Singing in the Stocks

Acts 16:25

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

 

After Paul had driven the evil spirit out of the slave girl, her owners and the townspeople became enraged seizing them and taking them before the magistrates. After the charge was verbalized, the crowd began attacking them, and the magistrates tore off their clothes giving orders for them to be beaten. The blows rained on them hot and heavy followed by a quick trip to prison with strict instructions to the jailer to keep them safely. Certainly, this was unlike any ordinary court of law with order and decorum. Fearing for his life, he put them in the inner prison and in stocks.

 

Just imagine when their bodies felt like with lacerations and bruises beyond belief and then being  confined in an awkward position. A situation like this this would cause most people to grumble, curse, and even question God. But not Paul and Silas! Amazingly they began singing hymns. What an eye-opener for me! How many times have I become discouraged during a trial or times of intense pain? Have I ever resorted to singing hymns? What a witness! As the prisoners were listening, an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison opening doors and loosing bonds. The jailer instantly assumed Paul and Silas had escaped and was preparing to kill himself. Unlike Peter's experience in jail, Paul and Silas remained. Calling out to the jailer, he ran to them and fell at their feet. What a perfect divine appointment! Sharing the gospel, the jailer and his household believed. According to God's perfect will and timing, what man meant for evil, God meant for good. Suffering and opposition do not necessarily mean God is shutting the door.

 

The jailer took them to his home, washed and cared for their wounds and fed them. The household rejoiced that Jesus had saved them. But when it was day, the magistrates sent for them. Paul would not go telling them that he and Silas were Roman citizens. The police and the magistrates were appalled that they had treated the men so badly and came and apologized to them. Leaving the city, they visited Lydia again, the one whom God had opened her heart to pay attention. How exciting to see God working in the spread of His gospel! Sometimes without opposition and sometimes with intense opposition.! During all of it, Paul and Silas focused their eyes on God and never lost sight of their mission.

 

Father,

Strengthen my heart for the proclamation of Your gospel. Take away my fear and give me that same spirit that allowed Paul and Silas to sing in the stocks. Help me keep my eyes on You and not on the circumstances.

In Jesus name,

Amen