Conversion of the Jailor Acts 16:25-34 Paul and Silas jailed at Philippi, Macedonia. Their “crime” – casting “spirit of divination” out of slave girl. Their treatment – arrested, beaten, put in maximum security. Their release – Midnight earthquake and jailer’s response. Paul and Silas were found in three positions the night the jailhouse rocked.

Three Positions of Paul & Silas Prisoners the Charge (20-21); the Reason (19) The formal charge: Unlawful troublemakers (vv. 20-21). Unfair to charge “troublemaker” or “division causer” period! (Acts 17:6), “But when they [envious Jews in Thessalonica] did not find them [Paul & Silas], they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Unfair to stigmatize one with generalities: “anti”, “troublemaker”, etc. (We can be guilty too) (Romans 16:17), “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” The real reason: Selfishness of masters (v. 16-19) – cared neither for girl or law. People often hide real motives behind more acceptable language – often called “spin” Brethren often use high sounding principles as pretext for sin (Matthew 15:4-6), “For God commanded, saying, "Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death. ' 5 But you say, "Whoever says to his father or mother, 'Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"— 6 then he need not honor his father or mother. ' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.”

Three Positions of Paul & Silas Prisoners the Charge (20-21); the Reason (19) Pray-ers (25) Not self-pity; rather, open glorifying of God Praying and Singing are not the sounds of self-pity (Matthew 5:11-12), “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Praying and Singing openly, without shame, in heathen prison. The prisoners heard them! Many afraid to be caught religious away from “church.” (Matthew 5:14-16), “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Three Positions of Paul & Silas Prisoners the Charge (20-21); the Reason (19) Pray-ers (25) Not self-pity; rather, open glorifying of God Preachers (32) The Question (30); the Answer (31-32) The sinner’s question: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (v. 30). Saved from what? (Not earthquake – it was over; Not Roman penalty – prisoners were safe.) What must I do? (Not what God, Christ or Holy Spirit must do; Not what must I feel or experience. The preacher’s answer: “Believe on the Lord” ... (vv. 31, 32). Answer began where the jailer was – an unbelieving pagan. Answer to Pentecostians began where they were – believers (Acts 2:38). Answer to Saul of Tarsus began where he was – penitent believer (Acts 22:16). Answer was not “faith only” – but, active, living faith including repentance and baptism. The believer’s baptism (v. 33). The time shows the urgency and importance. (33) “Immediately” The place suggests how baptism was performed. (Not in the jail; Not in the house; (33, 34) Hence, not sprinkling. (John 3:23) [Baptism is immersion], “Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there.” The prerequisites and results [FAITH] show that no infants were involved (vv. 32, 34).

Conclusion You can be saved like the jailor & his family! You can then behave like Paul & Silas! You can be saved like this family was and rejoice like they did. You can then behave like Paul and Silas: Suffer joyfully, Pray and sing unashamedly Preach plainly.