“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them,” Acts 16:9-10.
Acts chapter 16 is filled with the glories of the wondrous grace of God toward sinners. It is famous for the record of the conversion of a hardened sinner, the jailer of Philippi.
Is it not most amazing the lengths to which the Lord will go to awaken a lost soul?
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed,” Acts 16:25-26.
Folly
This wonderful event is quickly followed by a display of sinful man’s utterly foolish notion of what is the best thing to do in a time of crisis!
“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled,” verse 27.
Paul’s response to the most unwise action of the jailer embodies the core of the purpose of the gospel.
“But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here,” verse 28.
The purpose of the gospel is to STOP men harming themselves in their pursuit of sin to the damnation of their souls!
Thus the gospel mission into Europe has gotten underway!
I read this chapter as the month of July was coming to an end. It deals with an important new chapter in the work of God back in the days of the apostles. Those of us who dwell in the island of Ireland must see that here is the record of the message of the grace of God moving in our direction all those years ago.
Long History
Dr James Heron, a learned Presbyterian professor in the Assembly’s College, Belfast, sets forth convincing evidence that as far back as the second century there is evidence of gospel influences in Ireland, in his book, ‘The Celtic Church in Ireland’ (page 46).
That being so, we have a long history of God’s mercy to the peoples of this island. Of course, there is also a long history of the devil’s opposition to the truth of God in Erin’s Isle!
It must be remembered that the 12th century invasion of Ireland by the English king, Henry II, was at the instigation of the Pope.
‘In October 1171, King Henry landed with a large army to assert control over both the Anglo-Normans and the Irish. This intervention was supported by the Roman Catholic Church, who saw it as a means of ensuring Irish religious reform, and a source of taxes.’ (Wikipedia).
The pope in question was the Anglo-Norman Pope Adrian IV. He called for Norman involvement in Ireland to reform its ‘barbaric and impious’ people. This resulted in the papal bull Laudabiliter, or an equivalent, which purported to grant Henry II papal authority to intervene in Ireland, such as by conquest. (Wikipedia).
In truth, the people the pope wanted to ‘reform’ were those who clung to the orthodox teachings of Patrick and refused to submit to the ever advancing claims of the ‘Bishop of Rome’ and the pagan ecclesiastical empire he was building and which is now the ‘Roman Catholic Church’!
Following the 1171 arrival of Henry II, the remnant of old-fashioned Christianity held fast despite the persecution it suffered at the hands of the Romish invader but eventually the gospel light was all but extinguished until, in the providence of God, the light of the Protestant Reformation arrived in the early 1500s by way of Presbyterian ministers driven out of Scotland who sought refuge in Ulster.
Truly, the rest is history!
But to return to Acts chapter 16 and that directing, by the Holy Spirit, of Paul and Silas to move into Europe with the gospel.
I would like to note with you some important characteristics of the beginning of that missionary witness.
I. THE FIRST MEETING WAS HELD ON A JEWISH SABBATH.
“And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither,” verses 12-13.
We are reminded by this of the Jewish ‘roots’ of the gospel. In this day of increasing ‘anti-semitism’ let the Christian ever remember that we worship a God who chose the Jewish race as His own people. We owe our eternal salvation to a Jewish Saviour, born of the Jewish tribe of Judah and a direct descendent of David, king of Israel. He is the Lord Jesus Christ!
He is going to return to the land of Israel, from which he ascended to heaven two millennia ago and from the city Jerusalem, rule the world.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more,” Isaiah 2:2-4.
II. THE GOSPEL WAS FIRST PREACHED IN EUROPE AT A WOMEN’S PRAYER MEETING
“And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither,” verse 13.
I am sure that the Lord was making a point in opening the European gospel outreach in such a location!
The place of the woman in the cause of Christ has often been overlooked. Many Christian assemblies require the womenfolk to remain silent in prayer meetings.
I think that is very wrong!
On the day of Pentecost we are told that Mary, the mother of the Saviour, and other women, were in the company. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren,” Acts 1:14.
We are further told that: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance,” Acts 2:1-4.
Would these words not have us conclude that the women in attendance at that holy gathering were also filled with the Holy Spirit and also began to speak “as the Spirit gave them utterance”?
I certainly believe it to be so.
I would also believe that what they spoke of was “the wonderful works of God,” verse 11. That I believe was done in prayer and praise unto God.
However, when it came to preaching, we are told plainly that that was undertaken by Peter and the “eleven”, verse 14.
Note the word “we” in Acts 16:13. That indicates that Luke was not just the chronicler of the record of the advance of the gospel (Acts 1:1) but was also an active witness, aiding in its spread.
Thus the first to hear the gospel in Europe were women. Those converted as a result would likely have been womenfolk, of whom Lydia is given as an example, (Acts 16:14), and would have been the first to witness to others of Christ the only Saviour of men.
Phebe
Yes, women have a most important role to play in the service of God. Paul shows that to be so in his request for Phebe.
“ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also,” Romans 16:1-2.
It is commonly believed that it was this godly woman who carried Paul’s epistle to the church at Rome, as the little note attached in most Bibles states.
(Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.)
