python-spirit, presenting phenomena identical with the convulsive movements and wild cries of the Pythian priestess at Delphi. - Precept Austin

Matt Chandler - This little girl stands in absolute contrast to Lydia. Where Lydia is Asian, this girl is Greek. Where Lydia is in control, an intellect, this little girl is impoverished, enslaved, and exploited. Where Lydia is a seeker, this little girl proclaims the way of salvation. Of course, she’s doing it perhaps unwittingly, under demonic control, but she believes that salvation is available the same way the demons do. While Paul and Lydia meet in the context of a formal, orderly group meeting, Paul and the slave girl meet as she follows the missionaries around, screaming her head off. She is disruptive. As in control as Lydia is, this little girl is out of control. Now watch how God goes after her. Paul doesn’t turn around and say, “I’m doing a seminar Saturday on ‘Crazy.’ I would like for you to come because I think you have crazy in you.” He does not invite her to a Bible study, and he does not appeal to her intellect on any level. He doesn’t appeal to her reason. She’s irrational. No—instead, in an act of Holy Spirit power, he rebukes and exorcises the spirit that rules her and enslaves her on the inside. In an instant she finds the salvation she’s been demonically mocking. The contrast between these two Philippian conversions is startling and instructive. With Lydia, the gospel gets at her heart when Paul engages her intellectually. With the slave girl, the gospel gets at her heart when Paul engages her spiritually. In both instances, the Holy Spirit grants new birth and repentance, of course, but the deliverance of the gospel takes on the context of the personal need. Paul shows how he as a missionary is willing to become all things to all people (1 Cor. 9:22). (To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain) - PA

V. 17 These men are slaves of the most high God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation - Two different slaves here, she, a slave to men who purchased her for her "gifts", and she tells the truth here though, as even the demons believe and tremble. The demons know of God, and they recognize that Christ has come into the world. They have yet to all be locked away for a thousand years, as we can see that they are still at work in this account. What a title to be given too, Slave of the most High God, or Slave of Christ, and she's not wrong, for Christians are bought purchased at the most high price, the life and death of the Son of God Himself. The innocent takes the place of the guilty, and here is the contrast again, right now she is not just a slave to these men, which is a secondary issue, a temporary situation, but she is also a slave to sin, just like her earthly masters, which has eternal implications. 

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, having been set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 who was designated as the Son of God in power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we received grace and apostleship for the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; Romans 1: 1-6

…19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20

V. 18 And it left at that very moment - Paul doesn't address the woman for following them and mocking, but goes after the demon straight away, and it leaves. 

V. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit had left - Evidence that it had certainly gone. They were basically pimps using her to make money, but not caring about what this actually meant. Here is another case where what is culturally acceptable may not be acceptable to God, and His messengers are all that these men can see, so they seize Paul and Silas and take them to the authorities, who are also going to judge based upon the culture. Money is a huge deciding factor with people, and often they decry this, but when it comes down to a choice, a temptation involving it, it's often surprising how little they will sell out for. This includes selling other people, turning against humanity, and thinking the end justifies the means, regardless of what end it may bring others. It doesn't say whether the woman here was saved after this incident, but I like to think she was, and that she became part of the local church, that Lydia discipled her as the older Christian women are to do with the younger, but I don't know. 

…9Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.… 1 Timothy 6: 9-11

16Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.… Matthew 10: 16-18

Vs. 20-21 Being Jews - They didn't say anything until it hit their pockets. This isn't to say that the message that Paul is preaching isn't offensive. It's a message that says there is only one true God, that you are a sinner in offense to Him, that all He owes you is eternal punishment, death, yet He has provided a way to be right with Him through his Son. Telling people that your good works, your life, is unacceptable to a Holy God, well, that doesn't sit well with them. Saying that there is hope though, that Someone else's life, this Jesus of Nazareth, and His death are acceptable to God in your place, still doesn't register with those who are dying, only with those who are being saved. We want to live our lives as Christians in a way that no one can honestly speak evil of us, but that won't stop them from doing it dishonestly through gossip and slander. We can defend the truth, but we also must learn to do it with the Spirit of love and self control, and forgive when others refuse to own their faults. 

