Act_16:32-34. The Jailer and His House
"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 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."’97Act_16:32-34.
The occasion of Paul visiting Philippi, was a vision which he had at Troas. See ver. 9. Upon this, Paul and Silas immediately obeyed the call, and directed their steps to Philippi. Here Lydia became the first-fruit of their labors, and most probably the first convert to the faith of the gospel in the European quarter of the world. The interesting account of her conversion is given from the thirteenth to the fifteenth verse. After this, the apostles met a young woman who was possessed with a spirit of divination, who brought her masters much gain by sooth saying. No sooner did she see Paul and his companions than she followed them up and down the city for several days, crying, "These men are the servants," &c., ver. 17. Paul expelled the evil spirit in the name of Jesus, upon which, her masters seeing the hope of their gain was gone, had Paul and Silas arrested, and taken before the magistrates of the city. See ver. 20-24. Being cast into prison, we have a detail of the events which occurred there. There were Paul and Silas with lacerated backs in the inner prison, with their feet fast in the stocks. Yet they were happy. They rejoiced in tribulation. Hence, at midnight, they sung praises to God. Happy in a prison. Joyful at midnight. Though sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. At eventide, it was light. The righteous have joy in their dwellings, whether it be a palace or a dungeon. Then, there was the earthquake. See ver. 26. The jailer was alarmed, and resolved to destroy himself, and drew his sword for that purpose, supposing all the prisoners were fled. Then notice Paul’s pacifying address. "Do thyself no harm." Then, the jailer’s mind became extremely alarmed, and anxious; and he put that most momentous of all questions, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" The great reply was, "Believe," &c. Then follows the text, &c.
I. The Subject of apostolic Teaching.
The jailer was an alarmed, anxious inquirer. The apostle had made known the great cardinal doctrine of faith; and, now, this is carried out in further teaching him. His theme was the "Word of the Lord." No doubt that gospel which Jesus had commanded to be preached through all the world, and to every creature. Now, the word of the Lord is the only remedy for the misery and danger of the sinner.
1. The sinner is in darkness, and it is the word of revelation.
Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel. "As a light shineth," &c. It solves all mysteries, removes all doubts, and satisfies every anxious desire of the mind.
2. The sinner is in guilt, and under condemnation; and it is the word of pardon.
It makes known the remission of sins in the name of Christ. It proclaims that Christ came not to condemn the world, &c. "All manner of sin," &c.
3. The sinner is unholy, and it is the word of sanctification.
By the incorruptible seed of the word of God, are believers born again. It is the instrument in the hands of the Spirit of regeneration. It also builds up and sanctifies. "I commend you to God and the word of his grace," &c. "Sanctify them by thy truth," &c.
4. The sinner is responsible, and it is the word of duty, of practical righteousness.
Here, the ordinances of God are specified. Here, all the duties of Christianity are exhibited. Here, the whole course to heaven is prescribed. It is the unerring guide to glory. Notice, then,
II. The Effects which this Teaching produced.
1. It produced faith.
They believed the word of the Lord. They received the record God had given of his Son. They, doubtless, believed in his name, and received Christ into their hearts. Now, the word of God cannot do us good without this. This is the application of its blessings to our soul. It is the hand receiving the gift. The eye that beholds the Saviour. The feet which ran into the city of refuge. The soul resting on the Rock of ages.
2. It produced profession.
Having believed in Christ, they put Jesus on, by being baptized. Now, this is Christ’s order of things. Faith, then baptism. Reception of Christ, then confession of him. Now, it is probable that those who were baptized, generally confessed Christ at the time. Hence, see Rom_10:9.
3. It produced affection and generosity.
What a reverse of feeling and conduct! He washes their stripes. Hospitably entertained them, &c.
4. It produced happiness and joy.
"Rejoiced in God." Many reasons for this joy. His condition was happily reversed. He was before dark, in peril, wretched, &c. Now, he was light in the Lord. Found salvation; and was full of peace through believing. Now, see the connection between all these. The word should produce faith’97faith, confession by baptism’97baptism, be followed by a new life; and the whole associated with joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.
Application
Let me address four descriptions of hearers.
1. Some who have never thought of of being saved.
2. Some who think occasionally, but do not strive or determine.
3. Sincere inquirers. We address you as Paul did. Same Saviour, &c., for you. Now, exercise faith. Now confess him, and be saved.
4. Professed believers and disciples. Behold your duty. Be kind, be hospitable. Abound in good works. See your privilege. Rejoice in God, always and increasingly.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS