6:13-15
Jewish custom was that it required at least ten men to form a synagogue, otherwise they would meet, generally near water, for prayer. So Paul seems to have been aiming to meet a small group of Jews, perhaps this gave him a greater chance of explaining the gospel. We see another example of Luke’s emphasis on role of women. First, they speak to the women in general, then onem, Lydia, is given prominence. Paul and the Bible are often accused of being misogynist. This is inaccurate and unfair. Society in general was patriarchal, ie it was male dominated. Yet in the gospels, Acts and Paul’s letters we find women being given prominence, and treated equally. This is especially true here where we read of Lydia’s household being converted and baptised, and God opening her heart. She was the “lead person” in this incident.
16:16-18
One day they met a woman who was demon-possessed. She was able to tell the future and made money for her owners. We are not told of her predictions were accurate, though since she made money there may have been something in them. She taunted Paul and Silas, and in a similar manner to what some demons cried out during Jesus’ ministry. Paul eventually commanded the spirit to leave, and it did so. Note that this was not done out of compassion, but out of annoyance! We also see that demon possession is real.
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