The Philippian Jailer

Acts 16:22-34

In a mob situation, people simply do what everyone else does, not thinking or making conscious decisions, but simply responding to the emotions of the moment. They lose self control and do things they are ashamed of when they regain self control. It is exactly what happens when people are demonically possessed. The number of others involved encourages the individual to allow himself to yield as well. It should come as no surprise that Mob actions always produce evil results. Mob actions called for Jesus’ crucifixion, stoned Stephen, and forced Paul out of numerous cities. Here, it resulted in them being beaten and arrested.

“And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.” (Acts 16:22-24)

Under Roman law, a jailer who allowed a prisoner to escape could have the prisoners penalty imposed on him. The anger of the mob impressed the Jailer with the importance of keeping Paul and Silas securely. He placed them in maximum security, and clamped in stocks besides, to ensure there would be no escape, somewhat like Herod had done with Peter.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.” (Acts 16:25-26)

The other prisoners knew that Paul and Silas had been beaten and would be tried and probably executed if convicted. Most of the prisoners were undoubtedly depressed by their circumstances, and Paul and Silas’ joy were a welcome change, leading to an atmosphere of enjoyment as if they were sitting around a campfire instead of chained in prison. Nobody wanted to go to sleep and miss such a good time.

At midnight, the Lord sent an earthquake, which not only opened the prison doors, it also released the hand cuffs and leg irons or stocks. It was not a typical earthquake.

“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.” (Acts 16:27-28)

Can you imagine the jailers horror at being shook awake by an earthquake, only to discover that every door in the prison is open? To be assessed all of the penalties of all of the prisoners would be a horrible experience, both for himself and his family. If he killed himself, it might appear the prisoners had killed him and his family would be spared the shame of a trial.

Amazingly, the Holy Spirit kept every prisoner there. Logically, even those who had no fear for the future would have wanted to escape in case the building collapsed but no one tried. What a relief it must have been when Paul announced that no one had escaped and he didn’t need to kill himself. He was literally shaking as his body began to relax.

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:29-30)

The emotional stress of the moment had gotten his attention, and the miraculous events demonstrating God’s power convinced him of his need of a savior. He was ready and asked, “what must I do to be saved?” He was ready right then.

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.” (Acts 16:31-32)

Undoubtedly, his family had come to see if he needed help, and Paul and Silas made it clear that not only he, but his entire family would be saved if they believed. They then took the time to give the entire family a more complete understanding of who Jesus was and what God expected.

“And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” (Acts 16:33-34)

When they were brought in, the jailer had not bothered to even supply water for them to wash the blood off, or to feed them. Once he received the Lord, the Holy Spirit changed his entire attitude. Immediately, he ministered to their wounds, then asked to be baptized as along with his family. His love had grown exponentially, resulting in his taking the unheard of step of taking them into his own home from the prison and feeding them as personal friends rather than as prisoners. If you’ve ever been around a new Christian you’ve seen the changes that result.