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| 1 And he came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, by name Timotheus, son of a Jewish believing woman, but the father a Greek, |
He – "He" at the beginning of Paul's journey; "they" after Silas and Timothy joined him at Lystra; and "we" after Luke, the historian, also joined the company at Troas. R3022:1
Timotheus – Timothy, about 21 years of age. R3022:1
Well trained in the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother. (2 Tim. 1:5) R4399:2
Timothy was a Jew, because his mother was a Jewess. F226; R1526:4
A certain woman – According to the Greek text, apparently a widow. R3022:1
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| 2 who had a good testimony of the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. |
Was well reported – Respecting character, ability, etc. R1720:3
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| 3 Him would Paul have go forth with him, and took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew his father that he was a Greek. |
And circumcised him – Any Jew not circumcised forfeited his rights in the Abrahamic promise. R2175:5
This was not necessary to Timothy's salvation, but was advisable, that he might have more influence among the Jews; and it was proper because his mother was a Jewess. F226, F227; R3022:3, 2175:5
A national custom amongst the Jews which began before the Law of Moses, and was continued after Christ made an end of the Law, nailing it to his cross. (Col. 2:14) R1526:4, 3022:2, 2175:5; F226
A Jew, trusting in Christ, could properly enough conform to this national custom, established before the Law. R2175:5
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." (Gal. 5:6) R3022:2
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| 4 And as they passed through the cities they instructed them to observe the decrees determined on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. |
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| 5 The assemblies therefore were confirmed in the faith, and increased in number every day. |
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| 6 And having passed through Phrygia and the Galatian country, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia, |
Were forbidden – How this was communicated we are not informed. R2175:6, 373:1; E276
Possibly by unfavorable circumstances, or a vision. R373:1, E276
Of the Holy Spirit – Was not the divine will at that time. R1545:3, 3022:4
The holy influence or power by which the will of the Father and the Son are brought to the attention of the consecrated. E276
This text in no way indicates that the holy Spirit is a person. R373:1; E276
In Asia – Lesser Asia, the region in which subsequently the "seven churches of Asia" were located. (Rev. 1:4,11) R3022:4
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| 7 having come down to Mysia, they attempted to go to Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; |
Bithynia – A province of Asia Minor. R1545:3
Suffered them not – Again hindered their proposed plans, indicating the Lord's very particular supervision over his work. R3022:5, 4399:2, 2397:1*
Paul's moment of uncertainty was the Lord's opportunity for directing him. R4399:2
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| 8 and having passed by Mysia they descended to Troas. |
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| 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There was a certain Macedonian man, standing and beseeching him, and saying, Pass over into Macedonia and help us. |
A vision appeared – Greek, horama; occurs twelve times in the New Testament, and on every occasion the context shows that the thing seen is not real, but is a vision. R1442:5*
God specially directed him in a dream. R2691:3
More than a mere mental impression E276
One of the Spirit's way of leading them. R373:1
Paul's course was one that was being specially directed, guided and supervised by the Lord. R1546:1
Into Macedonia – Lies just north of Greece. R2176:1, 1545:3
Instead of sending it northward and eastward to Asiatic Russia, India and China, or southward to Egypt and all Africa, the Lord specially guided his truth northwestward into Europe, and eventually to America. R2175:6, 3043:6
The most enlightened and cultured people of the then civilized world. R2691:3, 4399:3, 2176:1, 1545:6
The intermingling of peoples, produced mental activity and acuteness favorable to the consideration and appreciation of the Gospel. R1545:5
Paul accepted this as of divine leading, and promptly began the journey which took him into Europe. R4399:2
There beginning the preaching of the Gospel in Europe. R2397:1*, 3043:6
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| 10 And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go forth to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to announce to them the glad tidings. |
