A Philipian jailer was desperate. The foundations of his prison had been shaken by an earthquake and the inmates were set free. Assuming everyone would escape, the jailer planned to commit suicide to save his good name.
Paul and Silas were in the prison that night. When the earthquake struck, they had been singing praises and praying while the other prisoners listened. No one tried to leave. And when Paul realized what the jailer was about to do he let the man know that even though doors were open and chains were broken, the prisoners were still there.
Why would prisoners remain instead of try to escape? The scene is surreal, but God was apparently reaching the prisoners through praises and prayers of Paul and Silas. When the jailer realized what was happening, he fell down before Paul and Silas . . . “Men, what must I do to be save?” (Acts 16:30b RSV) Paul and Silas shared the gospel: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (v. 31)
The jailer responded to the invitation. But why? And why so quickly? Because his prisoners were present and accounted for?
Could it have been the Holy Spirit? Whatever our interpretation, we know God met both the jailer and the jailed in an hour of crisis. In fact, God’s love extended beyond the jailer himself to touch his entire household or family.
He can do the same for us.
Originally published August 21, 1981.
Picture: Young Geraniums, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.
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