SALVATION IN AN UNEXPECTED PLACE

Salvation In An Unexpected Place

Our life on earth may be a roller coaster at times. Some might have said that “good things never last”. Others might have said that “what goes up will come down again”. It is a joy and blessing when all things go well, but what about the times whereby “low” moments are being experienced? There may be times in low moments that you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Will you continue to focus on the bad situation at that moment or have continued trust and dependence in God, even during such bleak moments? Will there be good which will come out of it?

Luke, by inspiration, recorded that Paul, Silas, and himself were at Philippi in Macedonia (Acts 16:12) on a Sabbath. Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, heard them, and her heart was opened to Paul’s teaching (Acts 16:14). She and her household were subsequently baptised and the congregation was planted in Philippi (Acts 16:15).

The ‘Punishment’

It was indeed an occasion worth rejoicing. However, tragedy struck Paul and Silas when both of them were thrown into prison (Acts 16:23). Paul cast out a spirit from a damsel and this angered her masters because they obtained much profit from her soothsaying (Acts 16:16, 19). False accusations were brought up against Paul and Silas (Acts 16:20-21). We recall here that Jesus told His apostles that they would face tribulation (John 16:33). He also said before that His followers would face persecutions (Matthew 5:11-12; Mark 10:29-30).

Paul and Silas were treated roughly, stripped off their clothes and beaten (Acts 16:22-23). We are aware that previously, Stephen was stoned (Acts 7:59) and Jesus was reviled, scourged, and crucified (Matthew 27). Paul and Silas had “their feet fast in the stocks” (Acts 16:24), indicating that their feet were secured such that they could not escape.

Can you imagine how Paul and Silas felt at that point in time? They were doing God’s will, preaching, teaching, and healing people who were troubled by spirits. Yet, such a thing befell them. If you were falsely accused, severely beaten and thrown into jail for your faith, would you still trust in God’s plan?

Even during such trying moments, I must continue to trust in God’s wisdom and not mine (Proverbs 3:5-6). From the Old Testament, we can be comforted that God does not wish evil upon us (Jeremiah 29:11). This is not all as we have the assurance from Romans 8:28 as long as we live in obedience to God’s will.

The Praise

Let us note what Paul and Silas did in the situation they were in. They prayed (Acts 16:25). Even in difficult times, they turned to God and not to others (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). They were humble and depended on God (cf. 1 Peter 5:6-7). Besides praying, Paul and Silas also sang praises unto God (Acts 16:25). They did not blame God. Instead, there was submission to God’s will. We recall what the psalmist wrote: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2) The writer of the book of Hebrews also recorded: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Paul and Silas did not allow the spreading of the gospel to be hindered even in the situation they were in. Through their example and what they did, the other prisoners heard them.

Like Paul and Silas, I need to think and focus on worthy things (Philippians 4:8). When I am in difficult times, I pray fervently because God has given me the assurance that I will have peace of mind when I go to Him (Philippians 4:6-7). Paul is an example to follow because he wrote it by inspiration and he also wrote of God being the God of peace and who will provide peace (Philippians 4:9). Paul rejoiced (Philippians 4:10) because he knew Christ would strengthen him in the labour of the Lord (Philippians 4:13). I can also rejoice in the same manner as I labour for the Lord. When singing hymns with Silas in prison, Paul rejoiced and thought about God. It is no wonder that Paul wrote to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). Thus, I must do likewise and be an imitator of Paul even as he is of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

The Providence

We are able to see God’s providence in the situation which Paul and Silas were in as a result of their continued faith and trust in Him. The prisoners’ bands were loosed (Acts 16:26). They would have been in a downcast state, but they didn’t take the opportunity to run away. Salvation came in an unexpected time and place. The Philippian jailor and his household received salvation (Acts 16:27-33). Paul and Silas also had their stripes washed by the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:33). The Philippian jailor’s household was saved and were added to the Lord’s Church that very night!

There was great rejoicing (Acts 16:34). Luke recorded rejoicing in heaven over a sinner who repents (Luke 15:7, 10). The Bible tells us that God desires all of mankind to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Don’t we rejoice when people are baptised, especially so when they are our physical family members?

There was a spiritual release from the bondage of sin for the Philippian jailor and his household. For Paul and Silas, there was a physical release from the bondage in prison (Acts 16:35-39). Paul made use of his rights as a Roman citizen and would not allow himself to be released silently because it would mean that the release from prison was unauthorised and that preaching was a criminal offence.

“And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.” (Acts 16:40) Lydia and her household would have known of the imprisonment and there was a need to comfort and strengthen the new believers. Thus, when Paul and Silas were released from prison, they went to strengthen Lydia and the brethren who were there.

At such unexpected times and places, we read of God’s providence in the Bible. Truly, I will rest on the promises of God and trust in His providence. Paul rested on the promises of God in difficult times. Jesus provided an invitation to those who labour and are heavy laden to go to Him (Matthew 11:28). Besides those who are heavy laden with the guilt of sin, Christians can also turn to Christ.

 Brethren, whenever there does not seem to be light at the end of the tunnel, continue to depend and trust in God during such bleak moments. There was salvation for Paul, Silas, the Philippian jailor and his household. God uses various situations and people to bring His will to fruition.

Ask Yourself:

1. What was worth rejoicing in the above article?

2. What did Paul and Silas do when they were in prison?

3. How can I make mindful steps to trust and depend on God and not in my own understanding?

Suggested Answers:

1. Lydia and her household, the Philippian jailor and his household became Christians. Paul and Silas were released from prison.

2. They prayed and sang praises to God (Acts 16:25).

3. You may share and discuss with any Bible class teachers.