Saved!

Then he (the jailer) brought them (Paul and Silas) out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:25-40

Paul has been reviled and jailed in Philippi because he incurred the anger of businessmen who were using a slave girls’ demonic possession to make money. Paul, through the work of the Holy Spirit, had freed the girl of the demons in her, just as Jesus had many times during His earthly ministry. As Paul and Silas were severely bound inside the jail, they were praying and singing praises to God when an awesome earthquake strikes the jail leaving it damaged to the point that each prisoner could walk out for, not only were the jail doors opened but, the stocks of the prisoners were loosed and the guards were rendered unconscious. As the jail’s warden was awakened, he saw the severity of the damage and took his own sword, not to kill the prisoners who remained but, to kill himself for he was responsible, personally, for any escapees and would have to pay their penalty himself meaning he would die at the hands of his superiors. Paul, miraculously aware of the jailer’s actions, shouts to him to not “harm himself.” Upon closer inspection, the jailer saw that not one prisoner was missing. So, he inquired of Paul, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The simple truth to salvation by the Lord is belief. Belief by grace alone, given by God only, through faith alone in the works of Christ alone is the only way one must be saved. The only thing a human being brings to salvation is his/her sin. That is a pretty exclusive method but, it is God’s way or no way at all. Yet, God’s way is all inclusive to anyone who believes in His Only Begotten Son, Jesus the Christ. The jailer is saved along with his entire family. Paul and Silas are made guests in the jailer’s home until the morning comes when the city’s leaders, who had illegally incarcerated a Roman citizen, send word to release them. Upon hearing of Paul’s indignation of his being jailed without cause, the city’s leaders come to personally apologize to Paul for their indiscretions. So, Paul and Silas depart the jail, visit Lydia and the other new Christians in Philippi before they depart to continue their missionary work elsewhere. Each Christian is called to be an ambassador for Christ while we remain in this world. It matters not what the circumstances are of each Christian’s life, he is called to be a missionary, some in his/her own neighborhood, others to go into the world. Each Christian faces the dangers of Satan’s and his demons’ resistance to the good news. May Christians everywhere become empowered by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power to spread the gospel message this dying world so badly needs.

Source: S C Ball July 16, 2023