Acts 16:1-5 Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
“Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”
Acts 16:6-10 Paul’s Vision of the Macedonian
“After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, a they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
“Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.” Paul and Silas have returned to Lystra, where Paul was previously stoned and left for dead. But things are different this time. In Lystra, local church elders recommend an outstanding young disciple named Timothy, who will become an important leader in the fledgling church. To avoid undue criticism by the traditional Jews, Paul circumcises Timothy and then the trio travel throughout the area sharing the decisions from church leaders in Jerusalem.
What are the messages Paul and Silas are conveying? Remember that Peter has enunciated these simple tenets for new non-Jewish Christians. “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.” (Acts 15:19-20)
For those from non-Jewish backgrounds, this advice is a big relief. Many of the new believers are coming from pagan backgrounds where animals are strangled and worshipers might even be forced to drink blood or paint their bodies with blood as part of the rituals. Then there are some cults favoring fertility rites that encourage flagrant sexual immorality. For those truly seeking a holy God, such practices are nauseating. Rejoicing in the simplicity and purity of this advice, many people believe in Jesus Christ and join the churches. The rapid church growth demonstrates the spiritual hunger of the people.
“After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, a they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.” What a shock! Even though Jesus has ordered his disciples to “go into all the world,” timing and location remain crucial. While Paul, Silas, and Timothy might not know what’s happening in Bithynia, God knows those who will be receptive. Right now, Bithyinia is not prepared for the Gospel. How do these men know that the Spirit of Jesus is preventing them from entering Bithynia? As these men are traveling, they are praying and asking God for direction. When God says, “No,” these men listen.
Macedonia is a Roman province north of Greece; it includes cities such as Philippi and Thessalonica. Troas is a jumping off point for Macedonia, so by the time Paul has his vision, the group is already poised to depart for Macedonia.
There are several important points in this short passage. Paul and his companions are listening closely to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide them. They are not having meetings in which they consult maps or statistics. When God speaks through a vision, the mission team immediately obeys, rather than questioning God.
Obedience is key when following the Lord. Only God knows what the weather is going to be like for sailing between Troas and Macedonia, the needs of the Macedonians, and the spiritual temperature of places such as Philippi and Thessalonica.
Want success in ministry? Spend time in prayer and obey when God advises you. So many times, we might receive guidance; however, we immediately begin arguing with God. “But God,” we whine, “Why can’t I go where I want to and when I want to.” People who sell real estate know that one of the key facts about any piece of property is location. If a home or a farm is in a desirable location, the seller can ask a far higher price. God knows more about key locations than any real estate expert.
No matter what we think, God is the One who knows hearts and God is the One who knows when people are ready. Several years ago, revival broke out in a church in Brownsville, Florida, a suburb of Pensacola. For years, the Holy Spirit moved in such an amazing way that people flocked to that church from all over the world to see what God was doing. Many who visited the revival returned to their home churches, where mini-revivals also broke out.
May God help us, so that we will listen intently to Him and obey His leading rather than our own preconceived notions. May God also help us to remember that we are ministering for Him and not the other way around!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to have soft teachable hearts and minds willing to accept Your leading. Help us to obey and not to argue. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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