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Acts 16

BSB·40 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Paul came toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → DerbeΔέρβηνDerbēn — A Lycaonian cityG1191 — Full Word Study → and thenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → LystraΛύστρανLystran — Lycaonian cityG3082 — Full Word Study →, where he found aτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → discipleμαθητήςmathētēs — A learner or follower of a teacherG3101 — Full Word Study → namedὀνόματιonomati — name, reputation, or authorityG3686 — Full Word Study → TimothyΤιμόθεοςTimotheos — Honoring GodG5095 — Full Word Study →, the son of a believingπιστῆςpistēs — Faithful, trustworthy, reliableG4103 — Full Word Study → JewishἸουδαίαςIoudaias — A Jewish personG2453 — Full Word Study → womanγυναικὸςgynaikos — woman; wife; female personG1135 — Full Word Study → andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → a GreekἝλληνοςHellēnos — Greek person or non-Jewish personG1672 — Full Word Study → fatherπατρὸςpatros — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →. 2Theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφῶνadelphōn — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → LystraΛύστροιςLystrois — Lycaonian cityG3082 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → IconiumἸκονίῳIkoniō — Ancient city in Asia MinorG2430 — Full Word Study → spoke well ofἐμαρτυρεῖτοemartyreito — To testify, bear witness, give testimonyG3140 — Full Word Study → him. 3PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → wantedἠθέλησενēthelēsen — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → Timothy to accompanyἐξελθεῖνexelthein — to go out, exit, or departG1831 — Full Word Study → himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, so he took himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → and circumcised him on account ofδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → JewsἸουδαίουςIoudaious — A Jewish personG2453 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thatἐκείνοιςekeinois — that one, that person, the otherG1565 — Full Word Study → areaτόποιςtopois — A physical or geographical location; a place or regionG5117 — Full Word Study →, forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → they all knewᾔδεισανēdeisan — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → fatherπατὴρpatēr — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study → wasὑπῆρχενhypērchen — to be, exist, or be presentG5225 — Full Word Study → a GreekἝλληνHellēn — Greek person or non-Jewish personG1672 — Full Word Study →. 4AsὩςHōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → they went fromδιεπορεύοντοdieporeuonto — to pass through, journey throughoutG1279 — Full Word Study → town to townπόλειςpoleis — A city; a populated urban centerG4172 — Full Word Study →, they deliveredπαρεδίδοσανparedidosan — to hand over; to deliver up; to betrayG3860 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → decisionsδόγματαdogmata — official decree or ordinanceG1378 — Full Word Study → handed downκεκριμέναkekrimena — To judge, evaluate, or decideG2919 — Full Word Study → byὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → apostlesἀποστόλωνapostolōn — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → eldersπρεσβυτέρωνpresbyterōn — An elder; one who is older or senior in authorityG4245 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → JerusalemἹεροσολύμοιςHierosolymois — Holy CityG2414 — Full Word Study → for the people to obeyφυλάσσεινphylassein — to guard, keep, preserve, or observeG5442 — Full Word Study →. 5Soοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → theΑἱHai — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchesἐκκλησίαιekklēsiai — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → were strengthenedἐστερεοῦντοestereounto — to strengthen, establish, or make firmG4732 — Full Word Study → in theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστειpistei — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → grewἐπερίσσευονeperisseuon — To abound, exceed, or have in abundanceG4052 — Full Word Study → dailyἡμέρανhēmeran — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study → in numbersἀριθμῷarithmō — Number, numerical quantity, multitudeG706 — Full Word Study →. 6After the HolyἉγίουHagiou — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματοςPneumatos — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → had prevented themκωλυθέντεςkōlythentes — to prevent, hinder, or forbidG2967 — Full Word Study → from speakingλαλῆσαιlalēsai — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγονlogon — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the province of Asia, they traveled throughΔιῆλθονDiēlthon — to pass through, traverse, journey acrossG1330 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → regionχώρανchōran — land, country, region, territoryG5561 — Full Word Study → of PhrygiaΦρυγίανPhrygian — Ancient region in Asia MinorG5435 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → GalatiaΓαλατικὴνGalatikēn — Region in Asia MinorG1054 — Full Word Study →. 7Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → when they cameἐλθόντεςelthontes — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → to the border ofκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → MysiaΜυσίανMysian — Ancient region in Asia MinorG3465 — Full Word Study →, they triedἐπείραζονepeirazon — to test, tempt, or tryG3985 — Full Word Study → to enterπορευθῆναιporeuthēnai — To go, travel, or journeyG4198 — Full Word Study → BithyniaΒιθυνίανBithynian — Ancient region in Asia MinorG978 — Full Word Study →, but theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεῦμαPneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → of JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → would not permitεἴασενeiasen — to allow, permit, or let aloneG1439 — Full Word Study → themαὐτοὺςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 8So they passed byπαρελθόντεςparelthontes — to pass by, go past, or transgressG3928 — Full Word Study → MysiaΜυσίανMysian — Ancient region in Asia MinorG3465 — Full Word Study → and went down toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → TroasΤρῳάδαTrōada — Ancient coastal city in Asia MinorG5174 — Full Word Study →. 9Duringδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → the[τῆς]tēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → nightνυκτὸςnyktos — The period of darkness; nightG3571 — Full Word Study →, PaulΠαύλῳPaulō — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → hadὤφθηōphthē — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → a visionὅραμαhorama — A supernatural vision or sightG3705 — Full Word Study → of aτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → manἀνὴρanēr — Adult male, man, or husbandG435 — Full Word Study → of MacedoniaΜακεδώνMakedōn — A region in northern GreeceG3110 — Full Word Study → standingἑστὼςhestōs — to stand, establish, or cause to standG2476 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → pleading withπαρακαλῶνparakalōn — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, “Come overΔιαβὰςDiabas — to cross over, pass throughG1224 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → MacedoniaΜακεδονίανMakedonian — Northern Greek regionG3109 — Full Word Study → and help usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →.” 10As soon asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → Paul had seen theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → visionὅραμαhorama — A supernatural vision or sightG3705 — Full Word Study →, we got readyἐζητήσαμενezētēsamen — to seek, search for, desire, requireG2212 — Full Word Study → to leaveἐξελθεῖνexelthein — to go out, exit, or departG1831 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → MacedoniaΜακεδονίανMakedonian — Northern Greek regionG3109 — Full Word Study →, concludingσυμβιβάζοντεςsymbibazontes — to join together, unite, or knit togetherG4822 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → had calledπροσκέκληταιproskeklētai — to call upon, summon, inviteG4341 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → to preach the gospelεὐαγγελίσασθαιeuangelisasthai — To proclaim or announce good news; to preach the gospelG2097 — Full Word Study → to themαὐτούςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 11We sailedἈναχθέντεςAnachthentes — to lead up, bring forth, set sailG321 — Full Word Study → fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → TroasΤρῳάδοςTrōados — Ancient coastal city in Asia MinorG5174 — Full Word Study → straightεὐθυδρομήσαμενeuthydromēsamen — to sail in a straight course; to proceed directlyG2113 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → SamothraceΣαμοθρᾴκηνSamothrakēn — Island in the Aegean SeaG4543 — Full Word Study →, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → following dayἐπιούσῃepiousē — Following, next, or coming after in sequenceG1966 — Full Word Study → on toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → NeapolisΝέανNean — new, fresh, or young in time or qualityG3501 — Full Word Study →. 12From thereκἀκεῖθενkakeithen — and from there; and thenceG2547 — Full Word Study → we went to the Roman colony of PhilippiΦιλίππουςPhilippous — City of MacedoniaG5375 — Full Word Study →, the leading cityπόλιςpolis — A city; a populated urban centerG4172 — Full Word Study → of that districtμερίδοςmeridos — Part, portion, share, or lotG3310 — Full Word Study → of MacedoniaΜακεδονίαςMakedonias — Northern Greek regionG3109 — Full Word Study →. Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → we stayedδιατρίβοντεςdiatribontes — to stay, remain, or spend time in a placeG1304 — Full Word Study → there several daysἡμέραςhēmeras — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study →. 