EVERY OPPORTUNITY
Acts 16:11–15, 29–40
There are many reasons Christians do not take advantage of opportunities to share the gospel. Perhaps one reason we fail to witness is because we do not have relationships with unbelievers; we live life in a Christian “cocoon.” Believers should pray that God will give us open doors to share the gospel.
Witness at the River (11–15)
Paul and his missionary team traveled to Philippi after the Spirit prohibited them from preaching in the Roman province of Asia (v. 6). Paul had seen a vision of a Macedonian man pleading for Paul to come to the northernmost province of Greece. Paul’s obedience led to the establishment of the first Christian church
on European soil. Apparently, no synagogue existed in Philippi — a Roman colony and a leading city of the Roman province of Macedonia.
Jewish tradition required a minimum of 10 Jewish men to establish a synagogue. In places with no synagogue, Jewish worshippers often met near a source of water because of the requirement of ritual washings. Thus, Paul and his missionary team knew where to locate a prayer meeting.
At this Jewish worship center, the missions team met a businesswoman named Lydia. She became the first recorded Christian convert on European soil.
Mere preaching or witnessing is not sufficient to bring someone to faith in Christ. The Lord must open a person’s heart as He opened Lydia’s heart. Consider how believers can be sensitive to opportunities for sharing the gospel.
Witness in Jail (29–34)
Can you imagine the mindset of a jailer who witnessed an earthquake shake the jail, open the doors and loosen the chains of the prisoners? Assumed to be derelict in his duties, the jailer faced the penalty of death by Roman officials.
Paul commanded the jailer not to harm himself because no prisoner had escaped. The jailer asked the most important question anyone could ask: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The verb “believe” is a command in verse 31. There is only one requirement for salvation. “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”
In the New Testament belief is more than believing the gospel message; belief is a commitment to follow Jesus. As evidence of his faith commitment, the jailer washed the wounds of the missionary team.
Immediately, the missions team baptized the jailer and his family.
Witness upon Release (35–40)
When daylight came the chief magistrates commanded the guards, “Release those men.” Paul demanded that the individuals responsible for his illegal jailing make public amends.
Paul had been beaten without a trial — a violation of the law — and the missions team was thrown into jail. Paul demanded that the authorities escort them out of the jail.
How might other believers benefit from our witness? Paul and Silas immediately went to the church that was meeting in Lydia’s house, encouraged the new believers and then departed. The biblical text does not state the location to which Paul and Silas departed.
In the narrative of Acts, Thessalonica is the next location we hear about. Perhaps the missions team traveled the famed route of the Egnatian Road, which was like an ancient interstate. Thessalonica was the European beachhead for the gospel.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
