Acts 16

1 Paul being come to Derbe and Lystra, circumciseth Timothy, and takes him with him in his journey, 4 and gives the Churches through which he travells the Ordinances of the Apostles to keep. 6 Is hindred by the Holy Ghost from preaching the Gospel in Asia and Mysia, 9 and by a vision called into Macedonia. 13 Preacheth without Philippi, where Lydia hearing him believeth in Christ, and is baptized with her household. 16 Driveth a sooth saying spirit out of on hand-maid, 19 for which he and Silas are by the masters of the hand-maid accused unto the Magistrates, 22 and by the Captaines scourged, and cast into prison, 25 which by an Earthquake is opened in the night. 27 The Jaylor hereby being awaked, would have killed himself. 28 But by Pauls speaking to him and information, he believeth on Christ, is, with his, baptized, and sheweth them all kindness. 35 The Captaines command by their Messengers that they shall be released, 37 but Paul appeals unto his freedome of Rome, and will be brought forth by themselves, 39 which afterward is done, and they depart thence.

1. And he came to Derbe and Lystra, [Of these Cities see Acts 14.v. 6.] and behold a certain Disciple was there, be name Timothy [of this Timothy see more at large, Acts 17.v.14.and chap.19.22.and chap.20. 4. Romans 16:21. 1 Cor. 4. 17. Philippians 2:19. 1 Thes. 3. 3.and chiefly 1 Tim. 1. 2.] the son of a believing [that is, which was converted to the Christian faith] Jewish woman, [namely called Eunice. See of her, as also of his Grand-mother Lois, 2 Tim. 1 5.] but of a Greekish Father. [Gr.of a Father a Greek, i.e. of Greekish and Gentile descent and Religion, which was the cause that Timothy was not circumcised.]

2. To whom (good) testimony was given [Namely, of godliness and expertness in the holy Scripture, 2 Tim. 3. 15.] of the brethren at Lystra and Iconium.

3. Him Paul would have travel with him [Gr. Go forth] and he took and circumcised him, for the Jews sake which were in those places, [Namely because the Jews which were weak in the faith should not reject his service, because he was uncircumcised. For they understood not yet, that circumcision was now abolished, and was at an end. And so Paul useth circumcision here as an indifferent thing, such as must always be used for edification of the weak and without scandall, 1 Cor. 9 19. But when he had to do, not with weak, but with stiff-necked Jews, who pressed circumcision as yet needful to salvation, he would not for their sakes let Titus be circumcised. See Galatians 2:3.] for they all knew his Father, that he was a Greek. [and that therefore Timothy his son was not circumcised.]

4. And as they travelled through the Cities, they delivered over the Ordinates unto them [Gr.dogmata, i.e. opinions, meanings; of which see Acts 15:20.] which were found good [Gr.judged or determined] by the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem, for to observe (them).

5. Therefore the Churches were confirmed in the Faith, [Namely, as well in special concerning Christian liberty and the use, as in general of all other points of faith] and were daily more abundant in number.

6. And when they had travelled through Phrygia [A Country in Asia the less between Mysia, Galatia and Lycaonia] and the land of Galatia, [a Countrey in Asia the less, whereof see Galatians 1:2.] they were hindred [namely, for that time: for afterwards Paul preached the word of the Gospel there for about two years. See Acts 19:10.so the Holy Ghost prescribed the Apostles what order they should hold in travelling and preaching the word to one people first, and to another after] by the Holy Ghost [that is, by an inward speaking of God by his spirit] to speak the word in Asia. [this was the third part of the inhabited and then known world, whereof Europe and Africa were the two other parts; although it seem here to be taken for Asia the less.]

7. (And) being come to Mysia, [A Countrey in Asia the less betwixt Troas and Phrygia] they endeavoured to travel to Bithynia [a Countrey lying close by Troas over against Thracia, reaching to Pontus Euxinus or the black Sea] and the spirit [namely, of Jesus which is added in many ancient Copies] permitted it them not, [see the annotation on the former verse.]

