Acts 16: What Must I Do?
THE MEMORY IS still vivid. The event was InterVarsity's Urbana Missionary Conference. The place, a dormitory room. The person, a young lady from the Bible study group that I led. I sensed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to stop by Susan's room. As I walked in to say "hi" she looked up from the booklet she was reading and said, "I would like to become a Christian. Will you help me?" This dormitory setting was not quite as dramatic as the Philippian jail. But it was just as exciting to hear Susan's words, as it was for Paul and Silas to hear the jailer's cry, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
Warming Up to God
Think back to the time you uttered those words, either to a friend or to God himself. Praise God for creating a desire for him in you and thank him for giving his precious salvation to you.
Read Acts 16. »
Discovering the Word
- In verses 6-10 how is Paul directed concerning where he should go?
- What principles of guidance do you see in verses 6-10?
- Paul responded immediately to God's message. How was his obedience confirmed on arriving in Macedonia (vv. 11-15)?
- The slaveowners had Paul and Silas jailed. Their response to being in jail and being beaten was to pray and sing hymns. Describe the events that led up the jailer's question "What must I do to be saved?" (vv. 23-30).
- It is clear in the book of Acts that God is concerned about the world and the nations being reached with the gospel. But he is also concerned about reaching individuals. What individuals were affected by Paul's obedience to God's leading (vv. 14, 18, 30-31)? How?
Applying the Word
- How does your response to opposition to and suffering for the gospel compare and contrast to that of Paul and Silas (v. 25)?
- Paul and Silas speak the truth of the gospel as well as living it out. How do you give both a verbal and a living witness to Jesus?
- Is there a person or task to which God is calling you? What steps do you need to take for immediate and unreserved obedience?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to give you courage as you step in faith to obey him, to tell those around you about the good news that has transformed your life.
For Further Study
Character Witness by Christine Wood