Acts 16

All of Me, God: Learning from Acts 16

“Use me—all of me, God—that it might glorify you.”
This cry echoes deep in our hearts as we reflect on Acts 16. In this single chapter of Scripture, we see a rich blend of backgrounds, closed doors, divine appointments, and surprising power. When we read Acts 16 together, we don’t just read ancient history—we see our lives, our struggles, our calling.

Timothy’s Background: A Story Prepared for Impact

We begin in Lystra, where young Timothy enters the story. He’s the product of a mixed heritage: a Jewish believer for a mother and a Greek father. At first glance, it looks like a fragmented past. But God had been preparing Timothy all along. He would soon walk alongside Paul and Silas, becoming a bridge between Jews and Gentiles, the churched and the unchurched.

We resonate with this. So many of us look at our own stories and wonder, “Can God really use this?” Timothy’s story answers with a resounding yes. His unique upbringing gave him street cred, cultural empathy, and the ability to connect. We see this echoed in our churches today—people from all backgrounds stepping into roles of leadership and ministry, proving that God crafts purpose from every part of our past.

The Spirit Leads—and Sometimes Says “No”

There’s this fascinating moment in verse 7, when Paul and his companions are “kept by the Spirit of Jesus” from entering Bithynia. We’ve felt this, haven’t we? Closed doors that make no sense in the moment. But here’s the truth we hold onto: it’s not always “no,” it’s often “not yet.”

The Spirit reroutes Paul to Macedonia instead, where he meets Lydia. And Lydia’s conversion isn’t just a story of someone choosing faith—it’s a story of divine intervention. “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” That’s what we pray for, isn’t it? Not just changed minds, but opened hearts. Not just persuasion, but transformation.

The Spiritual Battle Is Real

When Paul casts out a demon from a slave girl, it sets off a chain of events that lands him in prison. But what stood out to us is that the girl’s powers were real—demonic, but real. It’s a reminder that we live in a spiritual world. Not every sign or wonder points to God. So we ask ourselves often: Does this glorify Jesus? Does this align with Scripture?

We’re in a battle—not just against systems or people, but against spiritual forces. Acts 16 helps us remember that the kingdom of God isn’t expanding in a vacuum. There’s resistance. Strategy. And God is inviting us to partner with His Spirit to gain ground.

Baptism, Households, and the Power of Belonging

Two baptisms stand out: Lydia’s and the Philippian jailer’s. In both cases, it wasn’t just individuals—it was their households. Lydia, a worshiper of God, is baptized and so is her household. The jailer asks, “What must I do to be saved?” and is told, “Believe in the Lord Jesus—and you and your household will be saved.”

For those of us raising children or walking with loved ones, this is hope. Our faith isn’t just personal—it’s communal. We claim those in our care. We raise our children under the umbrella of grace, believing the Spirit is already at work in them. Household baptism isn’t just tradition; it’s a declaration: They belong to God.

God Uses It All—Even Our Citizenship

Paul’s Roman citizenship becomes a pivotal card to play at the end of the chapter. It’s a reminder: even our earthly details matter in God’s economy. Our passports, our careers, our family backgrounds—God can use every part of our identity for His glory. Nothing is wasted.

Like Paul, we may one day look back and realize that parts of our story we once wished away were actually the keys God used to open doors. That “random” job, that painful season, that heritage—it’s all woven into the mission.

As we close Acts 16, we carry this truth forward: God is using our past, leading us through closed and open doors, working through spiritual battles, and weaving our stories into His greater mission. All of us—every part—is being shaped for His glory.

So we say again: “Use us, God. All of us. For your kingdom, for your glory, and for eternal good.”