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Sometimes we find ourselves in the right place at the right time. Perhaps some of you sports fans are familiar with the story of Steven Bradbury…

2000 yrs ago a Philippian Jailer was also in the right place at the right time - & his life radically changed too – Paul was on his 2nd Missionary Journey - with Silas - and the Bible tells us they came upon the city of Philippi - a Roman colony - in Macedonia.

In vs 16, the text says “we”, not they, not Paul & Silas, but “we”. So we know that the author, Luke, a physician, was traveling with them!

We are told of a fortune telling woman in this town – followed them around for many days –

So of course you now have her owners upset about losing this revenue – so they drag Paul & Silas down to the city leaders.
Focus on the Conversion story in our text which is always a great reminder about transformations, you and I, repenting and changing - reflect about your own conversion.

The theme of the chapter is also Paul & Silas’ response to suffering.
So think about your conversion and consider what we can learn about suffering for Christ.

I. Be Strong in the Lord

Discouragement often comes with troubles and we have to be very careful because the discouraged heart does not respond as God desires.

There is a lot for us to learn out of these verses. We need to take hold of these spiritual lessons for our own lives. How we respond to difficulties and troubles is an indication of our maturity.

24 put in inner cell like max security – now in Philippi the actual jail cell has been discovered – you could walk into it today…

Their feet were fastened into stocks – spread wide - position placed to cause maximum discomfort –

25 midnight praying and singing hymns to God – other prisoners listening – they were singing – we understand why they are awake – but praying and singing – not sulking or complaining, but singing – Paul was praising God. Every single prisoner awake and listening

Perhaps they were having a conversation about their circumstances - hymn “great is thy faithfulness” - from Jeremiah in Lamentations 3 written during dark times.
Lamentations 3:21-24; This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I have hope in Him.”

We are not surprised that they are going through troubles. Jesus Himself said,

John 16:33; These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

We are not surprised that they are suffering. Jesus also said,

John 15:20; Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

What surprises us and encourages us out of the story, is how they respond to that suffering, to that tribulation.

26 Violent earthquake – doors flew open – all chains came loose - Not luck, not fate, not a coincidence – but God answering the prayers of His people!

This is not an earthquake story as critics may say.

Jailer awoke to draw his sword to kill himself - but no one was gone –

Philippi is part of the Roman colony – soldiers often retired right where they worked - this jailer probably a retired Roman soldier – he knew the risks...if he lost a prisoner he would be executed.

Acts 12:19; When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution.

Why would they stay in prison after this – who does that?

Well if you hear someone praying, followed by an earthquake, followed by chains and doors blowing off - - think about it - -

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