Acts 16:26-34 (NIV)
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 everybody’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
What an incredible story! When the earthquake hit and their chains fell off, Paul and Silas don’t make a break for it. Instead they minister to the jailer. The irony here is palpable. Paul and Silas are in chains, but they are the only ones truly free – as shown by their midnight worship service. The jailer, who is free, is really the one in bondage (to his job, performance, expectations, etc.) – as shown by his suicidal response.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder to me. God sets me free to minister to those in bondage. He heals me so I might minister healing to others. He encourages me so that I might encourage others. He brings me salvation so that I might lead others to the Lord.
Those good things the Lord has done for you…he did out of love. And he wants you to share that with others.
