#BibleStudy. Expressions of Faith. Acts Ch 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 for 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 printed above is the next event.

• The jailer arrives at the front door of the prison after the earthquake 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 and hurries to Paul’s cell and finds all prisoners present, even though they’re no longer in chains.

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

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

 

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