Messiah Baptist Church of Baesa, Inc.

Wednesday Bible Study

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September 24, 2025

BIBLE STUDY: “Regardless of Race, Gender, and Age. all are same in the body of Christ” Lesson 12: Part 2

II – Regardless of Gender, all are same in the Body of Christ 

Text: Acts 16:6-12 (Covering the Second Missionary Journey of Paul)

     Notice the statements “and were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia” Regarding how the Spirit forbade Paul, Silas and Timothy is not specifically mentioned. The phrase “the word” indicated the Gospel. The Holy Spirit told the missionaries not to preach the Gospel in these regions at this time. But it does not mean that God had forgotten the lost souls in Asia because for these regions would later have churches in several cities including Ephesus, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Colossae, Sardis, Pergamum, and Thyatira. The name used here “Asia” mentioned by Luke was not referring to the continent of Asia that we know today. Asia in the New Testament always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia.

     The book of Acts is a historical account of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel message following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The events described in Acts 16 take place during Paul's second missionary journey, as he traveled through various regions to share the teachings of Jesus.   

     Find out if these missionaries were allowed by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia? _______ (verse 6)

Acts 16:6 "Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia."

    Here we see how Paul and his companions were traveling throughout the regions of Phrygia and Galatia, intending to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, they were prevented from doing so by the Holy Ghost, who forbade them from preaching the word in Asia. It means that there were a specific purpose and plan for their missionary efforts. The early Christian missionaries faced the challenges and guidance as they sought to spread the message of Christianity throughout the ancient world.

     We see here the importance of spiritual guidance and discernment in the mission of spreading the gospel. Despite Paul and his companions' earnest desire to preach the word in Asia, but because they were not allowed by the Holy Ghost, they were obediently directed by the Spirit to go elsewhere. This is a proof that the believers’ actions in the early Christian church were intervened by the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit in carrying out the mission of spreading the gospel.

    We learned here that God's plans may not always align with human expectations. This Spirit intervention serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and God’s plans may take us in unexpected directions. As believers we are challenged to trust in God's guidance and be open to new opportunities and directions in our lives, even when it may seem contrary to our own intentions and to what we anticipate. It is therefore important for us to be attuned to the leading and open to guidance of the Holy Spirit even if it may conflict with our own plan and desires.

     Why did the Holy Spirit forbid Paul to preach in Asia when Jesus said to go into all the world? (Mark 16:15), commanded to make disciples of all nations? (Matthew 28:19), and to be Christ’s witnesses to the end of the earth? (Acts 1:8). But Paul and fellow missionaries were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia? (Acts 16:6).

     Paul was only forbidden immediately by the Spirit. It is because God had a more strategic route for the Gospel through Europe first (Acts 16:9). Eventually, however, the Gospel got to Asia and to every place through those converts of Paul in Europe (I Thessalonians 1:7) and by Paul himself (Acts 19:10,22,26; Acts 20:4,16,18; I Corinthians 16:19). Therefore, the prohibition of the Holy Spirit to these missionaries was only temporary, not permanent.

     Know if the Holy Spirit allowed Paul and his fellow missionaries to go into Bithynia? ______ (verse 7)

Acts 16:7 “After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not."

     The context is about the second missionary journey of the apostle Paul, along with his companions Silas and Timothy.     They had been traveling through various regions, spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ and establishing new Christian communities. In this particular verse, they had reached Mysia and were attempting to continue their journey into Bithynia. However, they encountered an obstacle as "the Spirit suffered them not." indicating that they were prevented from going to Bithynia by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

     Notice the synonymous identification of the “Holy Spirit” in (verse 6) with the “Spirit of Jesus” in NASB, ESV, CSB (verse 7). These parallel names are a clear indication that the Holy Spirit is God and supports that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity.

     Throughout the Book of Acts, there are numerous instances of the Holy Spirit guiding and empowering the apostles as they carry out their mission. For instance, here, the Holy Spirit guiding and preventing Paul and his companions from going to Bithynia and redirecting them to their next destination. The intervention of the Spirit in preventing Paul and his companion from going to Bithynia serves as a reminder of the role of the Spirit in shaping the course of Christian ministry.

The plans and actions of the apostles are subject to the will of God.

     Notice the words “After they were come to Mysia” (in northwest Asia Minor). Paul, Silas and Timothy travel through Galatia, Phrygia, Asia into the region of Mysia.

     Notice the words “they assayed to go into Bithynia” The word “assayed” in Greek “peirazo” means to test or trying. Here Paul and Silas repeatedly trying to enter Bithynia. Bithynia is found on the south of the black Sea.