Into Macedonia – It is supposed that about this time Luke, the physician, became attached to Paul's company. R4399:3
To the Greeks, who were recognized as foremost in the world in literature and the arts. R4399:3
Assuredly gathering – These various dealings show us the methods by which God taught and led in those days. E277
Called us for to preach – There is a due time connected with every feature of the divine plan. R4399:2
An evidence of God's supervision of all the interests of his church. R4399:2
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| 11 Having sailed therefore away from Troas, we went in a straight course to Samothracia, and on the morrow to Neapolis, |
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| 12 and thence to Philippi, which is the first city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city certain days. |
Philippi – One of the chief cities of Macedonia. R4399:3
Appears to have been the first place in Greece for preaching of the good tidings in Europe. R4399:3, 5810:1, 3122:2, 2069:4
Chief city – Greek, protos; signifies best. R331:6
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| 13 And on the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where it was the custom for prayer to be, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had assembled. |
Out of the city – There was no synagogue in Philippi. R4399:4, 3022:6
Until a few years ago it was necessary for all Protestants in Rome to meet outside the city. R3122:2
By a river side – Probably in a temporary shed, the numbers being insufficient to erect a synagogue. R3022:6
Prayer – They prayed audibly. It is not reasonable to suppose that they gathered for prayer and that each then prayed privately and secretly. R2023:3
Is absolutely indispensable to Christian life. It means, not only a living faith, but a growing faith. R2692:1
Was wont to be made – It was a prayer meeting principally, and place of divine fellowship. R4399:4, 2176:4
Not having the facilities of a synagogue they probably had not Scripture parchments, and hence no reading of the Law, but merely prayer and worship. R4399:4
It was the wisdom from above, the holy Spirit, which guided the Apostle Paul to seek out those assembled at such a place. E688
And spake unto – The apostle and companions sought for some who worshipped God, who hoped for the Kingdom. R4399:3
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| 14 And a certain woman, by name Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard; whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things spoken by Paul. |
Lydia – It is presumed that Lydia was well-to-do in this world's goods, as well as rich toward God in faith. R3023:2, 4399:5
Her house became the center of Christian work in the city of Philippi. R1556:2
A seller of purple – Dyes were much more expensive in olden times than now and the secret knowledge of how to make them was turned to profit. R4399:5, 3023:2
Of Thyatira – Of the very district (Asia Minor) into which the Apostle was not permitted to enter and preach. R3023:2
The Lord opened – One whose heart was in the right condition to receive the message. R4399:5
"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45) R1322:4
None are ready for the truth unless the Lord has prepared their hearts. R3023:4
Which were spoken – The good tidings of the sacrifice of Jesus, his death, resurrection and second coming in power and great glory and the invitation to joint-heirship with him. R4399:5
The hopes of Israel and the fulfillment in Jesus the Messiah. R2176:4
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| 15 And when she had been baptised and her house, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and abide there. And she constrained us. |
She was baptized – Prompt to obey in full consecration and prompt to symbolize that consecration in water baptism. R4399:5
Baptism was the custom of all the apostles, not merely with the Jews, but also with the Gentiles. F448; R1539:3; NS54:3
And her household – Implies that Lydia had adult children. R4399:6
Lydia was possibly a widow, since her husband is not mentioned. R4399:6
It is not always that religious parents have religiously inclined children. R4399:5
To the Lord – And thus worthy to entertain his ministers. R1546:4, 3023:4, 2176:4
Come into my house – As she was a widow, it was her right, without conference with anybody, to invite the Apostle and his companions to share the hospitality of her home. R4399:6
She seems to have realized that instead of honoring them, she was honoring herself and her home by having such guests. R4399:6
Her sole desire was to serve the Lord, and she saw the opportunity for this in rendering service to his representatives. R3023:5
Constrained us – Implies that the Apostle was not to ready to force himself upon anybody. R4399:6
Gradually drawn or led to accept her invitation. R4400:1
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| 16 And it came to pass as we were going to prayer that a certain female slave, having a spirit of Python, met us, who brought much profit to her masters by prophesying. |