8. And they being pissed by Mysia, came down to Troas. [By this name a whole Country was called, where in former times old Troy stood, otherwise called Phrygia the less, and also a City in the same Countrey, which was also called Antigonia and Alexandria, of which is here spoken. See Acts 20.v. 6. 2 Cor. 2. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 13.]

9. And a vision was seen by Paul in the night: there was Macedonian man standing, who prayed him and said, come over into Macedonia [This was a great country in Europe, betwixt Epirus and Thracia, stretching it self on the one side to the Egean Sea, now called Archipelago] and help us. [namely, in respect of our souls by the preaching of the Gospel]

10. Now when he had seen this vision, we sought [Whence it appears that Luke was then in the Apostles company. See also Colossians 4:14.and Phil.v. 24.] immediately to travel towards Macedonia, concluding [of the signification of this word, see Acts 9:22.] (from) thence) that the Lord had called us to publish the Gospel to them.

11. Therefore being sayled off from Troas, we ran right towards Samothracia, [An Island in the Aegean Sea, hard by the firm land of Thracia, so called because it was inhabited, with inhabitants sprung partly out of Thracia, and partly out of Samos] and they following (day) to Neapolis. [a City lying on the borders of Thracia and Macedonia, not far from Phillipi, over against the Island Thasus.]

12. And from thence to Philippi, [This City was formerly called Dathos, and afterwards new-named Philippi, by Philip King of Macedonia, who built the same up again being decayed. See Phil.1. 1.] which is the first City, [namely, as ye sayl over from Samothracia to Macedonia] and of this part of Macedonia, a colonie. [so in the Latine the Cities are called, which were either built by the Romanes, or planted and stocked with Romane inhabitants, to till the Land thereabouts, and to secure the borders of the Romane Empire, from whence the City Colen also hath yet her name. See v. 21.] And we stayed in that City some daies.

13. And on the Sabbath day we went forth out of the City by the River, where prayer [namely, the common prayer of the Jews. Or where there was a prayer-house, or synagogue of the Jews, and thereby it seems that the Heathen there would bot permit this to the Jews in their City] used to be made: and being sat down , we spake to the women [namely Jewish women, the number of whom seems to have been greatest there] which were come together.

14. And a certain woman by name Lydia a seller of purple, of the City Thyatira, [Namely, by birth. This City lay on the borders of the Regions of Lydia and Mysia, See thereof Revelation 2:18.] who served God, heard (us) whose heart the Lord opened, [namely, enlightening her understanding by the power of his spirit, and inclining her will to the obedience of faith] that she took heed to that which was spoken of Paul. [or held her self to that which, &c]

15. And when she was baptized and her house, [That is, whose household] she intreated (us) saying, if ye have judged that I am faithfull to the Lord, [or I am believing on the Lord, namely, Christ] then come into my house and abide there, [that is, lodge there as long as ye shall be here] and she constrained us. [namely, with friendly intreating and pressing.]

16. And it came to pass as we went to prayer, [That is, to the place where prayer was made: orr to the prayer house] that a certain maid-servant [Gr. Paidiske, which signifies a maid in general, Acts 12:13.but here a maid-servant or bond-maid, for mention is made of her masters v. 19.] having a sooth-saying spirit. [Gr.a spirit of Python, by which name the sooth-saying spirit Apollo was called by the Heathen, from the City Pytho, which afterward was called Delphi, where he had a Temple and most practised his sooth-sayings. And so all manner of sooth-saying evil spirits are also called, who commonly gave answers to men that consulted with them, 1 Samuel 28:7.] met us, who brought her masters great gain by sooth-saying.

17. The same followed after Paul and us, and cryed saying, these men are servants of the most high God, [Howsoever this unclean spirit said the truth therein, yet notwithstanding he inthended to make the Apostles doctrine suspected thereby. See the like Mark 1:25. Luke 4:41.] who declare unto us [otherwise to you] the way of salvation.

18. An this she did for many daies. But Paul being discontent [Or being troubled, as well for the misery of this maiden, as for the deceitfulness of Satan whereby poor men were seduced. See also Mark 1:25.] (thereat) turned him about, and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ that thou go forth of her: [namely, of this maid-servant] And he went out the same hour.

