Memory Verse: Acts 16:25 – “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”
The church was formed at Jerusalem by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jerusalem was the headquarters of the apostles and elders. The churches were established in the faith and increased in numbers daily. (Acts 16)
Paul and Silas were bonded together by the Holy Spirit.
Paul, an apostle, true to the mission after his conversion, was destined to do what God had Silas, “being prophet exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. After ordained him to do. (Acts 9:4-6; 15-16) The other that was with Silas went again unto the apostles…Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.” (Acts 15:31-34)
The word still is very important because the spirit of God was at work to put together a partnership of two that God will use for his purpose. Paul revisited the brethren in every city that he had taught and preached the word of the Lord, so that he would know how the churches were doing. (Amos 3:3; Acts 15:36)
Paul and Barnabas were not able to work together. Contention caused them to separate. Paul chose Silas and they departed with recommendation by the church, unto the grace of God. (Acts 15:37-40)
As the missionary journey continued, the Holy Spirit did direct the destinations of Paul and Silas. They came to Philippi, which is the chief city of Macedonia and a colony. They remained there for a certain number of days and the Spirit of God did work. The power of the preached word of God saved many. People will open their hearts and minds to accept, but evil is always present to make an attempt to stop God’s work. “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us.” (Acts 12:1-5; 16:16)
The power of God working through prayer will always prevail. Paul and Silas, the partnership of two, were ready for the challenges, for they were ordained by God. The spirit of the devil knows the spirit of God. They cast out devils from a certain damsel and this caused a great disturbance because they had interfered with her master’s gain. Paul and Silas were cast into the prison. (Philippians 2:13; II Timothy 1:7-9; Acts 16:18-20; Mark 5:2-12; Luke 8:27-34)
At midnight a great cry was made unto the ear of God. “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” As a result of their prayer, there was a great earthquake. They remained on one accord and caused the foundations of the prison to shake and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s band was loosed. (Acts 5:19)
The keeper of the prison cried “what must I do to be saved.” The men of God told the keeper to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved and thy house.” In the same hour the word was preached, he and his family were baptized in Jesus name. When the word of God is preached in the last days, many will cry out and seek to be saved. (Acts 16:30; 2:37; 9:6; Philippians 2:10-11)
Pastor Tylvia E. Koromah The Path of Righteousness Church in Christ
Comentários