Acts 16 continues Paul and his companion Silas travel to Asia, but the Spirit of God stops them. Paul has an open heart and open mind eventually sensing God guiding them to Macedonia. They come to a city called Philippi, where they meet a woman named Lydia, who is a worshiper of God. As Paul speaks to her and the other women gathered by the river, Lydia’s heart is opened, and she and her household are baptized.
While in Philippi, Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl who has a spirit of divination and Paul casts out the spirit in the name of Jesus. This upsets the girl’s owners, who seize Paul and Silas and bring them before the authorities. They accuse them of disturbing the city and promoting customs that are not lawful for Romans.
As a result, Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown into prison. However, while they are praying and singing hymns, an earthquake shakes the prison, opening all the doors and loosening their chains. The jailer, fearing the prisoners have escaped, is about to take his own life when Paul stops him and assures him that they are all still there. The jailer is deeply moved by this and asks Paul what he must do to be saved. Paul and Silas share the message of Jesus with him and his household, and they all believe and are baptized.
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