The opposition that Paul and Silas faced in Philippi climaxes in their imprisonment. Such was the furor that was stirred by the masters of the girl delivered from the power of Satan, that they were hastily bundled into a prison cell, having first been beaten. Cp v22-23.
Yet God was about to work through this situation in a remarkable way that would result in the salvation of one of the leaders of the opposition to them—their jailer. What indignities and hardships God’s people have to endure at times to see the gospel cause advance.
I THE WITNESS THAT GOD HONOURED.
In these events the simple gospel witness by God’s servants was wonderfully used by the Lord Himself.
Prayerful praise. Paul and Silas could pray and sing in spite of the gross miscarriage of justice that had occurred, v37. They had been ignominiously treated without semblance of judicial process. Their legal rights had been trampled underfoot but thy could still sing and pray. They had not lost their joy or desire to spend time with the Lord. Cp 5:41. They were not ashamed to do so publicly even though this was a continuation of that which had got them into trouble.
God shook the prison house in response, v26. This was a miraculous intervention! The foundations were shaken but the building stood and no loss of life occurred. The prisoners were all released yet none escaped, or apparently desired to escape. How real the fear of God must have been at this moment!
A word in season, v28. Paul became aware of the imminent death of the jailer. He spoke a word to prevent him destroying himself. He had no desire to see this man perish! This in turn was the word that brought the jailer to their feet seeking the Saviour. What a flood of relief and a recognition of the mercy of God that had spared him from temporal and eternal ruin must have filled his mind at this point.
II A HARD MAN SAVED.
No sympathy with God’s men, v24. He had willingly carried out the injunction of the magistrates and apparently with some enthusiasm.
No fear of death, v27. He would rather die then be dishonoured! His own personal pride and sense of honour blinded him to the realities of death for a sinner like himself.
Suddenly at the Apostle’s feet, v29. What a sudden humbling had occurred. He is at their feet begging to be told how to be saved. He knew he needed saved though as yet he had no clear idea as to how.
Salvation by faith in Christ, v31. The simple truth of salvation through faith is proclaimed to him. Here is the gospel truth that will save him and his house. Salvation is by faith not works. It is faith that rests in Christ alone that saves.
Teaching. This simple statement is immediately followed by further teaching. He has an ear and appetite for truth. Explanation and expansion of the statement made v31 is necessary. We must remember too that there is a history of previous preaching in the background as well. Cp v21.
Baptism, v33. Following his professed faith in Christ, he is baptized together with his household who had also believed, v34. It is interesting to see that the reference to his baptism follows the description of his care for the Apostles and desire to reverse the effects of past sins against them. Such desires are always an evidence of faith.
III EPILOGUE.
Freedom. Fresh orders come from the magistrates of the city, releasing them from prison. This element of their suffering for the gospel’s sake came to an end.
Protest. At this point Paul lodges a protest against their treatment. His actions indicate the need for discernment as to the right time to make such a protest. There are times when it is appropriate to do so and other times when the Lord would have us suffer wrong without protest. It is also necessary to know how much protest is appropriate and when it is time to move on.
Farewell. Paul and Silas have a final meeting with the brethren. It is clear that men are now part of the assembly as might have been inferred from the original Macedonian call. The Lord has blessed their labours in the city and a church has been established. Cp Phil 1:1.