16:1 Derbe and to Lystra Paul visited these places on his first missionary journey and was looking to strengthen the churches there (14:6).

a certain disciple was there named Timothy This is the same Timothy to whom the letters 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy are addressed.

believing Jewish woman Named Eunice (see 2 Tim 1:5).

Greek Timothy’s mixed ethnic origin meant that he was familiar with both the Jewish and Gentile cultures.

16:3 circumcised Timothy had not been circumcised since his father was Greek. Paul circumcises Timothy for the sake of the church’s mission, in order not to unnecessarily offend the Jews—Timothy would be entering into Jewish synagogues and homes.

16:4 the rules that had been decided Refers to the decisions of the Jerusalem Council. See Acts 15:22–29.

16:6 Phrygian and Galatian region This region included both Jewish and Gentile populations.

having been prevented by the Holy Spirit The narrative provides no reasoning for this—outside of showing that God had other plans (vv. 8–9)—nor does it explain how this occurred. This shows, though, that Paul and his companions listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading and do as the Spirit directs.

Asia Refers to the Roman province of Asia, which was on the west coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and was home to Ephesus.

16:7 Bithynia By prohibiting Paul from going to this area, the Spirit directs them westward.

Spirit of Jesus Another name for the Holy Spirit (Phil 1:19).

did not permit them See note on Acts 16:6.

16:8 Troas A major port city along the Aegean Sea.

16:9 Macedonia A Roman province in the north of Greece situated approximately 150 miles across the Aegean Sea from Paul’s current location in Troas.

16:10 we This is the first time in Acts where Luke (the narrator) includes himself in the story (vv. 10–17). This implies that Luke has joined Paul on the journey.

16:12 Philippi This city held colonial status and privilege in the Roman Empire, which included exemption from taxation, Roman citizenship for its inhabitants, and an autonomous government. Paul later wrote a letter to the Philippians.

16:13 a place of prayer Since they did not meet in an official synagogue, it appears the Jewish population was very small. A synagogue required 10 Jewish men.

16:14 Thyatira A city in the province of Asia, where Paul wanted to minister but was prevented by the Holy Spirit (v. 6).

a merchant dealing in purple cloth A very valuable good, which only people of great financial means could afford. Lydia, the first convert in the region, has the financial means to become a key supporter of the early church.

16:15 come to my house Jews generally avoided staying with non-Jewish people (see 10:28 and note). By staying at her home, Paul seems to be embodying the message given to Peter in his vision and, as such, the conclusions of the Jerusalem Council (10:9–16; 15:22–29).

16:17 slaves of the Most High God The lack of Jewish influence in Philippi means that the crowd surrounding Paul would likely assume that the girl was speaking about Zeus as the chief god of the Greek pantheon.

16:19 their hope of profit Paul’s action poses a threat to the owners’ financial security.

16:20 being Jews The apostles’ ethnicity becomes part of the rhetoric used to stir up the leadership against them. Jews were uncommon in this region and were disliked by non-Jewish people due to their differences in lifestyle and insistence on one true God.

16:21 we are Romans The opponents argue that Paul and Silas seek to persuade people to follow religious practices that are a threat to the Roman way of life.

16:22 to beat them Refers to a form of whipping in which a person was beaten with a bundle of rods.

16:24 inner prison The jailer, under orders, places Paul and Silas in the most secure part of the prison.

16:26 great earthquake Earthquakes are relatively common throughout this region. Luke shows that the timing of this earthquake coincides with Paul and Silas’ worship.

Miracles in Acts Table

16:30 what must I do The jailer asks about the way of salvation Paul and Silas preached.

16:31 you and your household This could mean that both the jailer and his family should believe in the gospel or that it is rather certain that those in the jailer’s family will also believe in the gospel if he does.

16:34 his house By his hospitality the jailer demonstrates that his life has been radically changed by the gospel. He originally imprisoned Paul, but he now cares for the apostle in his own home.

16:37 Roman citizens It was illegal to beat a Roman citizen without a full hearing (v. 22).

let them come Paul requests a public display of his innocence. This would provide official affirmation that the Church had done nothing illegal and would further strengthen the Church and the position of the new believers in the community.