The Story of Paul and Silas in Prison is worth reading by every christian. It is even more important for those who want to grow their faith and start walking in higher spiritual dimensions. Paul and Silas story is a pure reflection of how far God’s tremendous power can be manifested in favor of his servants. The story has lots of christian moral teachings and also reveals what it takes to move God’s hand into action.
What God did to Paul and Silas can still be done these days because God has not changed. Hebrews 13:8 clearly tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This implies that what he did in the past can still be done today and even in the future. In other words, Jesus Christ is still moving the streets to heal the sick, raise the dead, open the eyes of the blind, and heal all types of sicknesses.
What we need in order to invite divine intervention in our lives is the type of faith that we perceive when reading the story of Paul and Silas. They refused to be discouraged by their physical situations. Paul and Silas denied to look at their situation from the human point of view. They rather used their eyes of faith to see possibilities were men were seeing impossibilities.
You’ve certainly read the scriptures that say “with God, nothing is impossible”. This scripture really means what it says. God never fails, he is who he says he is and you can be sure that he will do what he says he will do. He did not abandon Paul and Silas in trouble. Thus, you can be certain that he won’t abandon you. All you need is faith and an obedient spirit.
The Story of Paul and Silas in Prison from the Bible
The story of Paul and Silas in prison took place at Philippi. One day, Apostle Paul decided to take Silas with him to the prayer ground. Before this event, Silas had already proven himself worthy to be entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was highly loved by Apostle Paul for his determination in spreading the gospel. He became more of a close gospel preaching partner to Paul than a student. While they were on the way going to the prayer place, a young lady who was posses by an evil spirit began following them. This evil spirit in her had been dwelling in her body for so many years. It gave her supernatural abilities to see and foretell the future.
In other words, this spirit made her to be a fortune teller. By then, she was working for a group of men in the city who were actually making much money from her fortune telling skills. When she saw Apostle Paul and Silas, she started following them and shouting at the top of her voice that “these men are from the Most High God”. She also called the attention of the people to listen to their teachings which were those that bring salvation.
She kept on following Paul and Silas for many days. During these days, she did not stop but kept on shouting that Paul and Silas were from God. At some point in time, Paul got upset and turned to the girl and said “In the name of Jesus Christ, I order you to come out of her”. Without wasting a second, the demon obeyed and came out of her. This was in accordance to the scripture that says every creature must obey at the mention of the name Jesus Christ.
The Story of Paul and Silas in Prison begins
When the news reached the owners of the girl, they realized that their money making business was no more. They got so angry that they caught Paul and Silas with intentions to hurt them. However, they were afraid of the authorities so they dragged Paul and Silas to the public square. They brought Paul and Silas before the Roman Officials and laid heavy accusations on them. Out of anger, they accused Paul and Silas for causing trouble and disorder in the city.
Paul and Silas are accused for teaching strange customs against the law
The accusers told the Roman Officials that Paul and Silas were Jews who moved around teaching strange customers that are against their laws. They further pressed their accusations with the fact that they were Roman citizens and could not welcome or join in the forbidden practices brought by Paul and his companion. As if these accusations were not enough, the crowd joined them in accusing Paul and Silas.
Upon hearing all these accusations, the officials tore their cloths and had them thoroughly whipped. Apostle Paul and Silas upon receiving a severe beating of the year were thrown into jail. The jailer was ordered to lock them up tight and take serious measures to prevent them from escaping. In obedience to these instructions, the jailer threw them into the inner cell where he had their feet fastened between heavy blocks of wood with heavy chains. Upon completing this, the jailer was certain that nothing could break the chains. Little did he know that God’s wisdom and strength begins were man’s own end.
Instead of weeping, Paul and his companion welcomed this persecution as what qualifies them to be servants of God. They refused to remain in sadness or dwell in sorrow. Instead of looking at their physical situation which was discouraging, they rather saw the award that awaits successful servants o Christ. Their physical pains gave them a reason to pray and worship God the more. Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. The other prisoners were diligently listening to them.
God sends an Angel of Liberation
The story of Paul and Silas in Prison is one of the Biblical stories that display God’s tremendous power through an Angel of Liberation. The praises of Paul and his companion touched the heart of God who could not withstand seeing his servants in heavy chains. And as a result, he released a powerful Angel of Liberation who shook the whole prison. It is said that while Paul and Silas were singing and praising God, there was a sudden violent earthquake which shook the whole prison to its foundation root. You can as well read our article on Paul and Silas Song.
This earthquake was so violent that all the heavily protected doors of the prison opened and the chains on all the hands of the prisoners were broken. It was by then that the Jailer woke up and upon realizing that the prison doors were open, he draw his sword to take away his life thinking that the prisoners had escaped. For he told himself that the punishment awaiting him from the Roman officials will be too much to withstand. When he was about to take away his own life, Apostle Paul called out with a loud voice telling him not to harm himself for everyone was still around.
Upon hearing the voice of Paul, the jailer requested for a lamp and rushed in to meet with him. Immediately he arrived before Paul and Silas, he fell trembling before them. Paul helped the jailer up who in turn led them out and asked what he must do to be saved. They answered telling him to believe in Jesus Christ in order to obtain salvation.
The Jailer and his Family receive Christ
Paul and his companion went forth to preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ to the jailer and his entire family. They welcomed the message and believed in their hearts. At that very hour of the night, the jailer washed and bandaged the wounds on their body. And without wasting any time, the jailer and his family were baptized with water as a sign of their conversion and new life in Christ. The Jailer took Paul and Silas up to his house and gave them some food to eat. Both the jailer and his family members were all amazed to have taken a new path of life in Jesus Christ. They were very happy about the fact that they had become God’s own children.
The next morning, the Roman officials sent instructions ordering the release of Paul and Silas. The jailer told Paul and Silas that they were free to go but Paul refused requesting the Roman Officials to come and let them out given that they were not found guilty. Paul sent back words to the officials that he was a Roman citizen who was unjustly punished and thrown into prison and that he won’t leave in secret. The Officials upon hearing that he was a Roman citizen were filled with fear and came to lead him out of prison by themselves. Upon arrival, they apologized and ordered Paul and Silas to leave the town. Paul went with Silas to Lydia’s house where they met and encouraged some believers before continuing their road.
