There was persecution in the early church, yet it serves only to cause the church to grow. They were doing what God called them to do and so the church was blessed out of burdens.

1 – The pain that they faced (vs. 16-24)

The pain is going to be even more intensified.

• The setting (vs. 16-19) – There is an evil spirit who is out to undermine the work of God. Paul and Silas become fed up and cast the demon out of this woman. This upsets those who were relying on this woman for profit.
• The stripes (vs. 20-22) – They were beaten because their money-making racket has gone. They make up charges in order to have them savagely beaten. Paul had several beatings. See 2 Corinthians 11:23-25.
• The sentence (vs. 23-24) – They tossed them into the inner prison. It was dark, dank and dingy. Their feet and hands were chained. There were in the tightest security possible. Are you going through a jailhouse experience? Does it seem like things cannot get any worse? Paul and Silas are not giving up hope. You are not alone.

If Lydia gets saved she can influence a great number of people. She has all these things but she is not a liberated woman yet.

2 – The praise that they feel (vs. 25)

Your attitude determines your altitude. They did two things:-

• Supplication – They were not pouting, they were praying. They were taking their burdens and putting them on the shoulders of the Lord. See Philippians 4:6. We are not to worry about anything. We are to bring our burdens to the Lord in prayer.
• Singing – As they were praying they also broke into singing. It was midnight. They could not get to sleep. It was not the pain that kept them awake. They were singing praises to God. Can praise God in the midst of your trouble? Even a sinner can praise God for a pay rise! Can you praise God in the hard times? Paul and Silas worship God at all times. They believed in a sovereign God. He was in control. See 1 Peter 5:10.

3 – The product of their experience (vs. 25)

Lydia is still a business woman but now she reports to a senior partner.

• Their faith was proven (vs. 25) – The world is watching to see how you respond in the bad times. Do you have only a fair weather faith?
• Their freedom was provided (vs. 26) – God caused an earthquake to open the doors of the dungeon and the chains fell off their hands. They are free but they are still in the prison. God can set you free in your prison. It could be your marriage or your job. God can set you free but you are still in your marriage or job. We need this jailhouse joy in our lives.

Categories: Acts