Three People God Wants to Reach — And How He Uses Us

A Deep, Practical, Pastoral Look at Acts 16

Acts 16 is one of the richest chapters in the New Testament when it comes to understanding how God draws people to Himself. As Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke enter the city of Philippi (Acts 16:11–12), a leading Roman colony filled with power, influence, wealth, and spiritual confusion, they encounter three very different individuals.

Each one has a different background. Each one carries different struggles. Each one needs God in a different way. And yet — **the same gospel changes all three.**

This is the beauty of Acts 16: God meets every kind of person — the religious seeker, the wounded sufferer, and the hardened skeptic. And He still does this today.

1. The Spiritually Interested — Lydia

Reached Through the Word

Scripture: Acts 16:13–15

Lydia was a wealthy merchant of purple goods — a symbol of status, influence, and prosperity in ancient Rome. She was spiritually curious, attending a prayer meeting by the river (Acts 16:13). Though religious, she did not yet know Christ.

As Paul preached the gospel, something supernatural happened:

“The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” — Acts 16:14

She responded with faith, was baptized, and opened her home to the missionaries (Acts 16:15). Her story reminds us that salvation begins not with our effort but with God’s initiative.

What This Teaches Us

• There are people around us who are spiritually curious but not yet saved.
• They may read, pray, attend church, or ask questions — but still need clarity.
• God often reaches the spiritually open through clear, biblical truth.

How to Reach the Spiritually Interested Today

• Invite someone to read a chapter of Scripture with you each week.
• Ask spiritual questions gently: “Has anyone ever shown you what the Bible actually says about salvation?”
• Be patient — curiosity is often the first step toward conversion.

2. The Spiritually Captive — The Slave Girl

Reached Through Compassionate Action

Scripture: Acts 16:16–18

The next person the missionaries encounter is a young slave girl possessed by a demon and exploited for profit. She represents those who are spiritually and emotionally bound:

• those trapped in addiction
• those who have endured trauma or abuse
• those oppressed or manipulated by others
• those spiritually confused or tormented

Her owners made money through her torment (Acts 16:16). She followed Paul shouting truth mixed with spiritual chaos until:

“I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” — Acts 16:18

Immediately, she was delivered. This girl didn’t need a sermon — she needed freedom.

What This Teaches Us

• Some people cannot hear the gospel clearly until compassion comes first.
• Hurting people often need help before they can process hope.
• The name of Jesus still breaks chains today.

How to Reach the Spiritually Captive Today

• Offer practical help to people who are hurting or struggling.
• Support local ministries that serve the vulnerable.
• Look for ways to meet physical needs and build trust.
• Pray specifically for God to break spiritual strongholds.

3. The Spiritual Skeptic — The Roman Jailer

Reached Through Example

Scripture: Acts 16:19–34

After Paul and Silas deliver the slave girl, they are beaten, publicly humiliated, and placed in stocks in the deepest part of the prison (Acts 16:22–24). Watching over them is a Roman jailer — a hardened, no-nonsense, blue-collar man.

He is not interested in God. He is not seeking truth. He is not spiritually sensitive. He is simply indifferent.

But then something unexpected happens:

“Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…” — Acts 16:25

Their worship in suffering shook the jailer more than the earthquake that followed.

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” — Acts 16:30 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” — Acts 16:31

What This Teaches Us

• Some people are reached not by arguments but by observing authentic faith.
• Your integrity during hardship may preach louder than your words.
• Skeptics often soften when they see Christians respond differently to trials.

How to Reach the Skeptic Today

• Live consistently and faithfully in front of unbelievers.
• Let your reactions to hardship testify to Christ’s power.
• Show patience — skeptics often observe silently for a long time.
• Practice humility and gentleness rather than defensiveness.

What This Means for Us Today

Acts 16 gives us a practical blueprint for ministry:

• The spiritually interested — reach them through the Word.
• The spiritually captive — reach them through compassion.
• The spiritual skeptic — reach them through example.

The gospel is powerful enough for all. But God often uses different approaches for different hearts.

Questions for Reflection