Shortly after they arrived in Philippi, because they were Jews, Paul and Silas were arrested and placed in prison where they were chained in the inner dungeon, the most secure cell in the prison. Additionally, to ensure they did not escape, they were fastened to stocks.
“25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25)
In spite of their situation, Paul and Silas were led to give praise to God through songs of worship, which were heard by all those present in the jail, including Yahweh who eventually triggered an earthquake that shook the prison doors open. Then, to magnify the works of the missionaries, God sent angels to free them of their chains and unfasten the stocks they had been bound to.
“26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.” (Acts 16:26-27)
God delighted in His missionaries’ worship, so much so that He chose to manifest His appreciation through an earthquake, which shook the foundations of the building so severely, the prison cells’ doors were opened. Then, God sent an angel to loosen the prisoners from their chains and stocks.
When he saw this, the jail keeper considered suicide as he knew the penalty for the prisoners’ escape would involve suffering and certain death.
“28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.” (Acts 16:28-29)
Seeing what the jail keeper was about to do, Paul reassured him by informing him all the prisoners remained in the jail. When he heard this, the keeper called for a light to confirm Paul’s claims. When he saw that indeed all the prisoners were still inside the jail, he was astonished and fell down before Paul and Silas.
“30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)
In awe with the miraculous event, and convinced both men were divinely appointed, the jail keeper brought Paul and Silas out of the building and in reverence, asked them how he could himself be saved. The missionaries instructed the jail keeper that all he needed to do to be saved was believe in Jesus, that the Savior who came to live a perfect life died on the cross, then was resurrected on the third day. By faith, the jail keeper would be saved, and by believing, all those in his household would be saved as well.
“32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.” (Acts 16:32-33)
Paul and Silas shared the truth about Jesus, which led to those present to believe and be born again of faith in Christ. As the jail keeper took Paul and Silas to the nearby tank located in the jail’s courtyard where he washed the missionaries’ bodies, by then covered with bruises, blood and dirt. While at the tank, the new believers were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
“34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” (Acts 16:34)
After they were baptized, the new believers rejoiced and broke bread with Paul and Silas, fulfilling one of the pillars of Christianity through fellowship. The miracle here was not only that Paul and Silas escaped from prison and sure death, but that the persecutors themselves and their entire household were led to Christ. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