13On theΤῇTē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Sabbathσαββάτωνsabbatōn — The seventh day of restG4521 — Full Word Study → we wentἐξήλθομενexēlthomen — to go out, exit, or departG1831 — Full Word Study → outsideἔξωexō — outside, outer, or externalG1854 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → city gateπύληςpylēs — Gate; entrance to a city or templeG4439 — Full Word Study → alongπαρὰpara — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → the river, where it was customaryἐνομίζομενenomizomen — to think, suppose, or considerG3543 — Full Word Study → to findεἶναιeinai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a place of prayer. After sitting downκαθίσαντεςkathisantes — to sit down, be seated, or remain in a placeG2523 — Full Word Study →, we spokeἐλαλοῦμενelaloumen — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → to theταῖςtais — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → womenγυναιξίνgynaixin — woman; wife; female personG1135 — Full Word Study → who had gathered there. 14Among those listeningἤκουενēkouen — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → was a womanγυνὴgynē — woman; wife; female personG1135 — Full Word Study → namedὀνόματιonomati — name, reputation, or authorityG3686 — Full Word Study → LydiaΛυδίαLydia — A woman from ThyatiraG3070 — Full Word Study →, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of ThyatiraΘυατείρωνThyateirōn — City of LydiaG2363 — Full Word Study →, who was a worshiper ofτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. Theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → openedδιήνοιξενdiēnoixen — to open up; to unfold or discloseG1272 — Full Word Study → herἧςhēs — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → heartκαρδίανkardian — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study → to respondπροσέχεινprosechein — to pay attention to; watch out for; be on guardG4337 — Full Word Study → toτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Paul’sΠαύλουPaulou — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → messageλαλουμένοιςlaloumenois — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study →. 15Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → whenὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → she and herαὐτῆςautēs — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → householdοἶκοςoikos — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study → had been baptizedἐβαπτίσθηebaptisthē — to immerse in water; to baptizeG907 — Full Word Study →, she urged us, “IfΕἰEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → you considerκεκρίκατέkekrikate — To judge, evaluate, or decideG2919 — Full Word Study → meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → a believerπιστὴνpistēn — Faithful, trustworthy, reliableG4103 — Full Word Study → in theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίῳKyriō — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study →, comeεἰσελθόντεςeiselthontes — to enter, go in, come intoG1525 — Full Word Study → and stay atεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → houseοἶκόνoikon — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study →.” Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → she persuadedπαρεβιάσατοparebiasato — to urge strongly; to constrain or persuadeG3849 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 16One dayδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → as weἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → were goingπορευομένωνporeuomenōn — To go, travel, or journeyG4198 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → place of prayer, weἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → were met byὑπαντῆσαιhypantēsai — to go to meet, encounterG5221 — Full Word Study → aτινὰtina — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → slave girlπαιδίσκηνpaidiskēn — A young female servant or maidservantG3814 — Full Word Study → withἔχουσανechousan — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → a spiritπνεῦμαpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → of divinationΠύθωναPythōna — A spirit of divination or fortune-tellingG4436 — Full Word Study →, whoἥτιςhētis — whoever, whichever, the one whoG3748 — Full Word Study → earnedπαρεῖχενpareichen — To provide, furnish, or supply; to give occasionG3930 — Full Word Study → a largeπολλὴνpollēn — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → incomeἐργασίανergasian — work, labor, or gainful occupationG2039 — Full Word Study → for herαὐτῆςautēs — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → mastersκυρίοιςkyriois — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → by fortune-tellingμαντευομένηmanteuomenē — to divine, prophesy, or practice divinationG3132 — Full Word Study →. 17This girl followedκατακολουθοῦσαkatakolouthousa — to follow closely after; to pursueG2628 — Full Word Study → PaulΠαύλῳPaulō — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the rest of us, shoutingἔκραζενekrazen — to cry out, shout, or call loudlyG2896 — Full Word Study →, “TheseΟὗτοιHoutoi — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → menἄνθρωποιanthrōpoi — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → areεἰσίνeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → servantsδοῦλοιdouloi — Slave; servant in bondage or serviceG1401 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Most HighὙψίστουHypsistou — The Highest OneG5310 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, whoοἵτινεςhoitines — whoever, whichever, the one whoG3748 — Full Word Study → are proclaimingκαταγγέλλουσινkatangellousin — To proclaim publicly; to announce or declareG2605 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → the way of salvationσωτηρίαςsōtērias — deliverance, rescue, salvationG4991 — Full Word Study →!” 