…3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?… James 4: 3-5

…10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.… Matthew 5: 10-12

V. 22 And the crowd joined together to attack them - People have violence in their hearts as is, but once they have a sense that those who govern, those who are to uphold the peace, aren't going to stop them, then it really goes crazy. People turn each other in, neighbors become enemies, factions are created that divide between melanin, culture and religion, and targets are placed often on the backs of the innocent. All throughout this story there is a sense of the loss of human value and the identity that provides it. All their actions spring forth from not seeing the girl as made in the image of God, her true value is discarded for the demonic because they don't know Who God is. They can't see that the only two people who know this and can guide them are also made in the image of God. These people want money, violence and have corrupted sense of justice, so again they beat the messengers. 

Vs. 23-24 Threw them into prison - There are actually pastors, slaves of Christ, in other countries right now who are in prison for sharing the same message of Paul and Silas. 

…37They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. 38The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. 39These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.… Hebrews 11: 37-39

#1585 Acts 16 Part 2 Lydia A Seller Of Purple

 

11 So setting sail from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the day following to Neapolis; 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony; and we were staying in this city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and sitting down, we began speaking to the women who had assembled. 14 And a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening, whose heart the Lord opened to pay attention to the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. Acts 16: 11-15 LSB

Acts 16: 11-15

Vs. 11-12 So setting sail from Troas - Now remember, the Holy Spirit had kept them from going into Asia Minor, so now they are being directed West towards Europe. They start out from Troas, which is now in the country we know as Turkey. This trip is taking them up through the Aegean Sea to Macedonia, which would be to the east side of Greece. When they land in Macedonia they will have to go inland to reach Philippi, a city where a church would be established, a church that would remain dear to Paul even in future letters. 

V. 13 And on the Sabbath we went outside the gate to a riverside - I think this harkens back to the times of the Babylonian exile, when the Jews in Babylon had no temple or synagogue. 

We went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer - Paul normally went first to a local synagogue when he arrived in a new city, but apparently there was none in Philippi. Ten Jewish men who were heads of their household was required to constitute a synagogue, suggesting that Philippi must have had a relatively small Jewish population. This location would have been like an "informal synagogue."

F F Bruce - Had there been ten Jewish men, they would have sufficed to constitute a synagogue. No number of women would compensate for the absence of even one man necessary to make up the quorum of ten. (NICNT-Acts)

Spurgeon - Some quiet corner, where good people were wont to gather by the brook to pray. This was probably the first religious meeting of Christians that was ever held in Europe. It is remarkable that it was a prayer-meeting, a prayer-meeting attended by women, a prayer-meeting to which two ministers came, and preached the gospel to the women who resorted thither. To be able to be present at a prayer-meeting ought always to be reckoned a great privilege to all of us who are Christians. In this way the gospel first came to us; in this way the gospel will be best preserved to us; and in this way we may best obtain guidance from God as to how we may carry the gospel to others. - PA

1By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. 2There on the willows we hung our harps, 3for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.”… Psalm 137: 1-3

V. 14 And a woman named Lydia - So under the guidance of the Holy Spirit these men have been directed away from Asia to Europe, then out to the river to meet a special lady. I remember growing up as an Arminian and hearing, "what about that person who never heard the gospel in some remote place', or 'people are going to hell every day because no one is sharing the gospel with them." We can't ignore the Great commission and God has ordained the means, that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, people need to hear the gospel, but only those who are called will believe. What I learned in church, at EE as a kid, was gospel dependent upon my presentation rather than the inworking of the Holy Spirit upon the heart intended to receive it. We will go out and spread the gospel, like in the story of the seed and sewer, but only the tilled ground will produce fruit. There will be ground that won't receive, the rocky sort, and ground that looks like it did, but it gets choked out by weeds, and still ground that even produces a plant, but turns out to be pseudo wheat or tares. But this story shows the great lengths that God will go to to reach His sheep. He is even the One that puts it in their heart to want to know, and then provides someone to tell to the heart that is tilled and prepared. He leaves the 99 to go and find the 1. 