III. THE GOSPEL WAS FIRST PREACHED IN EUROPE IN A PRAYER MEETING
Gospel preaching and prayer are inexplicable linked!
There can be no preaching of the gospel as it ought to be preached without prayer.
“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness,” Acts 4:31.
If there is not such preaching today, is it not because there is not such praying today!
Yes, Holy Ghost praying begets bold and effective preaching. But it must also be noted that the gospel begets prayer!
The result in Saul of Tarsus’ life of the revealing of the gospel to him by the Saviour was him praying! “Behold, he prayeth” was the statement by which the Saviour indicated to Ananias the true change that had come about in the former persecutor and troubler of the church! Ananias doubted the wisdom of seeking out Saul as the Saviour was telling him to do, but the fact that he was now at prayer silenced his doubts!
Successful gospel preaching depends upon earnest crying unto God. God’s servants of old were sent forth by prayer. “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,” Acts 13:3-4.
Days of revival are born of prayer. “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Psalm 85:6.
“Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved,” Psalm 80:19.
But days of prayer are born of revival. That is the spirit which springs up amongst God’s people. That was seen following Pentecost. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers,” Acts 2:42.
May the Lord be pleased to grant us a return of such times!
IV. THE GOSPEL FIRST PREACHED IN EUROPE PRODUCED A NOTABLE CONVERT.
“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul,” verse 14.
I have already stated that I believe that there would have been more than just Lydia saved and that her conversion is spoken of as an example of the fruit of the first venture of the gospel into Europe that we know of. Verse 15 states that she was baptized, “and her household.” I am sure that her household would have included women and men!
Please note that her conversion was of God. “Lydia . . . whose heart the Lord opened.”
Salvation is of the Lord and is not of man. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8.
Despite these oft-repeated plain gospel statements, so many believe that it is by their works that they will get to heaven! Such is a deception of the devil!
She was a woman who feared and regarded the Lord. “Lydia . . . worshipped God”. The word denotes an acknowledgement of God and that he ought to be revered. However, many that feel like this do not worship God to His pleasing. The first time this word “worshipped” appears indicates that.
The Saviour taught the people this truth. “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men,” Matthew 15:7-9.
Lydia was not a hypocrite but she did not ‘know’ the Lord even though she sought to honour Him.
However, the Lord in mercy used the gospel witness of Paul to work true conversion. “Lydia . . . whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” The instrument by which the Lord opens the heart is the ‘Word’ of the gospel. It is an opening that results in obedience. The word “attended” is used of ‘a ship docking, come to land.’ That day, Lydia, under the influence of the Holy Spirit and the enlightening word of the gospel, ‘tied up to Christ’!
What a wonderful picture of conversion!
Note that Paul taught the womenfolk a number of ‘things’! Lydia attended to the “things which were spoken of Paul.”
What a meeting that was! What truths were set forth! I think of Paul preaching at Thessalonica for three Sabbaths and the ground he covered in that short time.
“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few,” Acts 17:1-4.
Paul later wrote to that church, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5.
During that short time with the Thessalonians, Paul taught them of the second coming of Christ, the great falling away before that glorious event and of the identity of the man of sin, the Antichrist!
Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill (Acts 17:22) is a further example of his all-inclusive setting forth of Bible doctrine. He refers to creation, the Lord the sustainer of all life, the commonality of all races, the sovereign authority of God over all events, the spirituality of the person of God, the central command of the gospel, ‘repentance’, the day of judgment, the resurrection of Christ and His appointment as judge of all the earth!
What a glorious example of a full-orbed presentation of divine truth!
There are many ministers who preach for years and barely make a reference to these topics to any appropriate degree!
It is an all too common complaint amongst Christians that they are not taught what the Bible has to say on the vital subject of Christ’s return to judge and rule the world.
I would believe that Paul touched upon these matters as he spoke that day amongst those privileged womenfolk!
V. LYDIA WAS A MOST ADMIRABLE GOSPEL CONVERT.
“And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us,” Acts 16:15.
The evidences of grace in Lydia’s life were manifold.
She was immediately baptised. I don’t believe Paul would have baptised her if he had any doubts about the genuineness of her conversion.
She offered the apostolic band accommodation in her house. I would believe that Lydia was a business woman of substance! She was “a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira.” Thyatira was situated in what is Turkey today, a commercial centre, particularly known for its dyeing and textile industries. She now resided in Philippi, some 300 miles away from where she was born, across the Aegean Sea.
Home
She opened her home to the gospel workers. She thus publicly, unashamedly, sided with God’s truth. That is most commendable!
The Saviour said: “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,” Mark 8:34. That is what Lydia did!
She remained faithful to the gospel in the midst of its persecution. “And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed,” verses 36-40.
Business woman and all as she was, she put the cause of Christ before profit! Siding with Christ and His Word and His servants, at a time when the city’s citizens were violently opposed to the gospel, showed great grace and courage.
How often, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe,” Proverbs 29:25. Lydia was one who was not snared by fear. Instead she was one who put her “trust in the LORD” and remained safe.
Oh! to see such a move of God amongst us that marked the beginning of the gospel witness in Europe long ago!
Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
1st August 2025