18She continuedἐποίειepoiei — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → thisΤοῦτοTouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → forἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → manyπολλὰςpollas — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → daysἡμέραςhēmeras — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study →. Eventually PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → grew so aggravatedδιαπονηθεὶςdiaponētheis — to be deeply grieved or vexedG1278 — Full Word Study → that he turnedἐπιστρέψαςepistrepsas — to turn around, return, or convertG1994 — Full Word Study → and said to theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεύματιpneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, “Inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the name of JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → I commandΠαραγγέλλωParangellō — to command, order, or chargeG3853 — Full Word Study → youσοιsoi — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → to come outἐξελθεῖνexelthein — to go out, exit, or departG1831 — Full Word Study → ofἀπ’ap’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → herαὐτῆςautēs — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →!” Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the spirit left her at thatαὐτῇautē — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → very momentὥρᾳhōra — A period of time; hour, season, or appointed momentG5610 — Full Word Study →. 19When the girl’s ownersκύριοιkyrioi — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → sawἸδόντεςIdontes — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → theirαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → hopeἐλπὶςelpis — confident expectation; hope; trust in God's promisesG1680 — Full Word Study → ofτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → making moneyἐργασίαςergasias — work, labor, or gainful occupationG2039 — Full Word Study → was goneἐξῆλθενexēlthen — to go out, exit, or departG1831 — Full Word Study →, they seizedἐπιλαβόμενοιepilabomenoi — to seize, grasp, or lay hold ofG1949 — Full Word Study → PaulΠαῦλονPaulon — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → SilasΣιλᾶνSilan — Man of the forestG4609 — Full Word Study → and dragged them beforeἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → authoritiesἄρχονταςarchontas — ruler, chief, magistrate, or one in authorityG758 — Full Word Study → inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → marketplaceἀγορὰνagoran — marketplace; public square or streetG58 — Full Word Study →. 20They brought themπροσαγαγόντεςprosagagontes — to bring near, present, or draw closeG4317 — Full Word Study → to theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → magistratesστρατηγοῖςstratēgois — military commander or civic magistrateG4755 — Full Word Study → and said, “TheseΟὗτοιHoutoi — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → menἄνθρωποιanthrōpoi — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → areὑπάρχοντεςhyparchontes — to be, exist, or be presentG5225 — Full Word Study → JewsἸουδαῖοιIoudaioi — A Jewish personG2453 — Full Word Study → and are throwing ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → city into turmoil 21by promotingκαταγγέλλουσινkatangellousin — To proclaim publicly; to announce or declareG2605 — Full Word Study → customsἔθηethē — Custom, habit, or established practiceG1485 — Full Word Study → thatha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → are unlawfulἔξεστινexestin — to be permitted, allowed, lawfulG1832 — Full Word Study → for usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → RomansῬωμαίοιςRhōmaiois — Roman citizenG4514 — Full Word Study → to adoptπαραδέχεσθαιparadechesthai — to receive or welcome with acceptanceG3858 — Full Word Study → or practiceποιεῖνpoiein — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study →.” 22Theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → crowdὄχλοςochlos — A crowd or multitude of people gathered togetherG3793 — Full Word Study → joined in the attackσυνεπέστηsynepestē — to rise up together against; to attack jointlyG4911 — Full Word Study → againstκατ’kat’ — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → Paul andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → Silas, and theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → magistratesστρατηγοὶstratēgoi — military commander or civic magistrateG4755 — Full Word Study → ordered thatἐκέλευονekeleuon — to command, order, direct authoritativelyG2753 — Full Word Study → they be strippedπεριρήξαντεςperirēxantes — to tear off, strip away, rend apartG4048 — Full Word Study → and beaten with rods. 23Andτε*te — and; both; also; evenG5037 — Full Word Study → after strikingἐπιθέντεςepithentes — To lay upon, place on, imposeG2007 — Full Word Study → themαὐτοῖςautois — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → with manyπολλάςpollas — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → blowsπληγὰςplēgas — A strike, wound, or plague; a blow or afflictionG4127 — Full Word Study →, they threw them intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → prisonφυλακήνphylakēn — Prison, guard post, or watchful keepingG5438 — Full Word Study → and ordered theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → jailerδεσμοφύλακιdesmophylaki — Prison guard; jailer; keeper of prisonersG1200 — Full Word Study → to guardτηρεῖνtērein — to guard, keep, preserve, or observeG5083 — Full Word Study → themαὐτούςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → securelyἀσφαλῶςasphalōs — securely, safely, with certaintyG806 — Full Word Study →. 