Lydia is a busy woman, a seller of purple, which the area is known for. She is described as a worshiper of God, much like the Ethiopian eunuch or Cornelius. This is someone like Rahab who is brought to know the true God and to assist His people. She is probably the first European convert to Christianity. Note too, and this is the way of Salvation, she was listening, and the Lord had opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. God was working here, and Paul and the others were merely messengers, delivering the gospel that would fill in all the empty or wondering parts of her theology. You hear about Messiah in the readings down by the river, in this makeshift outdoor synagogue, where these women met to pray, and then here comes Paul to announce that Messiah has come and died for your sins.  

From the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics - Thyatira (plural form like Philippi) was famous for its purple dyes as old as Homer (Iliad) and had a guild of dyers as inscriptions show (see Vincent's note below). There was a great demand for purple fabric as it was used on the official toga at Rome and in Roman colonies. (See color picture). (Purple dye).

Thyatira was one of the seven churches (see map) Jesus personally addressed in Revelation Rev 2:18-29 (see comments). Ironically these words were written about 40 years after Lydia's encounter here in Acts 16 and described another woman in Thyatira named Jezebel, the antithesis of Lydia!.

Vincent - The district of Lydia, and the city of Thyatira in particular, were famous for purple dyes. So Homer: “As when some Carian or Maeonian* dame ,Tinges with purple the white ivory, To form a trapping for the cheeks of steeds.”Iliad, iv., 141." (From) An inscription found in the ruins of Thyatira relates to the guild of dyers.

A worshiper of God - Like Cornelius (Acts 10:2), she was a God-fearer or Gentile but was not a full Jewish proselyte. Nevertheless she openly worshiped with the Jews and clearly she was seeking truth. - PA

14Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.… Mark 16: 14-16

…6Therefore My people will know My name; therefore they will know on that day that I am He who speaks. Here I am!” 7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, together they shout for joy. For every eye will see when the LORD returns to Zion.… Isaiah 52: 6-8

…43“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus replied. 44“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me—… John 6: 43-45

Macarthur contrasts this woman, Lydia, with other women of that time and todays feminist, very interesting.

I couldn’t help but think in reference to this message of the subject of Women’s Lib, which has so dominated our thoughts, and I’m not going to bore you with all of my thoughts about it, just a few of them. It’s amazing to me that the world and all of these people who are talking about liberation haven’t got the faintest idea what liberation is.

The idea that liberation is going to work, putting your kids in a daycare center - better yet, having abortions whenever you want - that liberation is being free to fool around sexually with anybody you want, that liberation is blatant lesbianism where you join a group and put on a parade, that liberation is shirking the responsibility of the home, that liberation is violating the God-given patterns of love and submission, that is ridiculous. That is not liberation. What these people are really doing is exchanging one kind of human bondage for a worse kind.

The women who are always wanting everything that men have - whoever said men were liberated? That isn’t liberation. You know, what they’re really doing is like the prisoner who exchanged cells and thought he got released. That is not liberation. They’re exchanging one kind of slavery for a different kind. But down deep, I think they soon discover that what they really want is the flight of the soul. They want the soul to be free to transcend the bondage that they’ll never transcend. And so they buy Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and they try to learn to practice so they can fly 240 miles an hour, spiritually.

And that’s why that book sells because it’s a seagull who goes beyond the capacities of seagulls, flies 240 miles an hour, and that’s what people want to do, they want to fly beyond the situation in which they are caught. And all this talk about liberation is a terrible mirror of the fact that people are prisoners, they just have different cells they’re in. There’s no way out.

I’ll tell you something. We’re going to meet a liberated lady named Lydia. And you know what happened to her when she got liberated? When she got liberated, her liberation was contentment to be what God designed her to be, and that’s being liberated. You are liberated when you are free to accept yourself with full acceptance as God designed you to be. That’s being free. And Lydia, the liberated lady, was free. There’s only one kind of liberation and Jesus put it this way, He said, “Ye shall know the truth and” - what? - “the truth shall make you free.” There’s no other liberation.

Paul said, “Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you” - what? - “free.” There’s only one kind of liberation. And if a person really wants to be liberated, then he comes to Jesus Christ, he is liberated from sin and death and Satan and hell, and he is free to accept all the eternal blessings of God and to accept himself as God made him and be content to be what God designed him to be. That’s liberation. - J Mac Sermon on Acts 16: 11-15

V. 15 And when she and her household had been baptized - Very interesting. She was immediate in her witness to her family. God has gifted her with a business mind as well, yet even as a seemingly busy woman, here response to these men is to provide them hospitality. Later we will see when Paul and Silas are released that they go back to Lydia's house, where they meet with the brothers and sisters in the faith. Buildings are not the church, just places where sometimes the actual church meets, some church buildings are actually a diversion a way from the true church, and it would appear that this little new church now meets in the home of it's first convert. 