     Notice the words “but the Spirit suffered them not.” Indicates that Paul was guided by hindrance. The Holy Spirit often guides as much by the closing of doors as God does by the opening of doors. Examples: David Livingstone wanted to go to China, but God sent him to Africa. William Carey wanted to go to Polynesia, but God sent him to India. Adoniram Judson went to India, but God guided him to Burma. God guides us along the way, to just the right place.

     APPLICATION TO OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE: The response of Paul and his companion to the guidance of the Spirit give us an example as believers to trust and be sensitive in God’s leading in our own Christian lives and submit our own desires to God’s divine will, acknowledging that human plans must align with the will of God as revealed through the Holy Spirit.

     Know where did the Holy Spirit wanted Paul and his fellow missionaries to go? ______ (verse 9)

Acts 16:9 “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into __________, and help us."     

Acts 16:9 “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us."     

     Paul, along with his companions Silas and Timothy, were on a missionary journey when they received a vision from God. This vision was a clear directive for them to go to Macedonia and preach the Gospel (Macedonia is a country located north of Greece). Macedonia was the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece.This demonstrates the importance of being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and being willing to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and provide for His purposes.

     This is the call to Macedonia. At this time, Paul had already established several churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and was planning to continue his missionary work in that region. However, God had other plans for Paul, and through this vision, God directed Paul to shift his focus to Europe. This shift in direction had far-reaching implications for the spread of Christianity, as it laid the foundation for the establishment of the Church in Europe.

     Fill up the missing word to know who is in the vision?

Acts 16:9 “There stood a _____ of Macedonia,"     

Acts 16:9 “There stood a man of Macedonia."   

     The man from Macedonia in the vision represents the people of that region who were in need of spiritual help and guidance. By heeding the call to Macedonia, Paul and his companions were answering the call to bring the light of the Gospel to a new territory and to reach out to those who were seeking God.

     Th word “man” means a male person, a man in contrast to a woman.   

     God still calls people to the mission field. Perhaps many today will encounter a "Macedonia man" who will call them out to the mission field. Would to God that those who hear a "Macedonian man" today will respond the way Paul and his team responded!   

     The word “stood” or standing in Greek “histemi” is the perfect tense indicating he remained standing as he continued to appeal and implore (present tense) to come help.

     The Macedonian man cries “Help” using the aorist imperative which is a command that says in essence "Do it now!" "Do not delay!" "The need is urgent!" 

     When Paul arrived in Philippi to help the Macedonians, who were the first people that Paul met? ______ (Acts 16:13)

Acts 16:13 “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the _______ which resorted thither.”

Acts 16:13 “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.”

This takes place on the Sabbath, the day of rest and worship for Jews, as well as the day when many Christians gathered for worship and prayer. This is Paul and companion encounter with a group of women gathered for prayer by the river.

The act of sitting down and speaking with the women at the river also reflects the apostles’ willingness to engage in face-to-face conversations and build personal relationships with those they encountered.

     Paul was a former Pharisee which shows the transforming power of the Gospel, because Pharisees would not condescend to teach a woman. Even the secular Greek/Roman culture did not treat women with the respect they deserve as those souls created in the image of God! For Paul's attitude toward women (Paul commend Phobe servant of the church - Romans 16:1; Paul fellow worker, Priscilla - Romans 16:3; Paul had Euodias, and Syntyche fellow laborers in the gospel - Philippians 4:2-3)

     Notice the phrase, “women which resorted thither” – KJV; “the women who had assembled” - NASB; “women who had come together.” – ESV; “women who met there.” - NJKV    indicates there were no men!

     Who is the first person saved in Macedonia? _______ (Acts 16:14) 

Acts 16:14 “"And a certain woman named _____, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul."

Acts 16:14 “"And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul."

     Lydia was from the city of Thyatira, which was known for its trade and commerce. Despite her success in business, Lydia was also a worshipper of God, indicating that she was a God-fearing Gentile who had embraced the Jewish faith.

     Notice the phrase “whose heart the Lord opened," it indicates that God is concerned for both male and female, opened the heart of a woman whose name Lydia, and so woman became the first person to be saved in what we call today, Europe. This challenges traditional gender roles and demonstrates that God's kingdom is inclusive and open to all, regardless of social status or gender. This emphasizes the divine initiative in the process of salvation. It is God who takes the first step in drawing people to Himself, and it is through His grace that individuals are able to respond in faith.