24On receivingλαβὼνlabōn — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → this orderπαραγγελίανparangelian — Command, order, or instructionG3852 — Full Word Study →, he placedἔβαλενebalen — to throw, cast, or hurl with forceG906 — Full Word Study → themαὐτοὺςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → innerἐσωτέρανesōteran — inner, interior, inwardG2082 — Full Word Study → cellφυλακὴνphylakēn — Prison, guard post, or watchful keepingG5438 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → fastenedἠσφαλίσατοēsphalisato — to make secure, fasten firmly, ensure safetyG805 — Full Word Study → theirαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → feetπόδαςpodas — foot; the bodily extremity used for walkingG4228 — Full Word Study → inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → stocksξύλονxylon — wood; wooden object; treeG3586 — Full Word Study →. 25AboutΚατὰKata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → midnightμεσονύκτιονmesonyktion — The middle of the night; midnightG3317 — Full Word Study → PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → SilasΣιλᾶςSilas — Man of the forestG4609 — Full Word Study → were prayingπροσευχόμενοιproseuchomenoi — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → and singing hymns toτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → other prisoners were listeningἐπηκροῶντοepēkroōnto — to listen attentively, to hear with full attentionG1874 — Full Word Study → to themαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 26Suddenlyἄφνωaphnō — suddenly, unexpectedly, all at onceG869 — Full Word Study → a strongμέγαςmegas — Great in size, power, or intensityG3173 — Full Word Study → earthquakeσεισμὸςseismos — Earthquake; violent shaking of the earthG4578 — Full Word Study → shookσαλευθῆναιsaleuthēnai — To shake, agitate, or cause to trembleG4531 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → foundationsθεμέλιαthemelia — Foundation; foundational basis or groundG2310 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prisonδεσμωτηρίουdesmōtēriou — prison, place of confinementG1201 — Full Word Study →. At onceπαραχρῆμαparachrēma — immediately, instantly, at onceG3916 — Full Word Study → allπᾶσαιpasai — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theαἱhai — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → doorsθύραιthyrai — door, gateway, entranceG2374 — Full Word Study → flew openἠνεῴχθησανēneōchthēsan — to open, to uncloseG455 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → everyone’sπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → chainsδεσμὰdesma — chain, bond, or fetterG1199 — Full Word Study → came looseἀνέθηanethē — to loosen, release, or let goG447 — Full Word Study →. 27When theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → jailerδεσμοφύλαξdesmophylax — Prison guard; jailer; keeper of prisonersG1200 — Full Word Study → woke upἜξυπνοςExypnos — awake, roused from sleepG1853 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → sawἰδὼνidōn — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → theτὰςtas — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prisonφυλακῆςphylakēs — Prison, guard post, or watchful keepingG5438 — Full Word Study → doorsθύραςthyras — door, gateway, entranceG2374 — Full Word Study → openἀνεῳγμέναςaneōgmenas — to open, to uncloseG455 — Full Word Study →, he drewσπασάμενοςspasamenos — To draw out; to unsheatheG4685 — Full Word Study → hisτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → swordμάχαιρανmachairan — A sword or blade weaponG3162 — Full Word Study → and was about to killἀναιρεῖνanairein — to kill, put to death, or remove by forceG337 — Full Word Study → himselfἑαυτὸνheauton — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study →, presuming thatνομίζωνnomizōn — to think, suppose, or considerG3543 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prisonersδεσμίουςdesmious — A prisoner; one held in captivity or confinementG1198 — Full Word Study → had escapedἐκπεφευγέναιekpepheugenai — to escape or flee awayG1628 — Full Word Study →. 28Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → PaulΠαῦλος»Paulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → called outἐφώνησενephōnēsen — to call out; to summon; to cryG5455 — Full Word Study → in a loud«μεγάλῃmegalē — Great in size, power, or intensityG3173 — Full Word Study → voiceφωνῇ»phōnē — voice, sound, or audible utteranceG5456 — Full Word Study →, “Doπράξῃςpraxēs — to do, practice, or perform actionsG4238 — Full Word Study → notΜηδὲνMēden — no one, nothing, not anyG3367 — Full Word Study → harmκακόνkakon — evil, wicked, bad, morally corruptG2556 — Full Word Study → yourselfσεαυτῷseautō — yourself; your own self (reflexive pronoun)G4572 — Full Word Study →! We areἐσμενesmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → allἅπαντεςhapantes — all, every, the wholeG537 — Full Word Study → hereἐνθάδεenthade — in this place; hereG1759 — Full Word Study →!” 