Deliverances

Acts 16;16-40

Paul and Silas in Prison

The cause: Paul and Silas had been dogged by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination. She was used by her owners as a fortune teller. After several days, Paul was annoyed with her, perhaps annoyed that he didn't want her voice connected with their gospel. So Paul in the name of Jesus commanded her evil spirit to come out. Her owners were livid and dragged Paul and Silas into the marketplace.

The Event: In the marketplace they were taken before the magistrates charging them with disturbing the city and  teaching customs that they as Romans should not do. As the crowd was gaining fervor,  

the magistrates said to rip off their clothes and beat them with rods. After beating them to a pulp, they were put in the inner prison and had their feet fastened with stocks. 

God's Deliverance:  About midnight, while the two were in prison, they began singing hymns to God. Their hearts were rejoicing in God when suddenly there was an earthquake. The doors were opened and all the bonds were unfastened. When the jailer saw what had happened, he assumed the prisoners had escaped so he drew his sword to kill himself. Paul called out to him that they were still there. He ran to them and fell at his feet. As if an bond-freeing earthquake were not enough, it was time for the real miracle. He wanted to be saved. It was simple, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. They shared the message with all who were in the jailer's home. He washed their wounds and they baptized his cleansed spirit. Two waters passing because of the Living Water. Of course they ate and rejoiced. 

The Justice: The police came and said the magistrates decided to let them go. Really! After that miraculous jail break! But Paul said no, not enough. They had beaten Roman citizens publicly and uncondemned, He refused to depart unless they came personally and apologized. And they were quick to do so, in fact they were afraid when they found out they were Roman citizens. After the apology they asked them to leave the city. And they did after visiting with the brothers in this city.

What an account! The deliverance of God's messengers or the deliverance of  human souls! Both are so exciting. God has delivered me many times. Not in a jail cell or in an earthquake, but in my soul. His hand is always on me. 

Father,

Don't let my humanity limit what You want to do with my soul. How great is Your greatness, totally unsearchable!

In Jesus name,

Amen