Acts 16:6–15: The Spirit of Jesus
Introduction
Throughout this study, we have been examining God’s vision for his church. In the latter half of Acts, we see the rapid expansion of the church through the evangelistic and missionary endeavors of Paul and his companions. With the entire world in front of them, a major question arises: where exactly should they go? Their movements are not haphazard, and neither are they self-directed. They do not chase after what seems like the largest opportunities for them, and some of the places they go (including Philippi, here in Acts 16:6–15) will not at first seem to be the wisest use of their time, judged according to human wisdom. Nevertheless, this passage shows that, in guiding them, the Spirit of Jesus builds Jesus’ church.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean for the Scriptures to call the Holy Spirit by the name, “the Spirit of Jesus,” in v. 7? Does this mean that the Son (made incarnate in the person of Jesus) and the Holy Spirit are the same person? If not, what does this suggest about the relationship between God the Son and God the Holy Spirit? How have we seen this relationship work out through the Book of Acts so far (Acts 1:1; 2:33)?
2. Why does the Holy Spirit prevent Paul and the missionaries from going into certain areas (vv. 6–7)? How does this relate to the doctrines of God’s providence and election? How does the Holy Spirit communicate his will for the missionaries to go to Macedonia (v. 9)? How do the missionaries respond once they receive this message (v. 10)? What does the call and the response indicate about God’s desire to spread his gospel through the nations?
3. What do we know about Philippi (v. 12)? What does the lack of a synagogue in Philippi suggest about the city? Where does Paul go instead of the synagogue (v. 13)? How do the missionaries approach this evangelistic opportunity? Who is Lydia, and what do we know about her (v. 14)? How does she come to faith in Christ (v. 14)? How should we interpret the practice of household baptisms in light of household circumcisions from the Old Testament (v. 15; cf. Gen. 17:12–13)?
4. Where is it hard for you to trust the providence and wisdom of God in your own life? What has been a disappointment from what you wanted to see? Why is it hard to receive not only good from God, but also evil/disaster/disappointment (Job 2:10)? How does the Spirit of Jesus use the small, seemingly insignificant, or even painful experiences of our lives to advance Christ’s kingdom in this world? Where is the Holy Spirit prompting you to trust him today?