29Calling forΑἰτήσαςAitēsas — to ask for, request, or demandG154 — Full Word Study → lightsφῶταphōta — Light; illumination; radianceG5457 — Full Word Study →, the jailer rushed in andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → fellπροσέπεσενprosepesen — to fall down before; to prostrate oneselfG4363 — Full Word Study → trembling before PaulΠαύλῳPaulō — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → SilasΣιλᾷSila — Man of the forestG4609 — Full Word Study →. 30Thenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he broughtπροαγαγὼνproagagōn — to go before, lead the way, precedeG4254 — Full Word Study → themαὐτοὺςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → outἔξωexō — outside, outer, or externalG1854 — Full Word Study → and asked, “SirsΚύριοιKyrioi — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study →, whatτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → mustδεῖdei — it is necessary, must, oughtG1163 — Full Word Study → Iμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → doποιεῖνpoiein — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → be savedσωθῶsōthō — To save, rescue, or deliver from danger or harmG4982 — Full Word Study →?” 31They repliedεἶπανeipan — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study →, “BelieveΠίστευσονPisteuson — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → inἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριονKyrion — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦνIēsoun — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → you will be savedσωθήσῃsōthēsē — To save, rescue, or deliver from danger or harmG4982 — Full Word Study →, youσὺsy — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → yourσουsou — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → householdοἶκόςoikos — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study →.” 32Thenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → Paul and Silas spoke theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγονlogon — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Lordκυρίου*kyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → to himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → and to everyoneπᾶσινpasin — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → houseοἰκίᾳoikia — A house or household; a dwelling placeG3614 — Full Word Study →. 33Atἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thatἐκείνῃekeinē — that one, that person, the otherG1565 — Full Word Study → hourὥρᾳhōra — A period of time; hour, season, or appointed momentG5610 — Full Word Study → of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → nightνυκτὸςnyktos — The period of darkness; nightG3571 — Full Word Study →, the jailer took themαὐτοὺςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → and washed their woundsπληγῶνplēgōn — A strike, wound, or plague; a blow or afflictionG4127 — Full Word Study →. Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → without delayπαραχρῆμαparachrēma — immediately, instantly, at onceG3916 — Full Word Study →, heαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → allπάντες*pantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → householdοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → were baptizedἐβαπτίσθηebaptisthē — to immerse in water; to baptizeG907 — Full Word Study →. 34Thenτεte — and; both; also; evenG5037 — Full Word Study → he broughtἀναγαγώνanagagōn — to lead up, bring forth, set sailG321 — Full Word Study → themαὐτοὺςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → his homeοἶκονoikon — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study → and setπαρέθηκενparethēken — To place before; to present or entrustG3908 — Full Word Study → a meal before them. So he and all his household rejoicedἠγαλλιάσατοēgalliasato — To rejoice greatly; to exult with joyG21 — Full Word Study → that they had come to believeπεπιστευκὼςpepisteukōs — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study → in GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 35When daylightἩμέραςHēmeras — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study → cameγενομένηςgenomenēs — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study →, theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → magistratesστρατηγοὶstratēgoi — military commander or civic magistrateG4755 — Full Word Study → sentἀπέστειλανapesteilan — to send forth or dispatchG649 — Full Word Study → their officersῥαβδούχουςrhabdouchous — Roman police officer; magistrate's attendantG4465 — Full Word Study → with the orderλέγοντεςlegontes — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →: “ReleaseἈπόλυσονApolyson — to release, dismiss, or set freeG630 — Full Word Study → thoseἐκείνουςekeinous — that one, that person, the otherG1565 — Full Word Study → menἀνθρώπουςanthrōpous — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study →.” 36Theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → jailerδεσμοφύλαξdesmophylax — Prison guard; jailer; keeper of prisonersG1200 — Full Word Study → informedἈπήγγειλενApēngeilen — To announce, report, or declareG518 — Full Word Study → PaulΠαῦλονPaulon — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study →: “Theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → magistratesστρατηγοὶstratēgoi — military commander or civic magistrateG4755 — Full Word Study → have sent ordersἈπέσταλκανApestalkan — to send forth or dispatchG649 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → release youἀπολυθῆτεapolythēte — to release, dismiss, or set freeG630 — Full Word Study →. Nowνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study → you may go on your wayπορεύεσθεporeuesthe — To go, travel, or journeyG4198 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → peaceεἰρήνῃeirēnē — Peace; absence of conflict; inner tranquilityG1515 — Full Word Study →.” 37Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → saidἔφηephē — to say, assert, or declareG5346 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → the officers, “They beatΔείραντεςDeirantes — to beat, strike, or flogG1194 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → publiclyδημοσίᾳdēmosia — Public, openly, or common to allG1219 — Full Word Study → without a trialἀκατακρίτουςakatakritous — not condemned; acquitted without trialG178 — Full Word Study → and threw us intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → prisonφυλακήνphylakēn — Prison, guard post, or watchful keepingG5438 — Full Word Study →, even though we are Roman citizensῬωμαίουςRhōmaious — Roman citizenG4514 — Full Word Study →. Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → nowνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study → do they want to send us awayἐκβάλλουσινekballousin — To cast out, drive out, expel forcefullyG1544 — Full Word Study → secretlyλάθρᾳlathra — secretly, quietly, hidden mannerG2977 — Full Word Study →? Absolutely notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study →! Let them comeἐλθόντεςelthontes — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → themselvesαὐτοὶautoi — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → and escort us outἐξαγαγέτωσανexagagetōsan — to lead out; bring forthG1806 — Full Word Study →!” 38So theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → officersῥαβδοῦχοιrhabdouchoi — Roman police officer; magistrate's attendantG4465 — Full Word Study → relayedἈπήγγειλανApēngeilan — To announce, report, or declareG518 — Full Word Study → thisταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → messageῥήματαrhēmata — A spoken word or utterance; a declarationG4487 — Full Word Study → to theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → magistratesστρατηγοῖςstratēgois — military commander or civic magistrateG4755 — Full Word Study →, who were alarmedἐφοβήθησανephobēthēsan — to fear, be afraid; to reverence, respectG5399 — Full Word Study → to hearἀκούσαντεςakousantes — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → Paul and Silas were Roman citizensῬωμαῖοίRhōmaioi — Roman citizenG4514 — Full Word Study →. 39They cameἐλθόντεςelthontes — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → to appeaseπαρεκάλεσανparekalesan — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → themαὐτούςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → led them outἐξαγαγόντεςexagagontes — to lead out; bring forthG1806 — Full Word Study →, requestingἠρώτωνērōtōn — to ask, request, or beseech earnestlyG2065 — Full Word Study → that they leaveἀπελθεῖνapelthein — to go away, depart, leaveG565 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → cityπόλεωςpoleōs — A city; a populated urban centerG4172 — Full Word Study →. 40After Paul and Silas came out ofἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prisonφυλακῆςphylakēs — Prison, guard post, or watchful keepingG5438 — Full Word Study →, they wentεἰσῆλθονeisēlthon — to enter, go in, come intoG1525 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → Lydia’s houseΛυδίανLydian — A woman from ThyatiraG3070 — Full Word Study → to seeἰδόντεςidontes — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφοὺςadelphous — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → and encourage them. Thenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → they left the city.
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Chapter Commentary — Acts 16
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Acts 16 marks a turning point in the apostolic mission, as Paul and his companions venture into Europe for the first time, carrying the gospel to Macedonia. The chapter unfolds God's guidance through divine restriction, a night vision, and extraordinary circumstances, demonstrating that the Holy Spirit directs the church's expansion in ways both subtle and dramatic. We encounter Timothy's calling, the conversion of Lydia and the Philippian jailer, and witness persecution that ultimately becomes a platform for the gospel's advance—illustrating the principle that nothing can truly hinder God's Word.

