Not-So-Quiet-Time: Acts 16
At-Home Bible Guide for the Week of 1/18
Day 1: Verses 1-10
Paul found another ministry partner named Timothy. And Timothy was a Greek disciple. As the gospel was spreading to the world, Gentiles were joining in the mission. Together, they taught what had been given to them from the Apostles and the Holy Spirit directed their steps. And this is still what we strive to do today! We strive to preach the Word and follow the Spirit. Ask God to lead you by his Spirit today.
Day 2: Verses 11-15
Paul and his team were proactive in looking for places where they could preach the Good News. But it was God who did the most important work: “The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (16:14). God made her alive through the preaching of the Good News. Notice that this didn’t happen in a church, but at the riverside. Where is a “riverside” where you can share the gospel? Ask the Holy Spirit to use your words like He did with Paul.
Day 3: Verses 16-24
When Paul and Silas set a girl free, they ended up in prison themselves. There can be a high cost for following Jesus. And many people might not like or understand what Christians do when they live according to God’s Word. Those who reject the gospel will also reject the people of the gospel. However, this difficulty does not mean that God stopped working. He can lead us through pain to shape us and position us best for his work. Ask God to help you to trust Him even when the situation is difficult.
Day 4: Verses 25-34
Paul and Silas were singing God’s praises even when they had been beaten and imprisoned. And they didn’t see the jailer as their enemy, but as their opportunity. And, sure enough, the Holy Spirit guided the jailer to the Good News and saved him through preaching. Upon hearing the Good News, the jailer believed, was baptized with his family, and found joy in Christ. Thank God for his saving work in your life. Ask Him to use you for the saving joy of others.
Day 5: Verses 35-40
Before leaving town, Paul and Silas made sure to visit Lydia and encourage the brothers (16:40). Believers need encouragement. We all need encouragement. This new church included a wealthy woman, a Roman jailer, and (possibly) a formerly demon-possessed slave-girl. Their new lives in Christ would require change. And each of them would face unique struggles. And that is part of why we have one another: so that we can encourage and help one another. Who is someone in the church that could use your encouragement today?
Catechism Connection: WSC 89, 29
In this chapter, we see over and over that “the redemption purchased by Christ” is effectively applied to us “by his Holy Spirit” (WSC 29). And how does the Spirit do that? He makes “the reading of the Word… especially the preaching of it, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and of building them up” (WSC 89).
Monthly Memory: 1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Day 1: Verses 1-10
Paul found another ministry partner named Timothy. And Timothy was a Greek disciple. As the gospel was spreading to the world, Gentiles were joining in the mission. Together, they taught what had been given to them from the Apostles and the Holy Spirit directed their steps. And this is still what we strive to do today! We strive to preach the Word and follow the Spirit. Ask God to lead you by his Spirit today.
Day 2: Verses 11-15
Paul and his team were proactive in looking for places where they could preach the Good News. But it was God who did the most important work: “The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (16:14). God made her alive through the preaching of the Good News. Notice that this didn’t happen in a church, but at the riverside. Where is a “riverside” where you can share the gospel? Ask the Holy Spirit to use your words like He did with Paul.
Day 3: Verses 16-24
When Paul and Silas set a girl free, they ended up in prison themselves. There can be a high cost for following Jesus. And many people might not like or understand what Christians do when they live according to God’s Word. Those who reject the gospel will also reject the people of the gospel. However, this difficulty does not mean that God stopped working. He can lead us through pain to shape us and position us best for his work. Ask God to help you to trust Him even when the situation is difficult.
Day 4: Verses 25-34
Paul and Silas were singing God’s praises even when they had been beaten and imprisoned. And they didn’t see the jailer as their enemy, but as their opportunity. And, sure enough, the Holy Spirit guided the jailer to the Good News and saved him through preaching. Upon hearing the Good News, the jailer believed, was baptized with his family, and found joy in Christ. Thank God for his saving work in your life. Ask Him to use you for the saving joy of others.
Day 5: Verses 35-40
Before leaving town, Paul and Silas made sure to visit Lydia and encourage the brothers (16:40). Believers need encouragement. We all need encouragement. This new church included a wealthy woman, a Roman jailer, and (possibly) a formerly demon-possessed slave-girl. Their new lives in Christ would require change. And each of them would face unique struggles. And that is part of why we have one another: so that we can encourage and help one another. Who is someone in the church that could use your encouragement today?
Catechism Connection: WSC 89, 29
In this chapter, we see over and over that “the redemption purchased by Christ” is effectively applied to us “by his Holy Spirit” (WSC 29). And how does the Spirit do that? He makes “the reading of the Word… especially the preaching of it, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners and of building them up” (WSC 89).
Monthly Memory: 1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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