40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left. Acts 16: 40

#1584 Acts 16 Part 1 I Became A Jew

 

Now Paul also arrived at Derbe and at Lystra. And behold, a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, 2 and he was well spoken of by the brothers who were in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted this man to go with him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to keep. 5 So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were abounding in number daily.

The Macedonian Vision

6 And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; 7 and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the gospel to them. Acts 16: 1-10 LSB

Acts 16: 1-10

Vs. 1-2 Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek - We are told that Timothy was well spoken of, which means he was known to other believers and his life was being evaluated. When you read Paul's letters to Timothy you have one the most beautiful manuals on discipleship. His grandmother and mother were heavy influences in his life even though his father is not listed as a believer. This is why it is so important for women, not just men, to be equally sound in their doctrine. Motherhood is predominant in the family. I grew up with a single mom who did a much better job of getting me to church and teaching me the Bible at home than I did with my own children. If women are to teach their children and disciple younger women then they must be Biblical. If Timothy would have been left solely to the instruction of his father then he would have had a shallow and secular idea of Who Christ is. 

…4Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well. 6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.… 2 Timothy 1: 4-6

…15From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.… 2 Timothy 3: 15-17

V. 3 And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts - It was strange to see this after what they had gone through with the Jerusalem council and dealing with those who went out from there but who were not really sent. This wasn't done because it was something lacking in Timothy's teaching or conversion, but to remove a stumbling block for the Jews that they would witness to. I have guys who have worked for me that are vegans, and while I don't agree with their choice or reasoning, when the company gives me the credit card and says treat the boys to pizza or whatever, I have those individuals pick something from the menu that they can eat. Paul is removing obstacles here for the more important matter of the gospel, and then people grow and learn from there, but some hills just aren't worth dying on. Get God's work done, never negotiate on the gospel, otherwise you will offer something that doesn't save, but don't strain at gnats either. 

Took him and circumcised him (see study of circumcision) - Paul circumcised Timothy for anyone could perform this rite. The Jerusalem council had declared that circumcision was not necessary for salvation or for acceptance into the Christian church. In Acts 15:1+ the "Judaizers" felt circumcision was necessary, but subsequently the Jerusalem council concluded it was not necessary for salvation. However because of Timothy's Jewish background it seemed expedient in his case in order to enlarge his local usefulness even as Paul declared in his letter to Corinth… - PA

…22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.… 1 Corinthians 9: 22-24

Vs. 4-5 They were delivering the decrees - It is hard to imagine a time when you did not have the printed New Testament, so that is a defining attribute of an Apostolic Age, that this is the time of the laying of the foundation of the church. This is the time of the pillars, and they are carrying these messages, letters and doctrines to the new churches. Now we have the completed Bible as our authority in all manners concerning doctrines and traditions. The word of God must be above man's opinions and traditions. 

Delivering the decrees - What decrees? The decrees which had been drawn up by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem which can be summarized that salvation is by faith alone (God cleansed the Gentiles "hearts by faith." Acts 15:9+) and does NOT require circumcision or law-keeping, that sexual immorality was forbidden for all believers for all time and that meats offered to idols, from animals that had been strangled, and blood were all forbidden as food, not as matters essential to salvation, but to facilitate fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers. Some of these instructions were revised (1 Cor. 8-10; 1 Ti 4:4, 5).

MacArthur summarizes their goal of giving "the twofold message of Christianity: salvation by grace and living by love." (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts) - PA

V. 6 Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asian - This has always fascinated me, and the reason is not given here as to why the Spirit did this, but certainly the Holy Spirit knows better than me, and it was not a part of His plan at the time. It is like the studies on the fullness of the cup of God's wrath, and you wonder how we are not there yet. Salvation is truly of the Lord. 

