Expressions of Faith. Acts 16. “What must I do…?”

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

Acts 16:25-26

Paul and Silas have been traveling more than a year.

The Holy Spirit directs them to the region of Macedonia.

Lydia, a wealthy Gentile worshiper of God—similar to Cornelius in Acts 10:2—hears Paul preach, accepts Christ as her Savior, and provides living accommodations for Paul and Silas.

After a semblance of a trial for freeing a slave girl from a demon, the missionaries are stripped, beaten, and imprisoned for teaching anti-Roman doctrine.

The Scripture introducing these comments is the next event.

The jailer arrives at the front door of the prison after the quake and sees it broken and hanging open.

• He prepares to kill himself, as required by Roman Law after all successful prison breaks.
• Paul shouts from within the darkness of the prison that all the prisoners are still inside.
• The jailer is astonished.
• He hurries to Paul's cell.
• He finds all prisoners present even though they are no longer chained in place. 
• Paul explains what's happened.

“What must I do to be saved,” the jailor asks Paul and Silas.

They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 

Acts 16:35 (WEB)

It’s the shortest road to salvation in the Bible.

The jailor and his entire household believe in Jesus as Savior, are saved, and baptized.

He takes Paul and Silas into his home, feeds them, and treats their wounds.

Philippian magistrates release Paul and Silas later that morning.

Two takeaways

1. Don't let circumstances dictate your attitude.
2. Never miss a chance to explain the path to salvation as simply as you can.

Next Expression of Faith: God is 

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