In Acts 16, Paul's travels take him to Macedonia after a guiding vision. In Philippi, he encounters both success, converting Lydia and her household, and persecution, being imprisoned after exorcising a spirit from a fortune-telling slave girl. A miraculous earthquake frees him, leading to the conversion of the jailer. Meanwhile, Acts 17 details Paul's journeys to Thessalonica, where his teachings garner both followers and adversaries, and Berea, where the locals are more receptive but external agitators force his departure. In Athens, Paul engages with philosophers and introduces them to the concept of the "Unknown God," resulting in a mixed reception of his message.
Acts 16: Paul's
Journey to Macedonia
The chapter starts
with Paul visiting Derbe and Lystra, where he meets Timothy, a believer well
spoken of by the brethren. Because Timothy has a Greek father, Paul circumcises
him to ensure they can minister without hindrance among the Jews. As they travel,
they are guided by the Holy Spirit, which at times prevents them from entering
certain regions. In Troas, Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading,
"Come over to Macedonia and help us." Recognizing it as divine
instruction, they head to Philippi. At a riverside, they encounter Lydia, a
seller of purple goods, and her heart is opened to Paul's message. She and her
household are baptized, and she offers hospitality to Paul and Silas. Conflict
arises when Paul exorcises a spirit from a slave girl, depriving her masters of
income from her fortune-telling. For this, Paul and Silas are arrested, beaten,
and thrown into prison. That night, a powerful earthquake opens the prison
doors. The jailer, fearing the prisoners had escaped, is about to take his life
when Paul assures him they are all present. This leads to the jailer's
conversion. After being publicly mistreated without trial (a violation of their
rights as Roman citizens), Paul and Silas are released from prison and depart
for Thessalonica.
Acts 17: Paul in
Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens
In Thessalonica,
Paul, as was his custom, goes to the synagogue and over three Sabbaths reasons
from the Scriptures about Jesus being the Messiah. Some Jews and a large number
of God-fearing Greeks and prominent women are persuaded. However, some Jews, out
of jealousy, incite a mob and cause an uproar. Unable to find Paul and Silas,
they drag Jason and some believers before city officials, accusing them of
hosting men who have "turned the world upside down." To ensure peace,
Jason posts bail. Paul and Silas then journey to Berea and are warmly received.
The Bereans are highlighted for their noble character, checking the Scriptures
daily to verify Paul's message. However, when agitators from Thessalonica hear
of Paul's success in Berea, they come to stir trouble, forcing Paul to leave
for Athens. While waiting in Athens, Paul is provoked by the city's idolatry.
He debates Jews, devout persons, and philosophers. Eventually, he's taken to
the Areopagus, where he delivers a nuanced speech about the "Unknown
God" and the concept of resurrection. Some mock him, while others show
interest, including Dionysius and a woman named Damaris, who become believers.
