" PAUL & SILAS IMPRISONED

Paul and Silas were arrested because Paul got fed-up with the slave-girl having a spirit of divination (fortune-telling) this ability came from evil spirits. Now what the slave-girl said was true, although the source of her knowledge was a demon. Why did a demon denounce the truth about Paul, and why did it annoy Paul? If Paul accepted the demon's words, he would appear to be associating the gospel with demon-interdependent activities. This would damage his message about Christ. Truth and evil do not mix. Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and placed in stocks in the inner cell. Despite this dismal situation, they praised God, praying and singing as the other prisoners listened. No matter what our circumstances, we should praise God. Others may come to Christ because of our examples. Picture this, the stocks were made of two boards joined with iron clamps, leaving holes just big enough for the ankles. The prisoner's legs were placed across the lower board, and then the upper board was closed over them. Sometimes both wrists and ankles were placed in stocks. Paul and Silas, who had committed no crime and were peaceful men were put in stocks designed for holding the most dangerous prisoners in absolute security. The jailer drew his sword to kill himself because the jailers were responsible for their prisoners and would be held accountable for their escape. Paul and Sila's reputation in Philippi was well known. When the jailer realized his own true condition and need, he risked everything to find the answer. The Christian Good News of Salvation is simply expressed: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved ( see Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 2:11). When we recognize Jesus as Lord and trust in him with our entire life, Salvation is assured to us. If you have never trusted in Jesus to save you, do so quickly. Your life can be filled with joy, just as the jailers was (Acts 16:34). Until next Time... Jim,