First glance summary: A servant girl, who was plagued by the spirit of divination (which her owners used for their own wealthy gain),was following Paul and his companions around, crying loudly "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation". She did this for days--needless to say, Paul became annoyed and turned and cast the spirit out of her. In doing this, Paul incurred the wrath of her masters, which then lead to a public affair. Paul and his companions were dragged to the officials, charged with disturbing the peace and making trouble, then flogged and thrown into prison. Paul and Silas sat in prison throughout the night, praying and singing "and the prisoners were listening to them" (25). There was suddenly an earthquake at midnight, causing all the doors of the cells to fling open AND all the chains to fall off the prisoners. The jailer woke up and saw all of the cell doors open. Knowing he would die as punishment, he decided to kill himself, but before he could bring harm, Paul cried out "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!". All of the prisoners were still there. The jailer immediately asked how he could be saved, to which Paul and Silas replied "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved"(31). The jailer took them home, cared for them, then was baptized (and his family). Paul and Silas were "released" the next day (the officials declared they could go), but after being released, Paul brought up how he and Silas were actually Roman citizens.....*gulp*. The magistrates actually came themselves and apologized face-to-face to Paul and Silas.
I read this once and had the initial thought of "wow, that's pretty amazing that God released them from prison". Then this afternoon, I began thinking even more about it--this story is actually not fully about Paul and Silas at all. This story is honestly truly about the jailer. A man who spent his days ensuring men were serving their sentences as laid out by the law, when he himself was condemned by God's law. A man who's occupation was to keep men in punishment for their crimes, but who he himself was bound by chains stronger than mere iron and metal. This is the story of a heroic rescue.
I read this once and had the initial thought of "wow, that's pretty amazing that God released them from prison". Then this afternoon, I began thinking even more about it--this story is actually not fully about Paul and Silas at all. This story is honestly truly about the jailer. A man who spent his days ensuring men were serving their sentences as laid out by the law, when he himself was condemned by God's law. A man who's occupation was to keep men in punishment for their crimes, but who he himself was bound by chains stronger than mere iron and metal. This is the story of a heroic rescue.
The Most High sent his servants to bring the jailer out of the place of darkness where he remained--to pluck him out of the bondage of sin and carry him into the kingdom of light. The man was even prepared to take his own life, but the hand of Mercy was extended in perfect timing. Our Savior proved his desire to have this jailer as his own by sending Paul and Silas into a place where most people would not voluntarily go...and they went rejoicing! They even waited until after persecution to even mention a fact that would ensure they received better treatment. I can just imagine them saying "Jesus knows. People in prison need Him just as much as the freed man". They entrusted themselves into their Shepherd's care, and in return, the presence of God swept through the dingy prison and released those in bondage. As a result, a man and his entire household were brought into fullness of life and HOPE. Can you imagine how little the apostles considered the persecution, considering the fruit springing forth? The apology from the officials wasn't probably even necessary to Paul and Silas, but God does things like that for his people--He himself is the vindicator.
God wasn't just looking at getting his servants from point A to point B...He was going after the lost one. If God seems to be taking you on a detour between points, rejoice! Look for ways to reach the lost and hurting, serve, grow, bear fruit,(Sing and pray too! You never know who's listening!) and "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised IS faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).
Praise God!
In Him,
Anna
Anna,
ReplyDeleteGod definitely gave you a divine revelation in this! It's such a neat thought and post! :)