SCRIPTURE: Acts 16:16-40
OBSERVATION:
This passage suggests that some people can do supernatural things because of the (evil) spirits at work in them, still happens today!
Why didn’t Paul deal with the spirit right away?
Stripped, beaten, severely flogged, thrown into prison, feet fastened in stocks… praying and singing hymns to God… how is this possible?
The jailer is so impacted that he humbles himself before their God, recognizing that this is a true and powerful religion.
Once again the household connection, “he and all his family were baptized”.
Paul finishes this story with a dramatic flourish; it was a crime to treat Roman citizens this way, and Paul makes the magistrates eat humble pie!
APPLICATION:
Amazing how Paul and Silas can sing after all this? They must have been singing through blood and tears and groans and pains. Remember how brutal flogging is!
God’s power is shown through the trial, not by saving them from the trial. Do we avoid all danger and hardship (in the name of being safe) and miss out on God’s amazing interventions and dramatic conversions?
Paul was no perfect saint, and we see his weaker instincts at work when he makes a big deal before the magistrates, humbling them… but the weaker part of me says, “touche Paul, you go!”
PRAYER:
Lord, I realize how weak my faith and commitment are when I compare myself to Paul and Silas. I also sense that You are willing and able to do so much more than I could ask or imagine, if I put myself at risk for You. Amen.
The people are mob driven. Remember Jesus entering Jerusalem and three days later? Here the mob are following the owners of the slave girl. Their riches disappeared. How often do I not make my decisions based on economic gain?
Paul and Silas were living letters of God’s grace. Their prayer life continued also in jail. An ingredient of that prayer life was singing songs of praise. In spite of persecution for the sake of the gospel, they remained steadfast in the Lord, rather than complaining of all the injustice done to them. That’s testimony! That’s living for Jesus.
Paul and Silas were encouragers. That was seen in their minstry in the jail, but also upon their release – going back to Lydia and the new converts to encourage them before they left the area. How do I help those new to the faith by what I say and do? Use me Lord as an instrument of Your peace to those around me.
Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whenever we hear that glorious Word!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our fathers we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach Thee, too, as love knows how,
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! Holy faith!
We will be true to Thee till death!