Day 278 — Acts 16–18 Psalm 81

In Acts 16, Paul set out on a new journey, this time with Silas, and soon Timothy joined them. While traveling, Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia asking for help, so they crossed into Europe for the first time. In Philippi, they met Lydia, a woman who believed and welcomed them into her home. Later, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, but they prayed and sang songs at midnight. An earthquake opened the doors, and the jailer, seeing God’s power, chose to believe in Jesus with his whole family.

So many times in life, we look at our troubles and see no way forward. The walls feel too high, the doors too tightly shut. But Acts 16 reminds us that even in a prison cell, at midnight, God made a way where there was none. What looked impossible became a moment of freedom, not just for Paul and Silas but for the jailer and his whole family. When we trust Him, God can turn the darkest places into the very stage where His light breaks through.

In Acts 17, Paul and Silas preached in Thessalonica and Berea, where some eagerly studied the Scriptures to see if the message was true. Then Paul went to Athens, where he saw many idols. Instead of mocking the people, he spoke with wisdom, pointing to the “unknown god” they already worshiped and explaining that the true God made the world and raised Jesus from the dead. Some mocked, some believed, but seeds of faith were planted.

In Acts 18, Paul traveled to Corinth, where he worked as a tentmaker alongside Aquila and Priscilla, who became faithful partners in ministry. He preached boldly, and even when discouraged, God reminded him in a vision that He had many people in the city.

Later, Apollos, a gifted speaker, began teaching, and with guidance from Priscilla and Aquila, his understanding of Jesus grew even stronger. This chapter highlights how God builds His church through teamwork, encouragement, and using each person’s gifts.

Psalm 81 calls God’s people to sing for joy and remember how He rescued them. He desires His people to listen and walk with Him so He can bless them fully. It’s a reminder that true freedom and joy come when we trust His voice.