Project 119: Acts 16:16-40
| Project 119 | Dr. Wayne Splawn
Paul spent a lot of time in prison because of his faithful proclamation of the gospel. Here in Acts 16:16-40, we read of a time Paul was imprisoned in Philippi. I wonder how you and I would respond if we were in Paul’s shoes. I imagine I would be filled with fear and would be racking my brain trying to figure out the quickest way to secure my freedom.
How did Paul and Silas respond? In verse 25, Luke tells us they spent the night praying and singing hymns to God. In choosing this response, Paul and Silas revealed their hope was in God rather than themselves. And I find it instructive to note that Luke points out the other prisoners were listening to them. We have seen the apostles bear witness to their belief in Jesus through sermons and in conversations with non-believers throughout the book of Acts, but the way they respond in the face of tragedy is also a powerful witness to their belief in God.
When we face difficulties in this life, we would do well to follow the example of Paul and Silas. Rather than worry and rely on our own abilities, let’s commit to being a people who pray and worship the Lord, trusting in Him to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. And as others see us relying on the Lord in the midst of difficulties, our lives will be a powerful witness to our belief in God.
Acts 16:16-40 (ESV):
16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.”22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 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. 27 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. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And 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 wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.