Acts, 16
5. So the churches grew strong in the faith, as well as growing daily in numbers.
5. So the churches grew strong in the faith, as well as growing daily in numbers.
Chapter 16 of Acts of the Apostles reports the missionary journey of Paul and Silas in the region of Macedonia. They preach the gospel in Philippi, where they face opposition and are arrested, but an earthquake liberates them and they lead the jailer and his family to believe in Jesus. Then they travel to Thessalonica, where they once again face persecution, and then to Bereia, where they are well received. Here are five verses related to the topics covered in Acts 16:
Philippians 1:6: "I am fully certain that the one who began a good work in you will complete it until Christ Jesus." This verse highlights the idea of perseverance and confidence in God's work, even in the midst of difficulties, which is evidenced in the experience of Paul and Silas in Philippi.
1 Thessalonians 2:2: "Contrary to what they know, after we have suffered and been outraged in Philippi, as we know, we had the courage in our God to speak to them the Gospel of God in the midst of great opposition." In this verse, Paul recalls his experience in Philippi and as even in the opposition, they continued to preach the Gospel.
Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, for prayer and supplications, and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, who exceeds all understanding, will keep the heart and mind of your mind in Christ Jesus. " This verse can be applied to the experience of Paul and Silas in Philippi, where despite being in prison, they surrendered to prayer and thanksgiving, experiencing God's peace in the midst of adversity.
Acts 16:31: "They answered, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and will be saved, you and those of your house.'" This verse contains the central message of the gospel that Paul and Silas preached in his missionary travel, including his passage through Philippi and Thessalonica.
1 Thessalonians 1:6: "You have received the word with joy of the Holy Spirit, despite much tribulation." This verse highlights the joy that the new converts to Thessalonica experienced, despite the persecution and tribulation they faced, something Paul and Silas certainly shared.
“Caminhe com alegria e com o coração o mais sincero e aberto que puder. E quando não conseguir manter esta santa alegria, ao menos não perca nunca o valor e a confiança em Deus.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
