The text for this lesson is Acts 16:11–15.
Key Point
- Just as God worked His miracle beside the river, clothing Lydia with Christ in Baptism, so God works His miracles in pulpits and fonts around the world today, destroying the work of Satan by washing away sins in water combined with God’s Word and clothing believers with His righteousness.
- Law: Because I am sinful, I cannot find God on my own.
- Gospel: Though the Lord is everywhere, Christ locates Himself and His saving gifts for me in specific places: His baptismal font, His pulpit, His altar—wherever His Word is spoken, sung, poured, eaten, or drunk.
Discussion Points
- One friend says, “I know that I am saved because I believe in Jesus.” His friend replies, “I know that I am saved because I am baptized into Christ.” Which of these statements best articulates our Christian hope? Today’s lesson will further explore the relationship of faith and Baptism.
- What does the “we” in Acts 16:11 mean? Where do they go? On the Sabbath, where do they find the true faith of Old Testament Israel—with its hope for the Messiah’s coming—being carried on? By whom (Acts 16:13–15)? What similar theme is present in 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15?
- As Paul preached the Gospel, “The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to pay attention to what was said” (Acts 16:14). After coming to faith, she was baptized (v. 15). Did Lydia’s human will play any role in her conversion? Why or why not? See John 3:5–6; 6:44, 63; and Romans 10:17.
- Lydia was baptized after hearing the Word (Acts 16:15). Similarly, the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized after Philip “told him the good news about Jesus” (8:35). Based on these apostolic examples, Christians have customarily baptized adults only after they have received proper instruction in God’s Word and have professed their faith in the Gospel. What are some benefits given to those who are baptized? See Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; and Titus 3:4–7. Should rebaptism ever be performed?
- Lydia’s household was baptized (Acts 16:15). Were there infants or toddlers among those baptized? Why should Christians baptize infants? See Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:38–39; Luke 18:15–16; and Matthew 18:1–6.
- How would you characterize Lydia’s response to the Gospel in Acts 16:15? What are ways that we can follow her example? Also see Romans 12:13; 3 John 5–8; and 1 Corinthians 9:14.
