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.
Acts 16:13 · King James Version
Meaning
During Paul's missionary journey, he and his companions visited a riverside outside the city on the Sabbath day. They went there because it was a place where prayer was commonly practiced. Paul followed the Jewish custom of seeking out a quiet place of prayer and reflection on the Sabbath. By the river, they found a group of women gathered for prayer. It was at this riverside that Paul and his companions shared their message with the women who had gathered there. This verse illustrates the importance of prayer and spiritual reflection, as well as the willingness of Paul to engage in dialogue with those seeking spiritual truth. It also highlights the inclusive nature of Paul's ministry, as he spoke not only to men but also to women, recognizing that all people are deserving of hearing the gospel. This event by the riverside ultimately led to the conversion of one of the women named Lydia, showing the power of sharing the message of Christ with others.
Theological Overview
In this passage, we see Paul and his companions observing the Sabbath by going outside the city to a riverside where prayer was customarily held. This practice was in line with Jewish tradition, as the Sabbath was a day set apart for rest and worship. By engaging in prayer in this setting, Paul and his companions demonstrated their commitment to honoring the Sabbath and seeking God's presence in their lives. The mention of speaking to the women who were gathered there highlights the inclusive nature of Paul's ministry, as he reached out to both men and women to share the message of the Gospel. This passage reminds us of the importance of setting aside time for prayer and worship, and of the need to reach out to others with the message of salvation, regardless of their gender or social standing.
Acts 16:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And on the sabbath day we went forth without the gate by a river side, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women that were come together.
World English Bible
On the Sabbath day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who had come together.
Douay-Rheims
And upon the Sabbath day, we went forth without the gate by a river side, where it seemed that there was prayer: and sitting down, we spoke to the women that were assembled.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And on the Sabbath day, we went out of the citie, besides a Riuer, where they were wont to pray: and we sate downe, and spake vnto the women, which were come together.