Having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia - How the Holy Spirit forbade Paul, Silas and Timothy is not specifically stated. The phrase the word in this context indicates the Gospel. Somehow the Spirit told the missionaries not to preach the Gospel in these regions at this time. However God had not forgotten about the lost souls in Asia (see "Asia" in the red area on this Map) for these regions would later have churches in several cities including Ephesus, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Colossae, Sardis, Pergamum, and Thyatira. For now that "door" was closed to Paul. Note that by using the name Asia Luke was NOT referring to the continent of Asia as we know it today.

NET Note on Asia - "Asia"; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. (see red area on this Map) Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia.

…8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. 9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. 10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.… Proverbs 16: 8-10

…20The Lord will give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, but your Teacher will no longer hide Himself—with your own eyes you will see Him. 21And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” 22So you will desecrate your silver-plated idols and your gold-plated images. You will throw them away like menstrual cloths, saying to them, “Be gone!”… Isaiah 30: 20-22

7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. 9By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.… Hebrews 11: 7-9

V. 7 The Spirit of Jesus did not permit them - Note Holy Spirit and now, Spirit of Jesus. These men are going out in response to the great commission, but it is far from random. We do not know who is chosen among the sons of men, but the Spirit does. We may also witness to the judgment of some, most, but there are times and people that God gives us a love for that we would never have found on our own. 

J. I. Packer wrote, “Belief that divine guidance is real rests upon two foundation-facts: first, the reality of God’s plan for us; second, the ability of God to communicate with us. On both these facts the Bible has much to say.”

The Spirit of Jesus did not permit them - Paul, presumably filled with the Spirit is responsive to the Spirit's guidance (cf Ro 8:14, Gal 5:18) and willingly lays down his will and plans. Paul is being guided by hindrance, closed doors (but the exact form of this "closure" is not stated by Luke) not opened doors. The Holy Spirit guides as much by the closing of doors as He does by the opening of doors. We all like the latter, but often chaff at the former!

Did you notice the synonymous identification of the Holy Spirit in Acts 16:6 and with Spirit of Jesus in this verse? These parallel names are a clear indication that the Holy Spirit is Deity, and supports that He is the third Person of the Trinity.

Vs. 8-10 Concluding that God had called us to proclaim the gospel to them - Now I see people on tv and have talked to many charismatics who claim these sorts of visions all the time today, but most are beyond doubtful when you examine their life and their doctrine. There were also a lot of actual healings during the time of the Apostles to establish the messengers. Now a days I have had someone tell me that they saw I was supposed to give them money or some other assistance in a vision, but they are all charlatans. Here, the Spirit is moving this group on a quest to where they need to be. Often God will lay something heavily upon the heart, but one must not confuse such with their emotions nor shove other people where they are not meant to go. 

#1583 Acts 15 Part 3 Hope For the Cowardly

 

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them—Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers—to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, 23 and they sent this letter by them,

“The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some of us, to whom we gave no instruction, have gone out and disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls,

25 it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, and they themselves will report the same things by word of mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:

29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, you will do well. Farewell.”

30 So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And both Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with a lengthy message. 33 And after they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brothers in peace to those who had sent them. 34 [But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.] 35 But Paul and Barnabas spent a long time in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the word of the Lord.

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

36 Now after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 And Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there was such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15: 22-41 LSB

Acts 15: 22-41

Vs. 22-23 It seemed good to the Apostles and elders, with the whole church - They sent men from the Jerusalem council, men of good standing in the church, to be witnesses that this is indeed where this letter comes from, and this is the teaching of the Apostles. There is a good principle here in that iron sharpens iron, going out by two you have the advantage of sharing the load, different strengths and gifts, accountability and encouragement. Here it is also a legal matter of the highest order, what is the actual gospel? These are the foundational teachings of the church, the standard for reform.

1 After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. 2And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.… Luke 10: 1-2

1This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,… 2 Corinthians 13: 1-2

Vs. 24-26 Some of us, to whom we gave no instruction - There's always those "hand me the microphone, I got something to say" guys out there. We have to be careful who we lay hands on, and even still people will go out and say, "I know this guy, I belong to that group, and this is what they would say on this matter", when clearly here, no one sent them to say what they are saying. It ends up being a different gospel, one of works, of conforming to ceremonial laws when the law was to reveal the trespass, to separate a people. No one was ever saved by their keeping of the law. "They went out from us" is often a harsh reality that we don't want to face.

