Book of Acts - Chapter 16 - Verse 13

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.

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.