The gospel is not bound by prison walls. The saving work of the Holy Spirit reigns

Acts 16:9-34

With all the social and political events and upheavals swirling around us, and all the pressures of our lives, it’s not difficult or surprising for the believer to go from the priority and enthusiasm for the gospel to being pushed back into the shadows and a creeping sense of futility and a, “what’s the point, the world has gone nuts, and who will listen anyway?” to creep in and steal our joy in the Lord. A sense of the need to retreat and hunker down and huddle just with one’s fellow believers can settle in as normal. If that’s you, don’t feel like you’re alone.

Today’s message from the Word encourages and helps us to see that the Holy Spirit of the Living God is very much alive. He very much cares for lost souls to hear and respond to the Good News, and He is moving and shaking to accomplish the saving work and intention of God in those around us. And He, and we in Him, are not bound by seemingly insurmountable odds or unfavorable circumstances.

The history of today’s lesson centers around 50-51AD in the European city of Philippi, named after Alexander the Great’s father, Philipp the 2nd. It would be in the area we call northern Greece today. The city was the site of the decisive battle in 42 BCE between the forces of Mark Antony vs Octavian and Brutus (who struck a fatal knife blow in the assassination of Julius Caesar). Octavian and Brutus were defeated. Philippi helped Mark Antony, and as a result the city was fully Romanized, its members made full citizens of Rome with all rights and privileges, and the city was specifically designed as a smaller but glorious reflection of Rome. To enter Philippi as did Paul and Silas with the gospel for Europe, was to enter a Rome away from Rome. Behold the mighty saving work of God, the Holy Spirit!