Introduction: 1.Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave the Great Commission to the apostles (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-47). 2.The specific plan for carrying out this mission is revealed in Acts 1:8. 3.As Luke showed how this mission was fulfilled in Acts, he also wrote about a number of conversions that occurred. 4.Studying these conversions will help us understand how we become Christians today. 5.Previously, we have examined the conversions of: a.about 3,000 people in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2) b.people in Samaria (Acts 8:5-25) c.the eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-39) d.Saul (Acts 9:1-18; 22:1-16; 26:1-18) e.Cornelius and his household (Acts 10; 11:1-18; 15:7-11). 6.During his second missionary journey, the Spirit directed Paul and his co-workers to Philippi (Acts 16:6-12). 7.In Philippi, a number of people were converted, including: a.Lydia and her household (Acts 16:13-15) b.the jailer and his household (Acts 16:16-34). Discussion: I.LYDIAANDHER HOUSEHOLD(Acts 16:13-15)
A.After arriving in a city, Paul's custom was to visit the synagogue. B.However, in Philippi he went to a river outside the city where people gathered for prayer (vs.13a). 1.This indicates that no synagogue existed in Philippi. 2.It also gives an indication of Philippi's religious climate. 3.(vs.13b) Paul and his co-workers were given an opportunity to teach a group of women. C.(vs.14) One of the women who heard Paul was named Lydia. 1.Lydia was a businesswoman from Thyatira. 2.She worshipped God, but she was not a Christian [her situation was similar to the people in Jerusalem (Acts 2), the eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8), Saul (Acts 9), and Cornelius (Acts 10)]. 3.She responded to Paul's teaching. D.(vs.15) When Lydia and her household were baptized, she showed hospitality to Paul and his co-workers. II.THEJAILERANDHISHOUSEHOLD(Acts 16:16-34)
A.(vs.16-24) Paul and Silas were imprisoned. 1.(vs.16-18) Paul cast a spirit out of a young woman. 2.(vs.19-24) The young woman's masters had Paul and Silas beaten and put in prison. B.(vs.25) In prison, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. C.(vs.26) A great earthquake occurred, and the prisoners were freed from their bands. D.(vs.27) The jailer assumed that the situation was hopeless. E.(vs.28) Paul assured him that the prisoners were all present. F.(vs.29-30) The jailer asked Paul and Silas what he needed to do to be saved. G.(vs.31) Paul and Silas told him what to do. H.(vs.32) Paul and Silas then taught him and his household "the word of the Lord" so they could believe on the Lord (Romans 10:17). I.(vs.33) The jailer and his household were baptized. J.(vs.34) He showed hospitality to Paul and Silas and rejoiced.