Acts Chapter 16 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
3 of 21
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαββάτων
on the sabbath
G4521
σαββάτων
on the sabbath
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
5 of 21
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεως
the city
G4172
πόλεως
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
9 of 21
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
παρὰ
by
G3844
παρὰ
by
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ποταμὸν
a river side
G4215
ποταμὸν
a river side
Strong's:
G4215
Word #:
11 of 21
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
ἐνομίζετο
was wont
G3543
ἐνομίζετο
was wont
Strong's:
G3543
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard
προσευχή
prayer
G4335
προσευχή
prayer
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
14 of 21
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καθίσαντες
we sat down
G2523
καθίσαντες
we sat down
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
17 of 21
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 13:14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Historical Context
Philippi lacked the ten Jewish men required for a synagogue, so Jewish women gathered at the riverside for prayer. This informal setting became the birthplace of Europe's first recorded church.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you seek and minister to people in informal settings rather than only established institutions?
- What does this teach about flexibility in finding seekers where they are rather than requiring them to come to you?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's team went 'out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made' seeking Jewish worship. Finding a women's prayer gathering rather than formal synagogue, Paul preached anyway. This flexibility - adapting to find seekers wherever they gather - shows missionary focus on people over institutions and willingness to minister in unexpected venues.