A certain damsel – Known in Philippi as a Pythoness, or Sibyl--a fortune teller. She was a slave girl possessed by an evil spirit. R5907:3, 4400:1, 3122:3
Possessed – Obsessed. R4400:1, 2173:2
With a spirit – Greek, pneuma; invisible power through fellowship with fallen spirit beings. E313
It was a spirit which possessed and used her body, an evil spirit unfit to be tolerated there. R2171:5, 5907:3, 4400:1, 2181:6; HG725:6
Of divination – The divination practiced by the Witch of Endor (1 Sam. 28:7-14) was of the same nature R755:4*, 2172:1
The fallen angels, demons, have manifested their power all down through the ages, obsessing people, impersonation the dead, and otherwise deceiving mankind. Q804:3
God warns us against having anything to do with these occult powers. R5800:1
The instruction to Israel was very explicit; they should not have any communion with any who had occult powers. HG726:1
Masters – Apparently a syndicate of influential men. R5907:6, 4400:1, 2182:1
Much gain – Her affliction was a source of gain to her owners. R1556:3
Wealth always has been a power. R2182:1
Soothsaying – Fortune telling. SM549:1; R5907:6, 4400:1, 3122:3
Giving intelligence of things that were lost, telling fortunes, etc. R4400:1, 5907:3
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| 17 She, having followed Paul and us, cried saying, These men are bondmen of the Most High God, who announce to you the way of salvation. |
Followed – Satanic influence operated toward the work of Paul and Silas. R3541:2
And cried – Possibly in a jesting voice, so as to indicate sarcasm and ridicule. R3122:3
Are the servants – The girl did not know them, but the evil spirits did. R4400:2, 5908:1
Way of salvation – As the fallen angels then confessed the truth, so now they are willing to confess the truth or any other doctrine if thereby they can gain power over the inquirer. R2180:1, 2014:1
Some of the fallen angels seemed desirous of spreading the glad tidings. R1680:1
Satan seeks to draw attention from the truth by counterfeiting it and using his counterfeit as a snare to mislead by erroneous teachings using the light as an trap and by disparaging the facts of the genuine. R867:5
"The devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19) And they would fain call d effect of our Bible teaching, by claiming us as one with themselves. R267:4, 2171:6
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| 18 And this she did many days. And Paul, being distressed, turned, and said to the spirit, I enjoin thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out the same hour. |
Being grieved – That it should come from such a source. R5908:1, 4400:2, 3309:4
Paul was unwilling to receive testimony of the possessed woman. R3309:4
The Lord's people should resent the service of any who do not give evidence of heart union with the Lord. R3309:4
He seeketh not the evil one nor fallen angels nor evil men or women to be heralds of the good tidings. R3309:4
Any of the fallen angels who would have respect for God and for the principles of righteousness would not seek to obsess humanity. R5908:1
Said to the spirit – The evil spirit being possessing the woman. E313; R2173:2
Notice the personality and intelligence attributed to these demons. R2171:6; HG725:5
These demons never denied their own identity. F625
Satan. R266:1
Paul refused to allow a young woman medium to proclaim him and Silas as servants of God--even though it was complimentary. R4969:6
I command thee – Addressing the evil spirit; he said not a word to the young woman, assuming that she was not accountable. R4400:4, 5908:2
The power to cast them out was conferred upon the twelve apostles. R2173:2
The power of conferring those gifts was vested in the apostles, and in them only; hence they did "vanish away" (1 Cor. 13:8) when the apostles died. R1998:3
Come out of her – And forthwith her power to foretell events was at an end. SM549:1
The Lord does not desire the testimony of devils: "Unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes." (Psa. 50:16-17) R3727:6, 3309:5
In cases where other assistance to an entrapped brother fail, we advise the exorcising of the evil spirit in the name of the Lord. R5355:1
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| 19 And her masters, seeing that the hope of their gains was gone, having seized Paul and Silas, dragged them into the market before the magistrates; |
Their gains was gone – Their pocket-books were touched. R4400:4
Paul – They could not legally attack the apostles, but they could have revenge and hence raised a riot. R4400:4, 5908
And Silas – Whose full name was Silvanus. R2175:5
A worthy companion to the noble Paul. R4407:3
Market-place – The public square, where trials were conducted and sentences imposed. R2182:2, 4400:4
Greek, agora, root of agorazo, elsewhere translated "to redeem." E429
