How does Paul reach the Jailer?
Imprisoned people have no option but to obey those in charge of them. Paul and Silas, being among those imprisoned, obeyed the Philippian jailer as he was employed to look after prisoners. But spiritually they looked to God Almighty who could help them out of their predicament. Their devotion to prayer, praise and sharing the gospel was not chained and silenced by the walls of the prison and the fastening bonds.
As they prayed to God in prison, they expressed dependence on God. They could only get strength from God through prayer instead of complaining to the jailer and the magistrates who locked them in Prison. Often, we spend much time complaining to people who do not even know the God who called us and we expect to be helped. We forget that God is the owner of the ministry. We should talk to God in time of injustice and He will come through for us.
As they sang hymns of praise to God who had the power to free them from their bonds. Praise activated the power of God to work upon their lives. This was seen in the earthquake that shook the strong foundations of the prison and threw the bonds open. There is liberating power in praising God in all situations. No spiritual wall can stand the power of God at work in praise.
When the jailer woke up, he found out that the doors were open and wanted to kill himself because he was convinced thought Paul and Silas had escaped. But Paul cried out, "Do not harm yourself, we are all here." He rushed in the prison and knelt before Paul trembling in fear. He brought them out and asked Paul, "What shall I do to be saved?" Paul guided the jailer to believer in God and be saved.
Paul directed the jailer to the God of the power that worked in prison through prayer and praise. The jailer surrendered his life to God. God's authority and power is greater than any other power that can enslave people. The humility that Paul and Silas showed in waiting for the jailer to take them out and not running away, enabled the jailer to see God's grace in saving his life.
Prayer: God help me to pray and praise you in difficulty situations, to direct people who want to be saved to you, not to the miracle or fellowship place. God give me the grace to be humble as your vessel, not amassing glory to myself for the miracles you are doing, but letting glory be given unto you, God Almighty. Amen!
| 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?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 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. 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. (ESV) (Acts16:25-34) |
Rev Masauso Nyirenda, a minister at Chimwemwe Congregation in the Copperbelt Presbytery, Zambia. He is married to Margaret Band and together they are blessed with three children; Chimwemwe, Walusungu and Wezi.
