Rejoicing in Jail

Paul was writing from prison when he said, Now I want you to know, brothers, that what happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. (Phil. 1:12 NIV) He explained that because of his imprisonment the palace guard and others realized he was there only because he was a Christian. They respected Paul. And because of the jail sentence, the Word of God was brought to people who would normally have been outside his sphere of influence.

Furthermore, Because of my chains most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God. . . . (v. 14a) Those dependent upon Paul for spiritual leadership were forced to step out on their own.

So although prison continued as an uncomfortable reality, Paul could write to the Philipians, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (v. 18b)

Imagine. He rejoiced. He knew God could take aspects of life which are difficult—perhaps even devastating—and use them for good.

Originally published October 7, 1983.
Picture: Pansies, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

"This Babbler"

While in Athens, Paul went to the square. There he learned that the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. (Acts 17:21 RSV)

This has to be one of the funniest verses in the Bible. Picture cronies daily rehashing the tiresome latest trends. Standing around with no concept of useful activity, they reacted to Paul with, “What would this babbler say?” (v. 18b) They looked for whatever diversion they could find, even listening to people they identified as babblers—because they needed something to fill their boring, idle hours.

With great grace, Paul saw this as an opportunity. He presented the gospel.

Reactions varied, especially when he told them about Jesus’ resurrection. Then, some mocked, but others said, “We will hear you again about this” (v. 32b)

Paul did not push his message of Jesus. He quietly moved so he was no longer the center of attention. Some followed him and became believers.

Originally published March 19, 1982.

And Your Household

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.

Not a Failure

Paul and his new traveling companion Silas had a relatively brief stay at Thessalonica. While they were there, they went to the synagogue as they did in all the cities they visited. For three Sabbaths Paul taught from the Old Testament and encouraged discussion, all the while explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. (Acts 17:3 NIV)

It did not last. Some of the Jews, . . a large group of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women accepted Paul’s teaching. (v. 4) When that happened, leaders of the synagogue were both jealous and threatened, so they incited a riot by riling up ne’er-do-wells from the city marketplace.

According to most standards, the events of those few weeks were not a successful missionary effort. But Paul was not discouraged. He knew God could do great things even when it did not look good.

As a result of those few weeks, a church was established. And Paul could later write to the Thessalonians, You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. ( I Thess. 2:1)

Originally published July 15, 1983.

A Violent Reaction

After he became a Christian, Paul spent some time in Antioch. Then the church of Antioch sent him on the first official missionary journey with another disciple named Barnabas.

In the city of Lystra, Paul began ministering by performing a mighty miracle. A man who was crippled from birth was healed. (Acts 14:8-10) The crowd of the city went wild. They exalted both Paul and Barnabas as gods; they even prepared a sacrifice of oxen before them!

Then Paul and Barnabas became excited. They tore their clothing and ran into the crowd. They cried, “why are you doing this? We also are men . . .” (v. 15a RSV) Paul added, “turn from these vain things to a living God who made the heaven and the earth . . .” (v. 15b)

Perhaps the admonition to turn from vain things explains what followed. Just days later, when influenced by adversaries from city they had visited earlier, the people stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city. (v. 19b) Then they left him there for dead.

The rapid turn-around of the people makes no sense to a rational mind. But a rational mind would not try to make a person a god. When people are deceived, they are easily swayed.

Originally published December 11, 1981.