Acts 16
Across to Macedonia”
Paul returned through Lystra’s land,
Where young Timothy chose to stand.
Well spoken of by brethren there,
He joined the work in prayerful care.
For Jews’ sake he was circumcised,
So no offense would close their eyes.
Through every town the letters read —
The churches strengthened, daily spread.
Through Phrygia and Galatia’s way,
The Spirit would not let them stay
To preach in Asia at that hour —
Nor Bithynia by His power.
At Troas in the night came sight:
A man of Macedonia cried,
“Come over here and help us now.”
They knew the Lord had shown them how.
Across the sea to Philippi,
A Roman colony nearby.
On Sabbath by the river’s side,
Where women met and prayer was cried.
Lydia, seller of purple cloth,
Listened close to what was taught.
The Lord opened her heart that day —
She and her household chose the way.
Her home became the gathering place,
First fruits of European grace.
Chorus
When God opens the door, we go.
When He closes one, we trust and grow.
From riverbank to prison wall,
The risen Christ is Lord of all.
A servant girl with spirit bound
Brought her masters profit found.
She followed crying day by day,
“These men proclaim salvation’s way!”
Grieved within, Paul turned and said,
“In Jesus’ Name, come out instead.”
The spirit left — her masters raged,
Their hope of gain was disengaged.
Dragged before the magistrates,
Accused of troubling Roman gates.
Stripped and beaten, rods laid down,
Thrown in prison, feet made bound.
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed,
Sang hymns though wounded and betrayed.
A sudden earthquake shook the ground,
Doors flew wide, chains loosed unbound.
The jailer woke with sword in hand,
Thinking all had fled the land.
“Do yourself no harm,” they cried,
“For we are here — none have died.”
Trembling, falling at their feet,
“What must I do?” his voice did plead.
“Believe in Jesus Christ,” they said,
“You and your house will be led.”
That night he washed their wounds with care,
Was baptized with his family there.
Joy filled his house before the dawn —
Another heart to Christ had come.
When morning came release was sent,
But Paul revealed the treatment meant:
“Roman citizens are we —
Publicly beaten unlawfully.”
The officials came in fear to plead,
Escorted them with quiet speed.
They left encouraged, onward pressed —
The Gospel planted, Europe blessed.
Chorus
When God opens the door, we go.
Through suffering still His mercies flow.
From prison chains to household flame,
Salvation comes in Jesus’ Name.
