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.”’ 

 

 

The magistrate of the city of Philippi had Paul and Silas publicly beaten and thrown into prison. Around midnight as they prayed and sang hymns in their prison cell, God sent an earthquake that caused the prison doors to fly open and they were set free. 

 

 

The jailor was afraid that the prisoners had escaped and was ready to take his own life, but Paul and Silas assured him that they were still there. The jailor was so relieved and amazed that he asked to hear their message of salvation. And that very night, he and his whole family believed in Jesus and were baptized.

 

God often uses unusual means to reach hard to reach people. Surely the jailor was a man hardened by his job. It would be doubtful to see him coming out to hear Paul’s preaching. So God sent Paul and Silas to him, not in a position of authority as preachers, but as beaten-up and falsely accused prisoners. Yet in their weakness, in their suffering, they prayed and sang hymns to God. And God not only set them free from prison, but used them to set the jailor and his household free from slavery to sin!

*Prayer Points*

 

1. Father, teach us to find joy in worship even in difficult circumstances. 

 

2. Father, help us to trust in Your perfect plan, even when it involves unexpected turns. 

 

3. Father, grant us boldness and courage to share the gospel with those around us, regardless of our circumstances. May we be ready to speak of Your salvation at all times, just as Paul and Silas did when the jailor asked about salvation.

 

4. Let us pray for spiritual breakthroughs in our lives and communities. Just as God shook the prison foundations and opened the doors, He will break through spiritual barriers and bring freedom and salvation to those bound by sin.