Today’s readings: Acts 14-16, Psalm 125
Acts 16:11-15
So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Remnants of the Roman Road near Philippi | November 2014
I’ve visited many Holy Land sites. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre — very likely the actual site of Jesus’ death and burial — left me somewhat nonplussed. That may be because of the controversy surrounding who “owns” and controls the property. The Garden of Gethsemane was impressive with its ancient olive trees. The Sea of Galilee was a joyful experience — even dancing on the boat out on the water. The Dead Sea was…well, dead, and we experienced it only briefly, and at night.
For some reason, however, on a different trip — a Footsteps of Paul tour — Philippi left a major impression on me. Perhaps it was because the site was not overrun with tourists and vendors. Maybe I was just in the mood for that quiet place by the water. But seeing the remains of the Roman road near the river where Lydia heard the Gospel and was baptized left a lasting impression on me. I loved sitting there, thinking about what had happened. And the fact that this was the setting for the first recorded conversion in Europe has stayed with me all these years.
You have to remember, too, how they got there. It had not initially been Paul’s plan to go to Philippi. He wanted to continue through Asia Minor, but the Holy Spirit prevented him from going where he intended. Then a man from Macedonia appeared to Paul in a vision: “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And with that, the Gospel moves onto a new continent.
Once Lydia is brought to faith, she insists on the honor of hosting the missionaries in her home. A foothold has been established, with far-reaching implications. Paul’s relationship with the congregation in Philippi would become a blessing for his ongoing missionary work. His letter to that church is filled with appreciation, affection, and encouragement.
All this began because Jesus commanded his followers to make disciples of all nations. The Gospel was destined to go to all nations, and the march toward “the ends of the earth” continued. Now that march had taken another major step.
The risen Jesus still sends his Gospel across barriers into new places and new hearts, and the Holy Spirit leads his people where that Gospel needs to go.
Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.
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