Acts 16:28

New Living Translation

For Meditation

But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

The marvel of authentic Christian living is that people believe in Christ because of the integrity of His disciples. I call it “the word on wheels.” So, come with me to the jailhouse of Philippi at the midnight hour on that special day.

Two men surrounded by convicted criminals rejoiced in their Lord, filling the midnight air with joyful praises to their King (Acts 16:25). They shouldn’t have been there, but for their kind act of delivering a poor slave girl from demonic affliction. Yet, they rejoiced and worshiped anyway.

The earth rocked, and the foundation of the jailhouse swayed violently, rattling everything. Doors flew open, and chains fell off the feet of the prisoners. They were free to run away, but they didn’t. Call it divine release, yet they remained.

Like a calm after the storm and with no melody in the air anymore, the jailer was sure of one thing: The prison is empty, and he was as good as dead, so why not end it himself?

“Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

The voice of Paul jarred the jailer even more than the earthquake. With lantern in hand, and his entire body quaking, he fell at the feet of Paul and Silas.

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

The lesson here is this: Our actions sometimes speak louder than words ever could. Paul’s actions after the earthquake preached the Gospel better than any words could have. Why didn’t they run away after the earthquake? And how about the other prisoners? What had they seen in the lives of Paul and Silas?

Will your behavior cause somebody to come trembling to ask you for the way of salvation? Does your life convict people of their lostness and their need for Jesus?

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Shalom

Pray with Me

Help me, Lord, to be a light to this dark world, especially when you have me in any time of difficulty, sorrow, or joy. May I shine your light to dispel the gloom and bring some distressed or wandering soul to you, the Light of the world. Amen.