Acts 16:19-40
In Philippi Paul has four unique encounters. (from last week)
#1. Lydia: A Sincere Disciple
#2. The Slave girl: A Distracting Deceiver
#3 The Magistrates: Persecution from the Outside (Part 1)
The Accusations:
- These men are Jews
- These men are disturbing the city
- These men are advocating unlawful customs
Their Treatment:
- The crowds attacked
- The magistrates stripped off their garments and beat them
- They were thrown into prison
- Paul and Silas’ Response: Persecution is an opportunity for praise!
- Divine Intervention: A great earthquake
- A lesson: God is able to intervene and transform any situation
#4 The Jailer: Conversion through a Crisis
God used a crisis to bring the jailer to himself
- The Crisis event: An earthquake and the shackles fell off
- An Irrational Reaction: He drew his sword to take his own life
- The Intervention: Paul shouts at him to stop
- The Investigation: He investigated the jail
- He asked the question: “What must I do to be saved?”
- The Invitation: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
Two critical truths must be embraced
- Believe in who Jesus is
- Believe in what Jesus has done
Evidences of Conversion
- He washed their wounds
- He was baptized at once and all his household
- They fellowshipped together over food
- They rejoiced together in their new faith
#3 The Magistrates: Persecution from the Outside (Part 2)
Paul demands justice. What should we learn?
- Everyone will face a crisis – We must be prepared to share Christ in the midst of their crisis
- Do not fear persecution: Persecution sets the stage for God to demonstrate his power