Tag: Acts 16:25-31
Day 4–A Famous Jailer
Scripture reading for May 7: Acts 16:25-31 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and 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 bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Paul and Silas were missionaries who had delivered a slave girl from demonic spirits. This caused an uproar and business leaders dragged them before the local rulers and their judges. They were beaten and accused of teaching strange customs and breaking Roman law. These judges had them put in leg irons and hand restraints in the dungeon of the local prison and instructed the jailer to keep them.
But Paul and Silas rejoiced in the Lord Jesus. They sang hymns of praise to God. God heard and sent a strong earthquake that opened the prison doors and released all bonds from every prisoner! The jailer knew if they escaped, he would pay with his life so he prepared to take his own life. Paul and Silas cried out to him, encouraging him that they were all there. The jailer was surprised and thankful. He brought them out and asked them how he, too, could be saved.
For those working in jails, this passage demonstrates why we must acknowledge God in all our ways and treat each prisoner with respect. God shook his jail, but also his own soul with a realization that he needed what Paul and Silas had. He had heard the worship and now wanted to worship God too. These prisoners had the answer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and your household.” For those in jail, as believers, God has a mission field there. He will use you, even as a prisoner, if you keep a heart faithful and full of worship.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing story of a jailer and his family who in doing his job found a brand new life in Jesus. Amen.
Spared by faith!
Scripture reading for May 5th: 1st Samuel 23-24, 1 Chronicles 6, Psalm 54, Acts 16
Key Scriptures: Acts 16:25-31 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all of the prison doors were opened and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.””
Paul and Silas had been beaten and put in stocks in the dungeon of a Philippian prison. They were praying and praising God at the darkest hour–midnight, with other prisoners listening in amazement. In response to their faith, God sent a special earthquake that loosed their bonds and opened the doors! The jailer fell under conviction, asking what he needed to do for salvation. Paul’s response was simple: “Believe on the Lord Jesus!” He could and would be spared by faith, and his whole household if they too believed!
Psalm 54:4 “Behold, God is my Helper; the Lord is the Upholder of my life.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and receive salvation, for me and for my whole household! I stand in faith for each one’s personal act of trust in the Lord Jesus.
1st Samuel 24:10 “Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.'”