Though they had done nothing at Philippi except preach the gospel of Christ and cast an unclean spirit out of a young woman, Paul and Silas were unjustly arrested, beaten, and publicly humiliated as common criminals. Why? Were they out of God's will? Had the Lord forsaken them? Was the angry mob out of God's control? Had satan managed to thwart God's purpose? Nonsense! "Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased" (Psa. 115:3). 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.

The first lesson taught and illustrated in this passage is one frequently set before us throughout the book of Acts: 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 rantings of a demon possessed woman and the malice of an angry mob (Psa. 76:10; Rom. 8:28).

God's servants refused the praise of a fortune teller (VV. 16-18). Refusing to be associated with this satanic woman and her satanic religion, Paul turned and cast the demon out of her by the power of Christ. Three things need to be understood: (1) All forms of sorcery, witchcraft, and fortune telling are forbidden in the scriptures as satanic devices (Lev. 19:26-31; 20:6; Deut. 18:9-14; Isa. 8:19; Mal. 3:5). (2) God's servants will not receive the praise and commendation of those who do not worship the Lord God. And (3) exorcism, like healing and the gift of tongues were apostolic gifts, confirming the apostles as God's messengers in the apostolic age (Heb. 2:3-4). Those gifts are not active in the church today because they are no longer needed (I Cor. 13:10).

Even the wrath and wicked deeds of reprobate men accomplish the purpose of God (vv. 19-24). Though the damsel spoke what satan inspired her to speak and the men of the city did exactly what their anger and greed led them to do, God wisely and sovereignly used them to bring Paul to preach the gospel to a chosen sinner so that he might be saved (Psa. 76:10). Election determined who would be saved (Eph. 1:3-6). Predestination determined all things for the accomplishment of God's gracious purpose (Eph. 1:11). Providence is God's wise and orderly disposition of all things in the sovereign accomplishment of his purpose (Rom. 8:28-30). As it is written, "All things are of God" (II Cor. 5:18).

The second thing we learn from this passage is the fact that 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).

Moreover, these men offered to God the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving in the midst of great trouble. They "sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." Why shouldn't they? 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 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, we are taught that 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." Essentially, his words mean - "Man, you cannot do anything to be saved. You must trust Christ alone as your Lord and Savior. Believe on him and you shall be saved. 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 all his 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 Savior. And they all did what they could to comfort and assist the men who brought the message of grace to them.

Learn this too, THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND THOSE WHO BELIEVE NOT 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! (Read 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).

The fifth lesson taught here is that 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. I am sure Paul told them what God had done, how that the Lord was with them in their trouble, and how grace had come to the jailor's house. Just before leaving them, the apostle must have urged them ever to cling to Christ and trust him, assuring them 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).