Firsts of Acts 16: First Recorded Convert in Europe

We know when Paul received the vision to come over to Macedonia, he immediately prepared to leave. That alone suggests one lesson about missions. When GOD speaks, we listen, then we act without hesitation. Seize the opportunity. Paul was not a procrastinator as so many are. He was ready, willing, and able to take the Gospel Truth at a moment’s notice. In fact, he seldom needed notice or invitation to do so. His notice was his indebtedness to the LORD and his zeal and desire to proclaim JESUS CHRIST and HIM crucified. When he got the call, he did not deter nor was he distracted. He went directly to the Roman city of Philippi. However, he did wait a few days, once there, until the Sabbath. Luke does not tell us whether or not he was speaking to people in town during that wait. But I don’t think Paul was ever silent. He then reasoned that there would be a place of prayer near the river. That implies that there was no Synagogue in town. At the river he found a group of women gathered there. Another quick lesson for us is to go where the people are and not be afraid to mingle. All too often we are waiting for people to come to us. That makes it more convenient and less uncomfortable. Another thought is these women were not a group of heathens. There is no evidence that they were praying to idols. They were meeting at a chosen place, at a chosen time, and for the chosen purpose of praying together. Therefore, one obstacle to the Gospel was already removed. These women were worshippers of GOD. That in itself suggests they were Seekers of GOD. Psalm 24:5-6 says, those who are receiving blessing and righteousness from GOD are such who seek the face of the LORD. Another lesson from Acts 16, Paul did not discriminate. He and his fellow servants arrived; they joined the women and sat down with them. (Which to me means he did not demonstrate any kind of superiority over them) Final lesson, Luke says, “We spoke…” Teamwork makes the Dreamwork.

Russell Ashby