After their first missionary journey experiences, Paul and his companions seem fearless when it comes to opposition. Their experiences of seeing God act on their behalf for the sake of the Gospel help them to see beyond their present circumstances and focus on following Christ.
This time they were "severely flogged and thrown into prison" (16:23). The Roman law concerning punishment depended on the judge and often was overly cruel, especially when administered to aliens. They didn't realize Paul was indeed a Roman citizen, to which he would appeal to later. Suffice it to say, the beating wasn't pretty!
Paul and Silas had no inkling of what God was going to do in this situation. For all they knew, this could be the end. So, their response represented genuine faith and total trust that God would never leave them. I wonder what they were singing? I wonder what I would have sung? Probably something like the old "Hee Haw" song that began like this: "Doom, despair, and agony on me. Deep dark depression, excessive misery. If I had no bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."
Anyway, "the other prisoners were listening to them as they were singing hymns to God."(verse 25) It is in this context that God miraculously moved in their situation. Long story short, the jailer and all his household, and I would think many of the prisoners, were saved that night to the glory of God!
I wonder what the "prisoners" around ME see? Do I demonstrate a rock solid faith in God no matter what? Often I have lived my life hoping that God would help me avoid pain, not realizing that it is the pain in my life that has strengthened my faith the most and brought the most glory to God.
Pain will always be the common human experience in this fallen world. In the midst of our pain, let us focus on the One who promises us an eternal home where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
Jim Mathias
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