The excitement continues - miracles, persecution and salvation!
Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
Acts 16:3-5
I think this is both humerous and instructive. First it is somewhat ironically humerous that Paul had Timothy circumcised in order to deliver a message that gentiles didn't need to be circumcised in order to be saved.
What is instructive is that Paul is being practical and 'all things to all people I order to save some '. He knows tuary Timothy's salvation isn't dependant on circumcision but he doesn't want to have a stumbling block in the way when discussing with the Jews in the area.
When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:7,9-10
It is interesting to see different ways that God is directing Paul. The Holy Spirit stops Paul from going to Bithynia but then God gives him a dream. God is good and he directs his children.
When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose.
Acts 16:24-26
First it is surprising how Paul and Silas could be singing after having been beaten. Second it is exciting how God miraculously got them out of jail!
He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."
Acts 16:30-31 NIV
These situations are exciting when someone asks how to be saved!
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