We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, ¹² and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. ¹³ On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. ¹⁴ A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. ¹⁵ When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.” Acts 16:11-15

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. ²⁷ When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” ³¹ They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ³² They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. ³³ At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. ³⁴ He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.” Acts 16:25-34

Even after being released from prison, Paul and Silas first go to the house of Lydia to encourage the “brothers and sisters” before they depart. Paul and Silas had quite an experience in Philippi, ending in their imprisonment and the experience with the earthquake. They are indeed due some time off. They should be heading off to find some rest and to recover from their prison experience.  Yet, the first thing they do is worry about the home of Lydia and the newest members of the church (the faith).

How are we doing with those who have just joined the church? Are we doing enough to encourage them and to be their brothers and sisters in the faith? How might we improve our hospitality to the newest members in our midst and the stranger as well? Yes we are all tired, either from our work, or from our family responsibilities. But on Sunday, we put away all the cares of the world and we seek strong relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ – including welcoming new members and inviting them into our ministries.

Pastor Dave