     Know how many women believed? _____ (Acts 17:4)

Acts 17:4 “And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few."

The phrase “not a few” means many.

     We see the impact of Paul and Silas's preaching on both Jews and Gentiles in Thessalonica. Some of the Jews believe, as well as a great multitude of devout Greeks and chief women.

Paul and Silas' ministry was not limited to one group of people, but rather they sought to share the message of Christ with anyone who would listen.

It demonstrates how the message of Christ has the ability to reach and transform a wide range of people, regardless of their background or social standing or gender.

     In Acts 17:12 and 34 we read of other women believers.

Acts 17:12 “Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.”

The Bereans, described as more noble than those in Thessalonica, are commended for receiving the message with eagerness and for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul was saying was true (Acts 17:11). This sets the stage for the response described in verse 12, where many of the Bereans believed, including some honorable Greek women and men.

     Notice the inclusion of both Greek women and men in the group of believers. Both men and women responded to the gospel message. We see the universality of the gospel and its ability to transcend gender, ethnicity, and social status. The gospel is for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances or gender, and this verse serves as a reminder of God's inclusive love and the offer of salvation to all who believe.

Acts 17:34 “However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.”

Damaris is only briefly mentioned, but her inclusion in the passage is notable as it demonstrates that women were also responding to the gospel message and becoming part of the early Christian community.

     If you remembered before Paul was saved, he was a persecuted of the church. Paul persecuted who? “both _______ and _________“ (Acts 22:4)

Acts 22:4 “And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women."

This is part of a speech given by the apostle Paul to a crowd in Jerusalem, explaining his conversion to Christianity. Paul, who was previously known as Saul, was a devout Pharisee who persecuted Christians before his conversion.

Notice the phrase "binding and delivering into prisons both men and women," highlights the extent of Paul's persecution. Paul did not discriminate based on gender, actively seeking out both men and women who followed the teachings of Jesus.

     Read Galatians 3:28, fill up the missing words to know who were there in the body of Christ which is the church? ____

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither _____nor female: for ye are all ___ in _____  _____.”

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

     This is a powerful declaration of the unity and equality of all believers in Christ.

     Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians, the social and religious landscape was heavily divided along racial, social, and gender lines. The distinctions between Jews and Greeks, slaves and free people, and men and women were deeply ingrained and often reinforced by both religious and societal institutions. In contrast to this prevailing division, Paul presents the radical idea that in Christ, these divisions are null and void. All believers, regardless of their background, social status, or gender, are united as one in Jesus Christ.

     Paul's intention is to emphasize that the gospel of Jesus Christ transcends all human divisions and distinctions, and it unites believers in a common identity as children of God.

     Like men, women can equally enjoy membership in the church, the same as much as men can.

     A woman named Lydia was saved (Acts 16:14) the same way as the Philippians jailer was saved (Acts 16:27-34). In other words, we learned that gender makes no difference in the body of Christ.

     Do women believe in Christ as Savior have eternal life like those men who believe in Christ? ______ (John 6:47)

John 6:47 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."

     It is part of a longer discourse in which Jesus addresses the crowd that has gathered around him. Jesus has just performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish, and the people are seeking him out because they are amazed by this sign.

     Jesus has been engaging in a dialogue with the crowd about the nature of bread. He compares himself to the manna that God provided to the Israelites in the wilderness, emphasizing that He is the true bread from heaven that gives life to the world. Believing women and men in Jesus as the path to everlasting life, is symbolized by the bread that Jesus has been talking about.

     Do women believe can have forgiveness (remissions) of sins like those men who believe in Christ? _____ (Acts 10:43).

Acts 10:43 “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."

     Receiving eternal life as God’s gift, not based on any human merit, but only on God’s free grace. To believe in Jesus means that I no longer rely on anything in myself to commend myself to God. Rather, I trust only in what Jesus did on the cross as my hope for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

     Do women who believe in Christ as Savior become children of God, like men who also believe in Christ? __ (John 1:12)

John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

     This emphasizes the importance of receiving and believing in Jesus Christ. It is through receiving and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior that we are given the power to become children of God.

     It is not enough to simply acknowledge Jesus or have knowledge of Him; we must personally receive Him into our hearts and lives. This involves faith and surrender, acknowledging His lordship and trusting in His redemptive work.

     Through Christ, we are made new creations, adopted into God's family, becoming heirs to His blessing and promises and  given the power and authority to live as His children, no matter what gender you belong.

     Regardless of Gender, all are same in the Body of Christ.

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