…14Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say, ‘You must not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying to you a lie. 15For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish— you and the prophets who prophesy to you.” 16Then I said to the priests and to all this people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, ‘Look, very soon now the articles from the house of the LORD will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are prophesying to you a lie.… Jeremiah 27: 14-16

…22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ 24Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.… Matthew 7: 22-24

V. 27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas - Silas will later accompany Paul on another missionary journey. 

We have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things - In other words, in addition to the witness of Barnabas and Paul, Judas and Silas would be two more witnesses from the home church in Jerusalem who would vouch for the authenticity and explain the necessity for the written instructions. - PA

V. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden upon you than these essentials - They verify salvation by grace through faith, that these new gentile believers do not have to become Jews first, circumcision is not salvific. Refer to previous posts:

Acts 15 Part 1

Acts 15 Part 2

V. 29 That you abstain - This goes back over what was discussed at the Jerusalem council with James, see links above. 

Vs. 30-31 When they read it they rejoiced - What a burden this must have lifted, it's Christ alone. Paul and Barnabas had been teaching them the correct gospel all along. The feedback was that they show patience with those who were still under the law, that they not abuse their grace and cause those of the circumcision to stumble. 

Vs. 32-35 Also being prophets themselves - A bonus with these men was that they were also able to teach and exhort, which help to further mature the believers at Antioch. 

V. 36 See how they are - This is a great and valuable lesson for us. Paul didn't do drive by or hit and runs. He didn't give out the check this box if you want to be friends with Jesus track and then leave them on their own. Here we see the continued work of a shepherd, looking for fruit, discipling those who now profess Christ, helping them grow in the faith. There is nothing worse than being stagnant, being in a place where no one can give wise council, where everyone is good with anything you say, and no one evaluates it or challenges you. Some people love places like that because you can hide, but you won't grow. I love that Paul goes back to water Christ's garden everywhere that he has sewn seed. 

…18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”… Matthew 28: 18-20

Vs. 37-41 Barnabas wanted to take John called Mark - The great argument here is always, who was right in this? I think both were right in their thinking. I've seen Pastors put off Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement", as being nepotistic or just an overly emotional guy, yet these were men who risked their lives for the gospel. It would be a violation of the Greek word to leave his motives at just family or feelings. It connotes intent born of consideration and thought, well aware of his cousin's past mistake. We do also see that not only Barnabas and Paul make up later, but Paul also notes a change in John Mark, there is reconciliation there as well. So then Paul was wrong? No, Paul was logical, and I would say 99 out of 100 times, his reasoning, based on the facts, would help in business, life in general, and the church, to help avoid catastrophe. I think they were both wrong in letting the contention get to the level it did, and Paul being the senior Apostle to the gentiles, I think that Macarthur makes a good point that Barnabas should have submitted. God, in his sovereignty, knew this faction would occur though, and as grievous as it was, instead of one team going out there was now two. Note in v. 40 that Paul chose Silas and left "committed" by the brethren, or with their blessing. It does not say the same of John Mark and Barnabas, but this is a great section to meditate on as differences will arise, but Christ must be all in all. When we do split or leave, then it needs to be for higher matters, things that go against the Word of God, violate sound doctrine, but not because of our egos. Some arguments are actually important and defining of times and matters in the church, but let us be gracious and not condescending, let us tell the truth in love, hoping that God will be glorified and His order and peace restored.

The NAS may be a bit weak translating it as "wanted" and the KJV a bit more on point by translating it as "determined" because the picture is of Barnabas deliberating and deciding on taking John Mark. Furthermore "wanted" is in the imperfect tense speaking of Barnabas' insistence in taking John Mark. It is interesting that the imperfect tense is also used in the next verse of Paul insisting. One gets the picture of Barnabas "wanting" and Paul countering with "insisting!"

Wanted (intended) (1014)(boulomai) refers to a settled desire, one born of or springing from reason and not from emotion. To will, to wish, to will deliberately, to intend, to have a purpose, to be minded. Boulomai underlines the preset determined intention which drives one's planning, wishing, resolving. In contrast, the verb thelo focuses on the desire ("wishfulness") behind making an offer. Boúlomai expresses also the inward predisposition and bent from which active volition proceeds. - PA