Unto the rulers – As soon as the world perceives that truth and righteousness are inimical to their earthly interests, the opposition becomes intense. R3122:6
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| 20 and having brought them up to the praetors, said, These men utterly trouble our city, being Jews, |
Unto the magistrates – They were falsely accused before the magistrates. R1556:3
Trouble our city – This charge was false, as the teaching was done outside the city. R3123:1
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| 21 and announce customs which it is not lawful for us to receive nor practise, being Romans. |
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| 22 And the crowd rose up too against them; and the praetors, having torn off their clothes, commanded to scourge them. |
Rose up together – The Lord permitted all this. R4400:4, 2181:6
Magistrates – They knew not that the evil spirits had to do with the arousing of the riot. R4400:5, 5908:4
Rent off their clothes – As an indication of their distress and dissatisfaction that such a disturbance should be brought to their city. R4400:4
Commanded to beat – Presumably with rods. R4400:5, 5908:4, 3123:1
Thinking that the men against whom the populace would thus rise up must be guilty of something. R4400:4
Without even an opportunity to appeal for their rights as Roman citizens. R14556:3
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| 23 And having laid many stripes upon them they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely; |
Laid many stripes – Received as a cost of their discipleship. R2076:3
The sufferings of the self-sacrificing class are for godliness, for righteousness sake. R1699:5
Such sufferings are accompanied by a joy and peace which make them, however severe, to appear but "light afflictions" and "but for a moment." (2 Cor. 4:17) R1699:5, 4592:4
Into prison – It must have been, like other prisons of that time, a most unhealthful and disagreeable dungeon. R4406:2
The beating and imprisoning of them was merely to satisfy the public clamor. R4407:4, 5908:4
Permitted of God for contrasting the spirit of the truth with the spirit of error. R2181:6
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| 24 who, having received such a charge, cast them into the inner prison, and secured their feet to the stocks. |
Fast in the stocks – Which were so constructed as to spread the limbs widely and make any movement very painful. R3123:2
The apostles surely did not act like lords over God's heritage. (1 Pet. 5:3) F231
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| 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas, in praying, were praising God with singing, and the prisoners listened to them. |
And at midnight – "He giveth songs in the night." (Job 35:10) R3123:3
Prayed – "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:24) R5382:1
Sang praises – With feet in stocks and backs bleeding, they could rejoice in tribulation. R5758:4, 2182:4, 2076:3, 1556:3; Q613:2
Probably the first time hymns to God had ever risen from that prison. R4406:3, 2182:3
Thankfulness must be mixed with our songs of praise and prayers; it must fill our hearts to enable us to render faithful and efficient service to our Lord. R2076:3, 4592:4
While the flesh suffers, the spirit should rejoice always. (Phil. 4:4) Q613:2, 414:2; R5908:5
Heathen religions have holy books, and prayers, but no singing of hymns in worship. R2182:3, 4406:3
Their trying experiences were but "light afflictions" which would work out for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. (2 Cor. 4:17) R4406:3
We must learn similar lessons of faith in the school of Christ. We must learn to rejoice in retribution as in prosperity. R5908:5
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| 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison shook, and all the doors were immediately opened, and the bonds of all loosed. |
Great earthquake – An earthquake is out of the ordinary course of his providences; but the case was an extraordinary one. R2182:6
An earthquake shock jarred the walls and loosed the staples of the chains whereby they were bound. R4406:6
Bonds were loosed – It is not always that God interferes to liberate his persecuted saints. R1556:3
Their release was quickly and wonderfully accomplished when God saw fit to manifest his power. R1556:6
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| 27 And the jailor being awakened out of his sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison opened, having drawn a sword was going to kill himself, thinking the prisoners had fled. |
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| 28 But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here. |
Do thyself no harm – There was no vindictiveness in these abused servants: they were ready immediately to bless their persecutors. R1556:6
We are all here – The jailer was convinced that these missionaries committed to his care were remarkable men--not ordinary criminals. R4406:6
