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| 1 He came and to Derbe and Lystra; and lo, a disciple certain was there, by name Timothy, a son of a woman Jew believing, father but 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 was testified to by those in Lystra and Iconium brethren. |
Was well reported – Respecting character, ability, etc. R1720:3
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| 3 This wished the Paul with him to go out; and having taken he circumcised him, on account of the Jews those being in the places those; they knew for all the father of him, that a Greek he was. |
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 As and they went through the cities, they delivered to them to keep the decrees, those having been determined by the apostles and the elders those in Jerusalem. |
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| 5 The indeed then congregations were established in the faith, and were increased in the number every day. |
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| 6 Going through and the Phrygia and the Galatia country, being forbidden by the holy spirit to speak the word in the 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 coming by the Mysia, they attempted into the Bithynia to go; and not permitted them the spirit of Jesus. |
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 Having passed by and the Mysia, they came down to Troas. |
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| 9 And a vision in the night was seen by the Paul; a man certain was of Macedonia had been standing, beseeching him, and saying: Having passed over into Macedonia, help thou 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 When and the vision he saw, immediately we sought to go out into the Macedonia, inferring that had called to us the Lord to announce glad tidings to them. |
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 from the Troas we ran a direct course to Samothracia, the and succeeding to Neapolis; |
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| 12 thence and to Philippi, which is first of the part that Macedonia, city, a colony. We were and in this the city abiding days some. |
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 On the and day of the sabbaths we went out of the city by a river, where was allowed a place of prayer to be, and having sat down we spoke to the having come together women. |
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 a city of Thyatira worshipping the God, heard; for whom the Lord opened the heart, to attend to those being spoken by the 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 When and she was dipped, and the house of her, she entreated us, saying: If you have judged me faithful to the Lord to be, having entered into the house of me, abide you. And she forced 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 It happened and going of us to a place of prayer, a female-servant certain having a spirit of Python to meet us, who gain much brought the lords of herself, divining. |
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 closely the Paul and us, cried saying: These the men bond-servants of the God the most high are, who are proclaiming to us a 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 This and she did for many days. Being grieved but the Paul, and having turned, to the spirit he said: I command thee in the name of Jesus Anointed, to come out from her. And it came out in that the 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 Seeing and the lords of her, that came out the hope of the gain of them, having taken hold of the Paul and the Silas, they dragged into the market to the rulers; |
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 they having led them to the commanders, said: These the men greatly disturb of us the city, Jews being, |
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 preach customs, which not it is lawful for us to receive, or to do, Romans being. |
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| 22 And rose up together the crowd against them, and the commanders having torn off of them the mantles, they ordered to beat with rods; |
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 many and having laid on them blows, they cast into prison, having charged the jailor, securely to keep them; |
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 a charge such having received, cast them into the inner prison, and the feet of them were made fast into 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 At and the midnight Paul and Silas praying sang a hymn to the God; listened to and them the prisoners. |
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 Suddenly and a shaking occurred great, so as to shake the foundations of the prison; were opened and immediately the doors all, and all the bonds were 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 Out of sleep and having arisen the jailor, and seeing having opened the doors of the prison, having drawn a sword, was about himself to kill, supposing to have been fled the prisoners. |
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| 28 Cried out and with a voice loud the Paul, saying: Not thou mayest do to thyself harm, all for we are 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 Having asked and lights he rushed in, and terrified having become he fell before the Paul and the 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 having led them out, he said: O sirs, what me it behooves to 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 They and said: Believe thou in the Lord Jesus Anointed, and shalt be saved thou and the house of thee. |
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 those in the home of him. |
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 having taken them in that the hour of the night, he washed from the stripes; and was dipped he and those of him all immediately. |
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 Having led up and them into the house of himself, he set a table, and rejoiced with all his house having believed in the God. |
Believing in God – The truth-seed sank into good soil. R4407:1
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| 35 Day and having become, sent the commanders the rod-bearers, saying: Release thou the men those. |
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| 36 Told and the jailor the words these to the Paul: That has sent the commanders, that you may be released; now therefore going out, do you go in peace. |
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| 37 The but Paul said to them: Having beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men Romans being, they cast into prison, and now privately us do they cast out? No indeed, but having come themselves us let them lead 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 Told and to the commanders the rod-bearers the words these; and they were afraid, having heard that Romans they are. |
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| 39 And having come they entreated them, and having led out they asked to go out of the city. |
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| 40 Having gone and out of the prison they came in to the Lydia; and having seen the brethren, they exhorted them, and went out. |
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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