It’s helpful to remember that Philippi was a Roman colony for all that happens to our missionaries in this reading. Did it surprise you that Paul and Silas would have been thrown into prison for preaching the Good News? Roman law would have required that new religions be recognized and approved. The real reason the men were mad at Paul was because of their greed and how Paul’s deliverance had hurt their business. The masters had to think fast, realizing a personal vendetta would not anger the authorities.
The persecution Paul and his companions faced was intense. We shouldn’t rush past what they endured. Spreading the gospel was not always a “walk in the park” for them. Still today, Christians find themselves at odds with non-believers. When I think of what is happening to fellow believers in Nigeria, my heart shatters. Despite all the killing and fears persecution brings, God’s people remain faithful. Have you ever thought about how you would stand up for Jesus if put in a threatening position?
How did Paul respond to having his feet clamped in stocks, unsure of what would happen next? “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Never forget to talk to God and worship. We can see now how God was using that most horrible, painful moment. The praise coming from these prisoners would have surprised their listeners, don’t you think? Seeds of faith were planted at that moment.
Then it happened. There was an earthquake freeing Paul and all the other prisoners from their shackles. Rather than running for freedom, they stayed. God was moving in that jail that night, and souls were finding their way home. Paul’s ministry could not be contained. Even the jailer wanted to know what he had to do to be saved. Can you imagine that?
I’ve experienced the rumblings of an earthquake, but one that had the force to break open the prison doors would have gotten attention in the middle of the night. Seeing how God can use every circumstance to draw his children back to Himself is powerful.
Did you wonder why the city officials had a change of heart overnight? Had the earthquake shaken them, too? Did God intervene? Paul and his friends were free to go. But Paul didn’t want to go quietly. He and Silas were Roman citizens after all, and Paul wanted to make that known. Why was it such a big deal? Because as Roman citizens, Paul and Silas shouldn’t have been treated that way without a fair trial. Can’t you just picture the authorities trying to appease the men?
Yet the welcome mat was not extended to these “citizens.” Rather, the officials “begged” them to leave town. The message Paul and Silas brought was unsettling, and it was not accepted by all. The authorities must have been trying to keep peace in their city. Instead of leaving as requested, the men retreated to their new believer friend, Lydia.
That was quite a series of events, memorable to be sure. What was the profound message you took from how God moved in that moment? For me, it’s good to see that God doesn’t always keep the bad things from happening in our lives, but he does offer us a way out when we remain faithful to Him.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I am always amazed at how you show up to help us when we need it most. I want worship and praise to be my response when things in life are hard. Such a beautiful example Paul and Silas give us here. I do worship you for all that you are, all that you have done, and all that you have promised to do. Help me stay connected, enlighten my life with the truth of Scripture, and guide my feet at every step. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
