Have you ever been in prison? Believe me, this is the last place on earth anyone in their normal state of mind would want to be. In 1993 to early 1994 I did prison work amongst inmates. If you can picture a rectangular high rise building with barred, small windows high up on the walls where every cell was, on every floor. To get into the complex one needed to go through heavily guarded doors, then steel gates. The awaiting trial prisoners were in the closet cells to the entrance security gate. Those sentenced were deeper in, as was the kitchen and eating facility and chapel. It was cold, darkish and little chance of escape. I did spiritual work amongst the “medium” section. The maximum section had far more security. This was brought to mind as we come to the section today. Please read:
Ac 16:23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.
1) High security. It’s interesting that Paul and Silas were incarcerated at the highest level for healing a demon possessed girl. The jailor was instructed to guard them carefully. The word “command”, as we expect comes from a military term where there is no option but to do as been told. The word “carefully” means to “watch over” or “keep in view”. The magistrates must have been persuaded by the owners of the slave girl and the crowds. Maybe this is the reason for the flogging and “high security” at the prison. On top of this, Rome appointed them as their rulers for the city. What they said was final.
Ac 16:24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
The stocks were a cruel “machine”. There were numerous holes … meaning the legs could be pushed apart to cause pain and excruciating discomfort as a punishment and as a deterrent preventing escape. The jailer was most likely a retired Roman soldier and followed instructions without any sympathy for mankind. Putting the missionaries in the inner cell meant it was the highest security possible.
2) Is it possible to incarcerate the Gospel? Look at two ways it is impossible to prevent the Gospel from pushing forward.
(1) Praying and singing.
Ac 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
These missionaries in prison but the worship of God is not imprisoned! The pain and wounds from the flogging and the cramping from the stocks did not prevent Paul and Silas from speaking to God … aloud and singing praise aloud. What an example to us when we are under pressure or attack or unjustly accused. Prayer and praise is our best and only resource. But there is more … the other prisoners were listening to them! Their worship of God became a Gospel Witness to the other prisoners. And note … this was at midnight! Surely this must be inspirational to every child of God! Wherever we are; whatever we face; whatever the time; whatever the conditions … prayer and praise not only helps the soul trust God … it becomes a Gospel opportunity. There are more who will listen to us than we realize. God uses His people anywhere. Don’t miss a God given opportunity!
(2) An earthquake. Why was this happening at midnight when Paul and Silas had been in prison for a few hours?
Ac 16:26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.
God does not start a work ending it without fruit. He always has a strategy … and carefully worked out plan which always includes people being saved. That is God’s business here on earth after the Cross … saving souls. The earthquake was sudden. It came at the most unexpected time. Earthquakes were not new or unknown in Israel. Elijah experienced one in 1 Kings 19:11. Ezekiel and Amos spoke of them. Listen to Isaiah:
Isa 29:6 the LORD Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire.
Here he is foretelling or prophesying. Remember what happened at the Cross?
Mt 27:50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
My reason for listing all of these is because the earthquakes in the Bible were “miraculous” occurrences. God was in the quake. God was talking. He used these to get people’s attention … to capture their heart … to speak Truth into their souls by arresting them … stopping them in their tracks so they can consider the Gospel! Keep that thought until tomorrow … for now:
Ac 16:26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.
(a) The prison’s foundations were shaken.
(b) The prison doors were flung open.
(c) All prisoners’ chains were loosened!
How could this be? It was so targeted! Doors opened and chains loosened … no persons … no keys! Irrespective how secure man made the prison and prisoners … man cannot stand against the finger of God! God was at work. It was His plan that his missionaries exorcise the demons from the slave girl. It was His plan they be flogged and jailed. Then … His real purpose started to be realized with a sudden, miraculous violent earthquake resulting in the scariest of things in the middle of the night … foundations shaking, doors opening and chains falling off. The jailer, the missionaries and the prisoners were filled with a mixture of fear and anticipation. What was happening? Is this what prayer and praise does?
Our Father, forgive us for questioning Your ways. How limited we are in understanding what happens around us. Help us to see the bigger picture and how we may be part of Your work to reach the lost on this earth. Amen.