Acts 16 covers Paul’s second missionary journey as he strengthens churches, follows a vision into Macedonia, and then faces opposition in Philippi, where a jailer and his household come to faith. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Each set of questions comes with a leader’s note so you can move through the chapter without preparing a separate summary.
Acts 16 at a Glance
The chapter opens with Paul adding Timothy to the team and the churches growing in number as they travel. Paul and his companions are then redirected by the Spirit, first away from Asia and Bithynia, and then toward Macedonia through a night vision. In Philippi, Lydia opens her home and believes, a slave girl’s exploitation leads to Paul and Silas being beaten and jailed, and an earthquake at midnight leads the jailer to faith and the release of the prisoners.
The narrative then turns on the question of Roman citizenship, which changes how the magistrates respond. The chapter ends with the believers gathering again at Lydia’s house and the missionaries moving on. Use the questions below in order, or pick the set that fits your group’s time.
Observation Questions
Use these questions at the start of the session to make sure everyone is looking at the same words before anyone interprets them. Let people answer from the text itself, pointing to verses, before offering opinions. Keep the discussion factual and slow.
Acts 16:9
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him, and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.”
(WEB)
Read this verse to introduce the turning point of the chapter, when the Macedonian vision sends the missionaries across the sea. Its simple call makes a clear picture for the group to consider.
Acts 16:14
A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul.
(WEB)
This verse highlights how the Lord opens a heart to attend to the gospel. Reading it aloud helps the group talk about the mystery of faith and the human role in hearing God’s word.
Acts 16:25-26
25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened.
(WEB)
Reading the midnight prayer and the earthquake together shows how worship and God’s power meet in the prison. It is a good passage to pause on before discussing suffering.
Acts 16:31
They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
(WEB)
The jailer’s answer is the central invitation of the chapter. Reading it aloud gives the group a direct focus for talking about belief, salvation, and the household’s place in God’s work.
Acts 16:37
But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Do they now release us secretly? No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out!”
(WEB)
Paul’s claim to Roman citizenship exposes the injustice of the beating and shifts the power of the scene. Reading it helps the group see how the author values fairness and public witness.
Memory Verse for Acts 16
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you for the way you guided Paul and Silas through closed doors and open visions, and for opening Lydia’s heart to listen. Give us the same attentiveness to your leading in our own decisions, and help us trust your timing when the path is unclear. Where we face opposition or cost for your name, steady us so that we can pray and sing with the same courage. Draw our households and friends toward you, and make us ready to open our homes to those you send. Amen.
