Acts of the Holy Spirit #25 - Acts 16:1-15

Paul and Barnabas separate following a dispute over John Mark and his suitability for mission. At this point Barnabas (a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and Faith, Acts 11) disappears from the pages of Sacred History. Paul takes Silas the prophet as companion and most probably Luke from Antioch. Travelling via Tarsus overland to Derbe they begin to revisit the communities established from what has become called ‘the first missionary journey’.

In Lystra (where Paul had been proclaimed as Hermes) they encounter Timothy, whose Jewish mother is mentioned as a believer. Recall that Derbe and Lystra have small Jewish communities with no synagogues. Mixed marriages, assimilation are assumed as common. Timothy’s father is a Greek, not mentioned as a believer and perhaps even deceased. Paul personally circumcises Timothy in preparation for joining the mission team. Circumcision remains a commandment for the Jewish people. Contrast this with Titus and Acts 15 in which Gentiles are not required to undergo this rite nor full Torah observance. This does not mean Torah is not studied, James informs us that Torah is read and studied every Sabbath, both for the Jews and Gentiles. There is no New Testament at this point in time. The Torah is not to be applied as a burden for Gentiles, it is however continued to be studied and not ‘done away with’.

The Holy Spirit appears in this chapter, to prevent the team from proceeding South or North. The Holy Spirit speaks, calls, directs, sends … but also prevents, stops, prohibits and withholds. He does things that appear positive as well as negative. The team is essentially pushed Westwards. The Spirit of Jesus is described as also preventing the team heading North. While it seems the Holy Spirit and Spirit of Jesus are used interchangeably, there seems no reason why these terms are actually so used. Recall that Silas is a prophet and so might be receiving these instructions.

In Troas, Paul not Silas, has a vision. We had not been informed how the Holy Spirit had forbidden them to enter the regions of Asia and Bithynia. Here we understand it as a vision experience, Paul shares this vision with the team and it is concluded by consensus that there is a calling to Macedonia. The first ‘we’ passage enters the Alexandrian texts of Acts. Why does the vision occur in Troas and not before? We do not know, however, there are apparently special locations on the planet where the connection between Heaven and Earth are closer, examples are Mount Hermon, Temple Mountain, Bet-El. Note the way Sacred History reveals that visions and prophecies are shared and discussed in consensus. And also that God’s guidance comes from many sources and not in one form only.

The team arrive in Greece at Philippi, a Roman colony. Roman colonies were largely established by ex-soldiers as a reward for service. There is no large Jewish presence hence no synagogue in the colony. Thus on the Sabbath they go outside the town to a river, which is a place for prayer for Jews and God-fearers. The river functioning as a mikveh for the community. Lydia of Thyatira, a cloth and purple dye merchant, listens to the preaching of the team (we). No male figure is mentioned in her life leading to much speculation among scholars. Lydia and her household are baptized and they offer hospitality to the group. Lydia’s house becomes the location for the church in Philippi. No miracle is required and no speaking in tongues is noted.