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While Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Phillipi they experienced great evidence of God’s power. Their setting free at midnight signified an opportune and instructive consequence. The prison keeper stood in great fear as those whom he had thrown into the innermost part of prison with their feet bound in stocks, now were standing before him freed from their chains. In fear and alarm he would have taken his life, for he knew what consequences were in store for him

But God did not free his ambassadors so that others should die. The keeper experienced a miracle, those whom he had in might imprisoned comforted him and offered him the key to the spiritual “setting free” with the words, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Verse 31).

Where do we stand? The Lord will always use those who are His as tools in this spiritual setting free of liberation. Yes, just when we are in “deepest night” in grey days, in distress and need, in sickness and trouble, but still capable of praising God in prayer and song. We can experience a glorious liberation. Chains fall off, and the cares, sorrows, fears and walls we’ve built totter.

To whom in particular can we testify of the liberation of the redeemed in Jesus? Surely our former “prison on keepers.” How well the prison keeper received as his own Gospel preached by Paul and Silas as they lay bound in chains and behind bars.”

An example of a small event: An American magazine wanted to distinguish whose life was most prudent, modest and temperate. A competition was organized. One candidate wrote “I don’t smoke or drink alcohol or gamble. I’m faithful to my wife, go to bed early and arise early. I’ve led this life the last four years” And a post script read, “Please could the prize wait until next spring as I will then be out of prison.” This makes one smile but the meaning goes deeper then it appears. One can present blameless conduct yet still be a prisoner somewhat like the mottos, “Do right and fear no one,” or “if all were like me, there would be no wars.”

Not so for Paul and Silas. They too, like us all, were sinful people. Nevertheless they could from experience, testify freely and in power of their faith in Jesus their Redeemer. The keeper grasped it and wanted to know what he must do to be saved. That was the most important question. He and his family became believers and were baptised.

As God’s children it is our task to make known and to testify of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who is honest in heart, will with great vigor through “word, works and deeds” testify of His redeemer and also desire to pass on the key to the door of freedom.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.