When God Closes a Door

Are you facing a closed door in your life? How might you need to reorient your thinking about God’s plans and purposes for you? Here’s a shocker, it’s now always about us!

Why would new believers need a “checkup” from Paul (v. 36)?

What was the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas? How does God overrule this potentially divisive situation (v. 37-40)?

John Mark is rejected by Paul, but the story wends well. R. Kent Hughes says: “Something wonderful had happened to this tender man who had so miserably failed in service—and to his relationship with the Apostle Paul.” Read 2 Timothy 4:11 (Paul’s last letter before being executed).

R. Kent Hughes says Silas was a great addition: “Silas brought to Paul’s ministry some ingredients that Barnabas did not have. He was a Roman citizen (16:37). He was a prophet (15:32). He probably spoke Greek (compare 15:22, 32). And he served as Paul’s stenographer (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; compare 1 Peter 5:12).”

Read Acts 16:1-3. Why was Timothy circumcised? Darrell Bock says, “Even though Paul holds a view of freedom regarding the law (read Gal. 5:2; 1 Cor. 7:18), he is sensitive to how it works in a mixed community and in the context of the gospel (read 1 Cor. 9:19-23). So, out of respect for the customs of his prospective evangelistic audience, he acts to render moot any debate over Timothy’s lineage.”

What did Paul, Barnabas and Timothy share in Acts 16:4-5? Read the letter in Acts 15:23-29 for a refresher. How would this letter have strengthened and grown the Church?

Read Acts 16:6-7. Who prevented them from going certain places? Have you ever prevented from doing something or going somewhere? Is it possible God was the one who prevented it? Why or why not

What did the man in the Macedonian vision ask (16:9)? What did Paul and his companions do (16:10)? What is God calling you to do? How will you respond this week?

Often, God’s leading is not a secret (it’s in His Word). Read 1 Peter 1:14-16 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5. How will you be obedient to God in these specific ways this week? What doors has God opened for you this week? How will you walk in obedience to His clear calling?