The Jailer Believes
Salvation at Midnight
Acts 16:16-34about 2 minutes to read aloud
In Philippi, Paul and Silas were dragged before the rulers. They were beaten with rods. They were thrown into the inner prison. Their feet were locked in the stocks.
About midnight, they were not groaning. They were singing. Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. The other prisoners were listening.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake. The foundations of the prison shook. All the doors flew open. Every prisoner's chains came loose.
The jailer woke up. He saw the doors standing open. He thought the prisoners had run. He drew his sword to take his own life. Paul called out, "Do not harm yourself. We are all here."
The jailer called for a light. He came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas. He led them out. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" "Believe in the Lord Jesus," they said, "and you will be saved — you and your household."
He washed their wounds. He and his family were baptized that same hour. He set food before them. His whole house rejoiced. They had believed in God.
Questions to talk about
What were Paul and Silas doing at midnight in prison?
Show the answer
At midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing, and the other prisoners were listening.
What happened during the earthquake?
Show the answer
Every door flew open and every chain came loose, but no one ran away.
What did the jailer ask?
Show the answer
The jailer asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' And they told him of Jesus.
The lesson
Prison walls do not stop the praise of the Lord. Hymns at midnight opened a door the earthquake only finished.