19. Now when her Masters [Whose bond-maid she was] saw that the hope of their gain was gone, [Gr.was gone out, as it were with this unclean spirit] they laid hold on Paul and Silas, and drew them unto the Market, [or a place of judgement] before the Rulers. [these in the Colonies of the Romanes were called Decuriones.]

20. And when they had brought them to the Captaines [Gr.strategoi, which by the Romanes were called duumviri, and in the Colonies had the highest authority] they said, these men trouble our City, whereas they are Jews. [the name of Jews was very much hated among the Gentiles.]

21. AAnd they publish manners [That is, manners to worship God, others then the Romanes and Gentiles had] which are not lawfull for us to receive, nor to do, seeing we are Romanes.

22. And the multitude stood up together against them: and the Captains having rent off their clothes, [Namely, the Apostles and Silas’s] commanded to scourge the. [or to strike them with Rods.]

23. And when they had given them many stripes, [Gr.laid on them] they cast them into prison, and commanded on them] they cast them into prison, and commanded the Jaylor [Gr.keeper of the prisoners: keeper of the stocks] that he should keep them safely. [that is, in good safeguard, strictly.]

24. Who having received such a command, cast them into the inmost prison, and secured their feet in the stocks [Gr.in the wood, namely, a wooden block or instrument, wherein the feet were shut.]

25. And about Midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung hymes to God. [Namely, being glad that they suffered for Christs name, Acts 5:41. And the Prisoners hearkened to them. [namely, the other prisoners.]

26. And there hapned suddenly a great Earth quake, so that the foundations of the prison were moved [Gr.shaken up and down, for a sign that God had heard the prayer of his servants, Acts 4:31.] and straightway all the doors were opened, [namely, of themselves by the power of God] and the bands of all became loose.

27. And the Jaylor being asked, and seeing the doors of the prison opened, drew a sword, and would have made away himself, [namely, to escape a more cruel death, which he feared he should be put to, if the prisoners were gotten away] thinking that the prisoners were sted.

28. But Paul cryed with a great voice, [That is, aloud] saying, do thy self no harm: for we are all here.

29. And when he had asked for light, he sprang in, and was greatly trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas (at their feet.)

30. And having brought them without [Namely, out of the inmost prison into his house] he said, Sirs, what must I do that I may be saved?

31. And they said, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved; thou and thy house. [That is, household, thy wife and children, as children of the covenant. See Acts 2:29.]

32. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and unto all which were in this house.

33. And he took them to him in the same hour of the night, and washed (them) from the stripes, [Namely, from the congealed blood caused by the scourging, to soften the wounds] and he was straightway baptized, and all his.

34. And he brought them into his house, and set the Table before (them) [Namely, with meat and drink] and rejoiced [see the like Acts 8:39.] that he with all his house was become believing in God. [Gr.had believed.]

35. And when it was become day, the Captains sent the City-officers [Gr. Rod-bearers: so the Officers or Messengers of the Cities were called, because they went with staves, rods or twigs] saying let those men loose.

36. And the Jaylor told these words to Paul (saying) the Captains have sent that ye should be let loose: Now therefore go forth, and go your ways in peace.

37. But Paul said unto them, [Namely, to the Town-officers] they have scourged us who are Romanes [Gr. Romane men, that is, having the right of Citizens of Rome, who might not be scourged. See Acts 22.v. 25.and Val. Max.lib. 4.cap. 1.] openly uncondemned, [that is not only without fault, but also without any form of legal proceeding and cast] (us) into prison, and do they now cast us out of it privily? Not so [namely shall it go] but let themselves come and bring us out.

38. And the City-officers told these words again to the Captains: and they were afraid hearing, [Or because they heard] that they were Romanes.[namely, whom contrary to the right of the Citizens of Rome they had caused to be scourged, v. 37.]

39. And they coming intreated them, and when they had brought them out, they desired that they would go out of the City. [Namely, that no new uproar might be raised up against them.]

40. And being gone forth out of the prison, they went unto Lydia [Or to the house of Lydia, v. 14. 15.] and having seen the Brethren, they [namely, Paul and Silas] comforted them, namely, against the scandal of this grace done to them] and went out (of the City.)