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| 29 And having asked for lights, he rushed in, and, trembling, fell down before Paul and Silas. |
Came trembling – The manifestation of the spirit of forgiving love was the best sermon they could have preached to the jailer. R1556:6
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| 30 And leading them out said, Sirs, what must I do that I may be saved? |
Brought them out – Presumably, into his own living quarters in the prison. He attended to their comfort and meantime heard from them something respecting their mission. R4406:6
What must I do – Convicted of sin, he longed for a realization of forgiveness of his own sins and a reconciliation with his Creator. R4406:6
To be saved – From sin, death and unrest of heart and mind. There are crises in the lives of men when one word will be more potent than a thousand words at another time, under different circumstances. R3124:1, 3123:5
With the great salvation which Paul and Silas preached. R1556:6
To come into relationship with God. R4407:1
His conduct indicated genuine repentance. R1556:6
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| 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house. |
They said, believe – Implying a character consistent with the faith. R3114:2
True belief must be acted upon. R5423:4, 2183:1
Make a full consecration of your life to God. R5133:6, 5423:4, 3066:3, 2183:4
Recognize that we are sinners under Adamic sentence, then by faith accept Jesus as Redeemer of Adam and his posterity. SM429:2
Whoever really believes will find that the conditions are very easy in comparison with the great reward. R5423:5
This implies a mental development capable of belief beyond that which infants possess. OV241:1
Thou shalt be saved – An unequivocal promise of actual and permanent salvation to every individual who believes--heartily accepts. R1437:3
The grand outcome of the ransom sacrifice will be the Kingdom of God on earth. SM429:2
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| 32 And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, with all that were in his house. |
Spake unto him – Explaining the divine plan of atonement by the death of Jesus, the just for the unjust, the resurrection processes, and the divine call now to joint-heirship with Jesus. R4407:1
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| 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed them from their stripes; and was baptised, he and all his straightway. |
And was baptized – Symbolizing death to the world and to sin and to self, and a desire to walk in newness of life. R4407:1
Which our Lord and his apostles practiced and enjoined upon all followers. R1539:3
It was not in a river, but in a bath or some convenient arrangement in the prison. R1544:3, 1541:2
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| 34 And having brought them into his house he laid the table for them, and rejoiced with all his house, having believed in God. |
Believing in God – The truth-seed sank into good soil. R4407:1
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| 35 And when it was day, the praetors sent the lictors, saying, Let those men go. |
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| 36 And the jailor reported these words to Paul: The praetors have sent that ye may be let go. Now therefore go out and depart in peace. |
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| 37 But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly uncondemned, us who are Romans, they have cast us into prison, and now they thrust us out secretly? no, indeed, but let them come themselves and bring us out. |
Beaten us openly – The beating and imprisonment was merely to satisfy public clamor. R4407:4
Being Romans – Paul more than once appealed to the law for justice and protection from his enemies. R954:3*
Fetch us out – They were Roman citizens and had been unjustly dealt with and would have to be treated as would show they had done no wrong. This would avoid leaving a reproach upon the faith at Philippi. R4407:4
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| 38 And the lictors reported these words to the praetors. And they were afraid when they heard they were Romans. |
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| 39 And they came and besought them, and having brought them out, asked them to go out of the city. |
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| 40 And having gone out of the prison, they came to Lydia; and having seen the brethren, they exhorted them and went away. |
Seen the brethren – The Lord's jewels. (Mal. 3:17) R4407:6
Comforted them – They recounted the joy they had experienced in suffering for Christ's sake. R4407:6
And departed – They did not demand that they be given legal protection in the exercise of their liberties. 4407:5
They acted upon Jesus' counsel, "If they persecute you in one city, flee to another." (Matt. 10:23) R4407:5
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