Lessons from Acts 16:25 Acts 16:16-25

They worshipped God at a dark time. “But at midnight… They worshipped God at a dark time. Psalm 27:4-5, 34:1-4, 103:1-6, Job 2:10 Their circumstances didn’t affect their relationship with God. Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 4:10-13, Hebrews 10:23 Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

…Paul and Silas… They worshipped together. Could have turned inward, but they bonded to each other. 1 Peter 3:7 …heirs together of the grace of life,… Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

…were praying and singing hymns to God,… James 5:13  Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 1 Thessalonians 5:17  pray without ceasing, Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

…were praying and singing hymns to God,… “We have here a sublime and holy scene, which sin and infidelity could never furnish. What more sublime spectacle has the earth witnessed than that of scourged and incarcerated men, suffering from unjust and cruel inflictions, and anticipating still greater sorrows; yet, with a calm mind, a pure conscience, a holy joy, pouring forth their desires and praises at midnight, into the ear of the God, who always hears prayer! The darkness, the stillness, the loneliness, all give sublimity to the scene, and teach us how invaluable is the privilege of access to the throne of mercy in this suffering world.” Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

…and the prisoners were listening to them.” Setbacks can become great opportunities. Philippians 1:12-14 We never know who we may influence. 1 Peter 3:15-16

How would we react in those circumstances? Would we seek comfort from our Creator? Would we seek to comfort one another? Would we seek to share our comfort with those around us?