Acts 16–A Divine Vision

“A blind man’s world is bounded by the limits of his touch; an ignorant man’s world by the limits of his knowledge: a great man’s world by the limits of his vision,” observed author and minister, E. Paul Hovey

Or as expressed by the often quoted author anonymous, “We are limited not by our abilities but by our vision.”

In Acts 16 during Paul’s second missionary journey we learn how God cast a vision for the apostle to follow and for the spread of the Gospel. We see, as Warren Wiersbe expressed it “three wonderful openings.”

#1 God Opened the Way (vv. 6-12)

After visiting and strengthening churches in Lystra and Derbe Paul had established, he planned to take the gospel east into Asia Minor and Bithynia. However “the Spirit did not permit them.” We’re not told how or why, but God had other plans.

Instead, Paul saw a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading, “Come over and help us.” This led Paul west into Europe to the city of Philippi, as he concluded, “the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.”

#2 God Opened Lydia’s Heart (vv. 13-15)

After arriving in Philippi, Paul and his traveling companions went down to the riverside “where prayer was customarily made.” Here they met Lydia, a business woman “who worshiped God” and other women to whom Paul preached the gospel.

The Bible says, “The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” This resulted in her acceptance of the gospel as she and others of her household were baptized into Christ.

It’s noteworthy, that Lydia’s conversion was not passive, but active. She obviously possessed a good and honest heart that was receptive to the Word.

#3 God Opened the Prison Doors (vv 16-40)

Later Paul exorcized a demon from “a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination” who was exploited by her masters for ungodly gain. Angered that their source of income dried up, they falsely accused Paul and Silas of being trouble makers, had them arrested and ultimately imprisoned. Instead of griping and complaining about their unfair treatment, they prayed and praised God, singing hymns.

Not only did the prisoners hear their petitions, but the Lord answered with a mighty earthquake that shook the prison’s foundations, opened the jail doors, and loosened their shackles.

The jailer fearing the prisoners had fled and knowing he would be held accountable, was about to take his own life, when Paul cried out “Don’t harm yourself. We are all here.”

Trembling, the pagan jailer evidently impacted by prayers, hymns, and the miraculous events, asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Following Paul’s preaching, the jailer and his household were baptized into Christ.

APPLICATION

In God’s providence and through the power of His Word, He can created “openings” for us today to accomplish His purpose and make a difference in the world.

#1 Open Eyes

The Psalmist pleaded, “Open my mine that I may see wondrous things from your law” (Ps. 119:18). Are you eyes open to God’s Word? Open to learning? Open to changing? Open to growing?

Like the mission God gave Paul, we too can have our eyes opened “to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” (Ax. 26:18).

#2 Open Hearts

Open eyes lead to open hearts. Once we see what is right and what we the Lord requires us, we must have a receptive heart. A willing heart. A sincere heart. A pure heart. A heart open to obey God regardless of the cost.

#3 Open Mouths

The expression “open your mouth” is frequently found in scripture. This is what the apostles, prophets, and preachers of old did. They opened their mouths for God. They proclaimed His Word fearlessly and without favor. This was Paul’s prayer when he wrote, “that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Eph. 6:19-20).

Don’t be afraid to open your mouth for the Lord. To speak His Word. To state your convictions. To share your faith.

#4 Open Opportunities

To the church at Ephesus, John revealed that the Lord had provided for them “an open door” (Rev. 2:8). This metaphor speaks of opportunity.

Just as God opened doors of opportunity in Paul’s preaching, He provided opportunities for His people to further His cause.

What opportunities are open to us today? Too often we negatively focus on the world’s problems instead of seeing the opportunities to do good. To spread the gospel. To enhance and improve our ministry.

Openings. Do you have the vision to see what God has opened for you?

Helen Keller was once asked what would be worse than being born blind. She quickly replied, “To have sight and no vision.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman