Acts Chapter 16

Acts 16

Paul and Silas met Timothy at Lystra

1 Moreover, they arrived unto Derbe and unto Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy (dear to God), a son of a faithful Jewish woman, and his father is Greek,

2 who testifies under the brethren in Listra and Iconium (asia minor).

3 Paul wants this man to proceed together with them, so, he was circumcised, because of the Jews who are in that place to receive him; for, absolutely all were aware, that he possesses Greek (Hellen) father.

4 Moreover, as those who have surrendered under the Apostles and Elders were traveling through the cities, they keep the ordinances (dogmas), decided in Jerusalem.

5 the churches indeed are then made strong by Faith, and their numbers increase every day.

HOLY-SPIRIT never forsake them (confer with kjv; they were never resisted by the SPIRIT)

6 Preaching of the word will be forbidden in Asia, however, they traveled through Phrygia (Asia minor) and region of Galatians under the Holy SPIRIT, 

7 they will also come to Mysia, even by traveling unto Bithynia (both in Asia), and according to Jesus (Matt 28:20), they will be tested, but the SPIRIT will never let them alone; (HE will neither let you alone, nor forsake you- Heb13:5, Jh 16:32)

8 so, they pass through Mysia (in Asia minor), and come down to Troads (in Asia minor).

Change of Plan; A call for help from Macedonia through vision/dream 

9 And Paul discerned through a night vision: a certain man of Macedonia, standing by, and beseeching him, saying, cross over unto Macedonia, and help us.

10 Also, as clearly discerned in the vision, we immediately seek after going forth to Macedonia, concluding that God has summoned us to preach gospel to them.

The Journey to Macedonia; Lydia of Phillipi got saved

11 Moreover, they set sail from Troad, and sail directly unto Samothrace (Mediterranean Island), and the following (day) unto Neapolis (New-city in Macedonia),

12 and from there to Philippi (Macedonia), some of which are the first colony province of Macedonia city. So, they were in this city, tarrying for some days.

Paul threw his spiritual net and meet with Lydia's household: he never miss an opportunity 

13 And on the Sabbath day, they proceeded outside the gate, beside a river, where women assemble as usual for oratory prayer, and they settle down to preach.

14 And a certain woman, named Lydia, a purple cloth seller, of a city of Thyatira (in Asia minor), who revere God, listens, whose heart fully open to the Lord, and pay attention to things preached by Paul.

15 Moreover, as she and her households were baptized, she beseeched them, saying, if you judge me to be faithful to the Lord, enter into my house. And she compels us to stay. 

Paul cast out a demon in a girl: even demon recognize salvation 

16 Moreover, it happens, (as) we are going for oratory prayer, a certain girl who possesses python spirit (soothsayer) met us, and she provides much profit to her lord by soothsaying.

17 she follows after Paul and scream at us, saying: these men are servants of God of the HIGHEST, who proclaim the way of salvation to you.

18 and she does this over many days. However, Paul was worried, and turned around to the spirit, saying: I command you, in the Name of Christ, Jesus, get out of her, and it gets out at the same hour.

19 so, her lord saw it, that the hope of his profit is gone, so he seizes and drags Paul and Silas into the town-square before the Rulers;

Paul and Silas were assaulted and imprisoned without due trial

20 And by bringing them to the Captain, saying, these men being Jewish upcoming leaders, are disturbing our city, 

21 proclaiming customs, which are not right for us to admit, nor obey, being Romans,

22 and the crowd stand up together against them, and the Captain commanded to tear off their garments, and beat them with rod, 

23 and many strokes were laid upon them, and they were thrown into the prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them securely (asphalos).

24 who, having received such a mandate, throw them into the interior prison, and fasten their feet unto a wooden-stock.

Paul and Silas/Silvanus know how to rejoice amid weeping (Rom 12:15)

25 However, according to midnight watch, Paul and Silas, make prayer and sing hymns (celebrate in Songs) to God, and the prisoners listen intently to them.

26 the mega part is the earthquake, which suddenly happened, in so much that, the foundation of the prison shook. However, in spite of fasteners, all the doors opened up, and all the chains were let up/loosened. 

The souls of the jailer and his households were saved

27 Moreover, the jailer becomes awake from sleep, and see the doors of the prison opened. He supposed the prisoners have escaped, so he draws out his dirk/knife, and intends to kill himself.

28 the mega thing is the voice of Paul, addressing him, saying, do yourself no harm; because, absolutely everybody is here.

29 So, he asks for light, and jumps in, and become terrified and fell down before Paul and Silas/Silvanus.

30 And brought them outside and make known his thoughts: lords, what must I do at least, to be saved?

31 so, they said, believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your households shall be saved. 

32 And they preached the words of the Lord to him together with everybody in his households,

33 and all of them were baptized in that hour of the night, free of charge. And they also, were received near and washed from their wounds

34 and they were led into the house, present (food) on a table, and jump for joy to God, for having Faith with his whole family.

A learnt Barrister and an Apostle demanded for apology

35 Moreover, it happens to be day(time), and the Captain sent the Sergeant (rod-holder), saying, release those men.

36 so, the jailer reported these words to Paul, that, the Captain had sent, at least to release you. Therefore, proceed forth now and go in peace.

37 but, Paul make known his thoughts to him: no, because, having beaten us publicly (demosia) without legal trial, and throw us, being a Roman subject, into prison, will you now privately drive us out? On the contrary, they should come and lead us out.

38 so, the Sergeant reported these words to the Captain. And he was afraid, having heard that they are Romans.

39 And they came to implore them, and lead them out, requesting them, to go away from the city.

40 so, they proceed forth out of the prison, and go towards (sister) Lydia; and having seen and exhorted the brethren, they proceed forth.