Looking in Acts - Chapter 16

First, I have to say that Acts Chapter 16 is a great chapter! There is a lot going on here and a lot to learn from. Paul again reveals his entry and gospel strategy. He always seems to either share the Gospel at a 'spiritual' location or as the result of a miraculous event. We see entire households believing together which indicates the involvement of non-believers and new-believers in reaching their family. We see baptism happening quickly after belief with no stated prerequisites other than belief.

I wonder what would happen if the American church did a better job of challenging people who are thinking about following Jesus with sharing with their family up front. There is power in groups and in positive peer pressure. Imagine a family beginning with Christ together!

I also wonder what would happen if we emphasized Baptism more and if it was done asap after belief by the person who led the new believer to Christ. I believe Baptism is at it's core a confession of faith. Being that, it seems to lack some meaning if done months or years later by a pastor you may have never met before, or if done just to meet a church membership stipulation. Baptism should not be about joining an organization, but rather should be about identifying with a movement and a person (Jesus Christ) It is a good thing for a new believer to realize that faith requires immediate obedience, even if obedience is something as seamingly silly as letting a good friend dunk you under water!

So here are the details:
Strategy for entry, gospel, discipleship, church formation, and leadership multiplication:

Leadership Multiplication: vs 1-5 the finding of Timothy. Paul decides to take Timothy with him. This is really the first sign of leadership multiplication - the selection of a key leader to come along.

Entry Strategy: vs 6-10 Once again, Paul only goes where God is calling. He relies on the Spirit of God. It is important to me that he is constantly trying new things, and then relying on the Spirit. In this case, the Spirit blocks his ideas in order to call him to a new place. (Macedonia) Paul obeys immediately.

Entry Strategy: vs 13 Once again, Paul starts by going to a 'spiritual' place and talking to the people there.

Gospel Presentation: Lydia hears and believes.

Discipleship: Two important things here. First, she believes with her household all at once meaning Paul in some way had her reach out to her household! Who says that discipleship has to start after belief?!! Second, she is baptized immediately. Baptism acts as a first step of obedience, a confession of faith, and a clear mark in the life of Lydia and her family.

Entry, Gospel Presentation: Paul chooses not to leave when the jail is opened miraculously. Seems like a strange decision to me, but he must have sensed a higher purpose. The jailer believes as a result of this miracle.

Discipleship: We see the jailer's household believe in a similar way to Lydia's, and we see immediate baptism. The word immediate is even included in the text.

What was uncontrollable?

Once again, miracles and persecution.
vs 6-10: The calling to Macedonia.
vs 16+: The slavegirl that is healed leading to persecution.
vs 25: The jail is opened.

What was the result?

Lydia and the Jailer and both their households believe. They are baptized. We can guess that they are given some basic teachings, but Paul again leaves early, following a pattern he showed in earlier chapters.