Page 76 - Acts Student Textbook

Evangelism without discipleship violates the Great Commission (cf. Matt. 28:18-20) and results in
"spiritual abortions"! Paul has always taken time to strengthen those he evangelized.

Why is the Holy Spirit Called the Spirit of Jesus (NASB)? (16:6-7)

There is a fluidity between the work of the Spirit and the Son. Some scholars say the best name for
the Spirit is "the other Jesus" (however, they are distinct, eternal persons). The following is an outline
comparison of the work and titles of the Son and Spirit. Spirit called "Spirit of Jesus" or similar
expressions (cf. Rom. 8:9; II Cor. 3:17; Gal. 4:6; I Pet. 1:11). Both are called by the same terms:
"truth," Jesus (John 14:6), Spirit (John 14:17; 16:13); "advocate", Jesus (I John 2:1), Spirit (John
14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7); "Holy" Jesus (Mark 1:24; Luke 1:35; 4:34; Acts 3:14; 4:27,30), Spirit (Luke
1:35); Both indwell believers, Jesus (Matt. 28:20; John 14:20,23; 15:4-5; Rom. 8:10; II Cor. 13:5; Gal.
2:20; Eph. 3:17;Col. 1:27), Spirit (John 14:16-17; Rom. 8:9,11; I Cor. 3:16; 6:19; II Tim. 1:14), Father
(John 14:23; II Cor. 6:16).

How did God guide Paul in a strongest way? (16:9)

God guided Paul in the strongest way through visions. In 16:9 we are told that "A vision appeared to
Paul" God led Paul several times by supernatural means: bright light and Jesus' voice, 9:3-4; a vision
(9:10; 16:9, 10; 18:9); a trance (22:17); an angel of God (27:23). The man in the vision was calling for
Paul to go and help in Macedonia.

Macedonia Described

Macedonia was a senatorial province (from 148 B.C.) with capital Thessalonica. The Holy Spirit guides
Paul not to Asia (S.E.) nor to Bithynia (N.W.), but to seaport and colony, Troas. Here we begin to see
the First “we-passage” (16:10-17). This implies that Luke now joins Paul, Silas and Timothy as a multi-
cultural, multi-racial team of four under Paul’s decisive leadership. In Macedonia, they firstly went to
Philippi.

Philippi Described

Philippi (16:11-40): was a Roman colony founded as a retirement settlement for Roman soldiers.
Leading city of the first of four districts of Macedonia, each administered by an oligarchal council.
Paul and his team moved from Troas to Neapolis (seaport, 10 mi. from Philippi; entry to Via Egnatia)
to Philippi (16:11-12).

Who was at Philippi and what happened?

There were apparently no synagogues in Philippi otherwise Paul could have easily gone there (16:13).
Here Uttly says, “Philippi being a Roman colony, it probably did not have ten male Jews in the town,
which was the minimum number required to have a synagogue. Apparently there were some God-
fearers or proselytes (cf. v. 14; 13:43; 17:4, 17; 18:7). Many women were attracted to the morality
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and ethics of Judaism.”

Lydia

One of those women was Lydia. Luke tells us that "the Lord opened her heart". Theologically
speaking, God always takes the initiative in establishing the relationship. No one can be saved unless
God initiates (cf. John 6:44, 65). However, God desires that all humans be saved (cf. John 3:16; 4:42;

38 Uttly, (16: 14)
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