Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Acts chapter 16 v 35- 40
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Acts chapter 16 v 35- 40:
V35: The magistrates, perhaps having second thoughts about their treatment of Paul and Silas, send an order to let them go ” in peace”.
V36: The jailer brings this word to Paul.
V37-39: Paul however protests at the treatment they have received, for they are Roman citizens, and as such can not legally be beaten with rods, or condemned without a fair trial. This coveted status was conferred by Rome for some great service rendered. Paul speaks of it in ch 22 v 25-28. He was born with this status, he says there, so it must have been given first to his father, but we don’t know why. Silas too must have had this status. Now Paul refuses to “go quietly”, until this is publicly recognised, and they receive an apology. The magistrates come, apologise – but still ask them to leave Philippi.
Why has Paul asserted this citizenship here, when he has not done so before? Probably to protect the infant church he must leave in this very Roman city, making it clear that the Gospel is not rebellion against Rome.
V40: Paul and Silas ( Timothy and Luke have presumably stayed with the Philippian believers during these events ) go to visit Lydia and the other believers – there was clearly Gospel preaching and Gospel fruit during the time between v 15 and 16, though no record of it is given. They encourage the young Christians, and then leave Philippi – not ” running away”, but taking the Gospel on to new ground, as the next chapter will show.