Acts 16:11-15 Lydia Baptized at Philippi

After the Holy Spirit led the missionaries to Troas, where Paul had a vision of a Macedonian man pleading for him to journey to the nearby country, the envoy would continue their journey accordingly.

“11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days.” (Acts 16:11-12)

Samothrace, an island about halfway between Troas and Neapolis was a European port where the missionaries landed. The next day they traveled to Neapolis, and onto Philippi, a miniature Rome and the epicenter of Macedonia, a Roman colony established by Augustus Cæsar.

“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.” (Acts 16:13)

On the Sabbath day, Paul, Silas and Timothy made their way to the Gangas, a small river which flows by the city of Philippi, where local Jews gathered to pray.

“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.” (Acts 16:14)

Lydia was a Greek convert to Judaism who traded in purple cloths, a popular garment in the region. After she heard the word spoken by the missionaries, she was led to believe, be saved and baptized.

“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 she persuaded us.” (Acts 16:15)

Paul and his fellow missionaries were persuaded to stay with Lydia, where they would continue to fulfill the great commission to advance the gospel and preach the truth about the life, death and resurrection of the Christ. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre

Daniel St.Pierre is a born again child of God. A Canadian immigrant to the United States, Daniel considers himself "blessed to be a blessing" as the ministry he leads continues to reach thousands of souls each month, on a global scale since 2003.