Verses 1–5: Timothy's Commissioning and the Decrees

Paul arrives in Derbe and Lystra, where he meets Timothy, a young disciple of mixed Jewish and Greek heritage whose character is affirmed by believers in both Lystra and Iconium (v. 2). Paul chooses Timothy as a traveling companion and circumcises him, not as a requirement for salvation, but as a strategic pastoral decision to remove offense among Jewish communities they would encounter (v. 3). This reflects Paul's principle of becoming "all things to all men" without compromising the gospel itself.

As they travel, Paul and his team deliver the Jerusalem Council's decrees (v. 4)—the decisions made in chapter 15 regarding gentile believers. This act of consistency strengthens the churches and increases their numbers (v. 5). Application: Like Timothy, young believers need wise mentors who will invest in their spiritual growth. The apostles' commitment to reinforcing doctrinal clarity shows that God's church grows strongest when built on shared, biblical truth.

Verses 6–12: Divine Direction to Macedonia

The Holy Spirit closes doors in Asia and Bithynia, forbidding Paul to preach in these regions (vv. 6–7). Rather than frustration, Paul accepts these constraints as divine guidance. At Troas, Paul receives a night vision of a Macedonian man pleading for help (v. 9), and the team immediately recognizes this as the Lord's call (v. 10). This marks the first missionary work in Europe—a pivotal moment in Christian history initiated not by human strategy but by God's sovereign direction.

The team travels by sea to Philippi, a major Roman city in Macedonia (vv. 11–12). Application: Sometimes God's "no" is as important as His "yes." The Spirit's closure of certain doors redirected Paul toward greater fruitfulness. Believers should view divine restrictions not as defeat but as redirection toward God's actual purposes.

Verses 13–18: Lydia and the Demon-Possessed Girl

On the Sabbath, Paul finds a prayer meeting by the river and speaks to the women gathered there (v. 13). Lydia, a businesswoman and God-fearer from Thyatira, hears Paul, and the Lord opens her heart to receive the gospel message (v. 14). She and her household are baptized, and she generously opens her home to the apostolic team (v. 15).

Shortly after, a demon-possessed girl meets them—a slave used for divination whose owners profit from her affliction (v. 16). Though her words are technically true, Paul discerns the demonic source and commands the spirit to leave in Jesus' name (v. 18). The spirit departs immediately, but this act triggers violent opposition. Application: True spiritual authority belongs to Christ alone. Lydia's open heart contrasts sharply with the hardened greed of the girl's masters, reminding us that the gospel transforms some hearts while hardening others toward material gain.

Verses 19–34: Persecution, Prayer, and the Jailer's Conversion

Enraged at their lost profits, the girl's owners drag Paul and Silas before the magistrates, framing their preaching as a threat to Roman customs (vv. 19–21). The crowd turns violent, the apostles are beaten and imprisoned in stocks (vv. 22–24). Yet at midnight, Paul and Silas pray and sing praises, and God responds with an earthquake that opens all prison doors (vv. 25–26).

The terrified jailer, fearing his prisoners have escaped, nearly takes his own life until Paul stops him (vv. 27–28). The jailer asks the most essential question: "What must I do to be saved?" (v. 30). Paul's answer—"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 31)—is the gospel in its simplest form. The jailer and his entire household are converted and baptized that very hour (vv. 32–34).

Application: Suffering becomes a witness when met with faith and joy. The jailer's conversion shows that God often works through crisis to open hearts. Our response to persecution reflects either our faith in God or our fear of man.

Verses 35–40: Standing for Justice and Departure

The next morning, magistrates order the prisoners' release (v. 35), but Paul boldly refuses to leave quietly. As Roman citizens, they had been beaten without trial and imprisoned without cause—a serious legal violation (v. 37). Paul's insistence that the

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