Paul and Silas in Prison
Acts 16:25-33
One more time, we begin with the text.
Paul and Silas are singing with a captive audience. These circumstances were less than ideal, yet Paul and Silas were still faithful. People were watching and listening. Are you aware that people are watching you, often in less than optimal circumstances, to see how you will react?
Paul kept his ethics in those less than optimal conditions. He and Silas did not run when they could have, and also kept the jailer from committing suicide. One wonders if the jailer had overseen or participated in any physical abuse that Paul and Silas may have encountered. If so, it makes Pauls ethical commitment even more striking.
The impact this has on the jailer and his household was obvious. Paul pointed him to Jesus, period.
Questions to consider as you review the text above.
1. What impact do you suppose Paul and Silas praying and singing had on the prisoners (and possibly the guard)?
2. Why did Paul and Silas choose to remain prisoners rather than to escape?
3. Why do you suppose the jailer asked what was needed in order to be saved? What brought him to that point?
Examine conversion from a biblical perspective, as opposes to a cultural perspective. We want to know, from the examination of scripture, what it means to help someone become a follower of Christ. We also want to process seeing someone reject Christ, and leaving our marketplace ministry efforts to God.
