The Life and Journey of Paul 2nd Year Lesego E Makhwelo

WHY WERE PAUL AND SILAS IMPRISONED? Acts 15:32, 40-41 and 16:9-40 REASON: Paul began his second missionary trip with Silas (Prophet of God who was recommended by the brethren). They travelled to many of the same churches Paul had visited on his first missionary journey, and he found out that the churches were established in faith and increased in numbers daily. But when Paul and Silas travelled to the region of Galatia they were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach. Then Paul had a vision of a man pleading for him to come to Macedonia to help them. Paul and Silas left immediately. They arrived at the city of Philippi (the capital city of Macedonia. Though they had done nothing at Philippi except preach the gospel of Christ and cast an unclean spirit out of a young woman (called Lydia) on Sabbath day. Paul and Silas were unjustly arrested, beaten, and publicly humiliated as common criminals. Paul and Silas were arrested and thrown into prison at Philippi in violation of Roman law (vv. 35-39), because the jailor in that prison was one of God's elect and the appointed time of mercy and love had come when he must be converted by the grace of God. First Lesson: GOD SOVEREIGNLY RULES ALL THINGS FOR THE GOOD OF HIS ELECT (vv. 16-24). There was an elect soul at the Philippi prison to whom Paul must preach the gospel. But their paths would never have crossed had God not sovereignly intervened to accomplish it. In order to accomplish his purpose of grace, God overruled the ranting of a demon possessed woman and the malice of an angry mob (Psa. 76:10; Rom. 8:28). THEIR ATTITUDE DURING & AFTER: At midnight they began to pray and sing praises to God. The prisoners; jailers and God heard them praise. Second Lesson: FAITH IN CHRIST CAUSES BELIEVERS TO JOYFULLY SUBMIT TO THE WILL OF GOD (vv. 25-28). Paul and Silas recognized that their imprisonment was as much the work of God as their daily provisions. Therefore, they were both confident and joyful. In the time of trouble they did not seek a Christian counsellor, psychiatrist, or therapist. They did not become emotional wrecks. They believed God. Therefore they prayed. Happy are those souls who learn thus to deal with their troubles (Heb. 4:15-16; I Pet. 5:6-7). THE EFFECT OF THEIR PRAYER & PRAISE TO GOD: God new Paul and Silas could have been complaining but they werent. God send an earthquake and immediately all doors were open including all the prisoners doors. These men offered to God the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving in the midst of great trouble. They "sang praises unto God: and everyone heard them. Believing God, they were full of joy. They knew their imprisonment was the will of God and that God's will is always good. Therefore they gave thanks (I Thess. 5:16-18). The
L E Makhwelo Student No: 8388

The Life and Journey of Paul 2nd Year Lesego E Makhwelo

believers joy is the joy of faith (Phil. 1:25). It is not circumstantial, but spiritual. It is a joy that glows in the dark. The Lord has a way of assuring his tried and afflicted people that all is well, that he is upon his throne, and that he is with them. He graciously demonstrated his presence with and approval of Paul and Silas by a remarkable, providential intervention. He sent an earthquake that did no harm, but only good (v. 26). Immediately, Paul thought of his captor, whom he knew would most likely kill himself if his prisoners escaped (vv. 26-27). What an example he was, even in great trial. In the midst of his trouble, Paul carefully sought the comfort and welfare of a man who was his enemy. Thirdly Lesson: GOD PROMISES ETERNAL SALVATION TO ALL WHO BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (vv. 29-34). The jailor cried, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Like all natural men, when seized with the fear of death and the wrath of God, this man thought he could and should do something to obtain God's salvation. Paul did not rebuke him for his error, but rather simply said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." And if the members of your family trust him, they too shall be saved!" Having made that declaration, Paul proceeded to instruct the chosen sinner and his household in the gospel of Christ (v. 32). Once they heard the message of grace and redemption in Christ, both the jailor and his entire household were converted by the grace of God (vv. 33-34). They all believed on Christ. They all confessed him in believer's baptism. They all rejoiced in God their Saviour. And they all did what they could to comfort and assist the men who brought the message of grace to them. What I learned: THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND UNBELIEVER IS THE DISTINGUISHING GRACE OF GOD (vv. 35-39). The magistrates had seen the same things the jailor did. They felt the earthquake. They were filled with fear. But their hearts were unbroken. What made the difference between them and the jailor? Why did he believe God while they refused to believe? The answer is GRACE! (I Cor. 4:7; 15:10). He was one of the Lord's sheep. They were not (John 10:25-27). Grace sought him out. Grace gave him life. Grace gave him faith. Grace made him a new creature (II Cor. 5:17). Fifth lesson: THE BELIEVER'S TRIALS EQUIP HIM TO COMFORT OTHERS IN THEIR TIME OF TRIAL (v. 40). Paul and Silas gathered their brothers and sisters together to comfort them and strengthen their hearts in the faith. We need to praise; pray; thank God for every trail we experience and assure our fellow that no matter what their outward circumstances might be, all is well, eternally well, because God is accomplishing his purpose of grace (Rom. 8:28-39). Sources: College for Advanced Christian Education [2nd Year] The web [google]

L E Makhwelo Student No: 8388