Notes and Jottings

Acts 16

(16:1). Timotheus. Timothy was a disciple from Lystra and close friend of Paul, was raised in a strong faith by his Jewish mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. His Gentile father led Paul to circumcise him for better outreach to Jewish communities. Timothy worked with Paul and Silas to spread the gospel in places like Philippi and Thessalonica. His name often appears alongside Paul’s in letters. Paul acknowledged Timothy’s valuable partnership in the gospel (Phil. 2:22) and encouraged him in two letters to overcome shyness, self-doubt, and health issues to be steadfast in spiritual battles, combat false teachings, uphold the truth, and remain faithful in his life and leadership.

(16:1). a Jewish believing woman. This is Eunice. See 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15.

(16:1). Timothy had a mixed heritage and therefore he would have been familiar with both Jewish and Gentile customs and traditions.

(16:3). circumcised him. The Jerusalem council determined that circumcision was not necessary for salvation nor was it mandatory to be part of the assembly. However, due to Timothy’s part-Jewish family background he was circumcised to not cause offence to the Jews and in order for him to be a more affective witness.

(16:6). Phrygia. A region in Asia Minor that was divided into two parts by the Romans, centred around the Lycus River valley. The region included both Jews and Gentiles.

(16:7). Mysia. Land of beech trees, the region about the frontier of the provinces of Asia and Bithynia. The Troas area was part of Mysia and the region was never an independent political entity.

(16:7). Bithynia. Also mentioned in 1 Pet. 1:1. A Roman province in Asia Minor, which is now part of Turkey.

(16:9). Macedonian. A Roman province north of Greece that was the first European region to receive the gospel from Paul.

(16:10). Luke joined Paul at Troas and went with him to Philippi.

(16:11). Samothracia. An island in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Thracia, about 32 miles distant. This Thracian Samos was passed by Paul on his voyage from Troas to Neapolis on his first missionary journey. It is about 8 miles long and 6 miles broad. Its modern name is Samothraki.

(16:11). Neapolis. new city, a town in Thrace at which Paul first landed in Europe. A seaport for Philippi about 10 miles away.

(16:12). Philippi. The church in Philippi was the first Christian assembly in Europe, established by Paul during his second missionary journey around A.D. 50 or 51. The church’s earliest members were Gentiles, and it grew to be largely composed of Gentile believers. Women were also a significant part of the assembly in Philippi. The city of Philippi was situated in ancient Greece, on the eastern edge of the Roman province of Macedonia, approximately 10 miles inland from the coast, and directly northwest of its closest port city, Neapolis. In ancient times, Philippi was strategically located on a fertile plain that was traversed by the via Egnatia (Egnatian Way), a trade route that connected the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. Many travelers passed through Philippi on their journeys to Rome.

(16:13). the gate by the river. There was no synagogue in Philippi. The Jewish population was very small. 10 Jewish men were required to establish a synagogue.

(16:14). Lydia. A seller of purple fabric from Thyatira resided in Philippi and was receptive to Paul’s teachings. She and her family were baptized, and she offered hospitality to Paul and his associates. After they were freed from prison, Paul and Silas visited her home, where believers had assembled.

(16:14). Thyatira. A prosperous town located in the northern region of Lydia, within the Roman province of Asia, along the Lycus River. It was situated so close to the borders of Mysia that some early authors considered it to be part of that region. The region was well-known for its purple dye (See Rev. 1:11; 2:18).

(16:15). come into my house. Jews normally avoided staying at the homes of non-Jews.

(16:26). earthquake. Earthquakes are common in this region. However this earthquake was ordained by God to free Paul and Silas from the prison.

[1] He was about to fall on his sword and kill himself because his life depended upon the security of the jail and his superiors would have put him to death if any of the prisoners escaped from the prison.

(16:30). what must I do to be saved?. The most important question a person can ask. The jailer asked Paul and Silas about the way of salvation.

(16:37). Romans. Paul was born a citizen of Rome which gave him many rights. This included a public hearing and to be free from scourging. Paul’s rights as a Roman citizen were violated as he was beaten without a full hearing.