Acts 16

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

1 Then he came to a Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, b named Timothy, c the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he d took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the e decrees to keep, f which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 g So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

The Macedonian Call

6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of h Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in 1 Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the 2 Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they i came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A j man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go k to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

The Conversion of Lydia

11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to l Philippi, which is the 3 foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of m Thyatira, who worshiped God. n The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So o she persuaded us.

Paul and Silas in Prison

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl p possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters q much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation." 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, r greatly 4 annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." s And he came out that very hour.

19 But t when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and u dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. 20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, "These men, being Jews, v exceedingly trouble our city; 21 "and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe." 22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes w and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Philippian Jailer Converted

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 x Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately y all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here." 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, z "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 So they said, a "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, b he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the 5 officers, saying, "Let those men go." 36 So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace." 37 But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned c Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out." 38 And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. 39 Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and d asked them to depart from the city. 40 So they went out of the prison e and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.

  1. Cross References
    Acts 14:6
    They became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
  2. Cross References
    Acts 19:22
    So he sent into Macedonia two of those who mini...
    Romans 16:21
    Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, a...
    1 Corinthians 4:17
    For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who...
    1 Corinthians 16:10
    And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with y...
    Philippians 1:1
    Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,...
    Philippians 2:19
    But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy t...
    1 Thessalonians 3:2
    And sent Timothy, our brother and minister of G...
    2 Timothy 1:2
    To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and pe...
  3. Cross References
    2 Timothy 1:5
    When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
    2 Timothy 3:15
    And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
  4. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:20
    And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law.
    Galatians 2:3
    Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
    Galatians 5:2
    Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.
  5. Cross References
    Acts 15:19 - 21
    Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God.
  6. Cross References
    Acts 15:28
    For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
    Acts 15:29
    That you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
  7. Cross References
    Acts 2:47
    Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
    Acts 15:41
    And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
  8. Cross References
    Acts 18:23
    After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
    Galatians 1:1
    Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead).
    Galatians 1:2
    And all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
  9. Cross References
    Acts 16:11
    Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis.
    Acts 20:5
    These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas.
    2 Corinthians 2:12
    Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord.
    2 Timothy 4:13
    Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come - and the books, especially the parchments.
  10. Cross References
    Acts 10:30
    So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.
  11. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:13
    I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 20:6
    But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
    Philippians 1:1
    Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
    1 Thessalonians 2:2
    But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
  13. Cross References
    Revelation 1:11
    Saying, " I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.
    Revelation 2:18
    And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
    Revelation 2:24
    Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.
  14. Cross References
    Luke 24:45
    And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
  15. Cross References
    Genesis 19:3
    But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
    Genesis 33:11
    Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough." So he urged him, and he took it.
    Judges 19:21
    So he brought him into his house, and gave fodder to the donkeys. And they washed their feet, and ate and drank.
    Luke 24:29
    But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to stay with them.
    Hebrews 13:2
    Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
  16. Cross References
    Leviticus 19:31
    Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits;...
    Leviticus 20:6
    And the person who turns to mediums and familia...
    Leviticus 20:27
    'A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has f...
    Deuteronomy 18:11
    Or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a s...
    1 Samuel 28:3
    Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had lamente...
    1 Samuel 28:7
    Then Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woma...
    2 Kings 21:6
    Also he made his son pass through the fire, pra...
    1 Chronicles 10:13
    So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he ha...
    Isaiah 8:19
    And when they say to you, "Seek those who are m...
  17. Cross References
    Acts 19:24
    For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen.
  18. Cross References
    Mark 1:25
    But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!
    Mark 1:34
    Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
  19. Cross References
    Mark 16:17
    And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.
  20. Cross References
    Acts 16:16
    Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
    Acts 19:25
    He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade.
    Acts 19:26
    Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 10:18
    You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
  22. Cross References
    1 Kings 18:17
    Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, " Is that you, O troubler of Israel?
    Acts 17:8
    And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things.
  23. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 6:5
    In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings.
    2 Corinthians 11:23
    Are they ministers of Christ? - I speak as a fool - I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
    2 Corinthians 11:25
    Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep.
    1 Thessalonians 2:2
    But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
  24. Cross References
    Acts 4:31
    And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
  25. Cross References
    Acts 5:19
    But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said.
    Acts 12:7
    Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands.
    Acts 12:10
    When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
  26. Cross References
    Luke 3:10
    So the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?
    Acts 2:37
    Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?
    Acts 9:6
    So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.
    Acts 22:10
    "So I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.'
  27. Cross References
    John 3:16
    For God so loved the world that He gave His onl...
    John 3:36
    "He who believes in the Son has everlasting lif...
    John 6:47
    Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes i...
    Acts 13:38
    Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, tha...
    Acts 13:39
    And by Him everyone who believes is justified f...
    Romans 10:9 - 11
    That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Je...
    1 John 5:10
    He who believes in the Son of God has the witne...
  28. Cross References
    Matthew 5:4
    Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
    Luke 5:29
    Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.
    Luke 19:6
    So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.
  29. Cross References
    Acts 22:25 - 29
    And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?
  30. Cross References
    Matthew 8:34
    And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 16:14
    Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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