Slices
Prepare
Listen to, and/or sing aloud, a praise and worship song or hymn. Take a moment to think of the one you’d like to use.
Bible passage
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’
31 They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.’ 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptised. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God – he and his whole household.
35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: ‘Release those men.’ 36 The jailer told Paul, ‘The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.’
37 But Paul said to the officers: ‘They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.’
38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.
Explore
Did Paul and Silas wonder where it all went wrong, or why they’d been diverted to Philippi? And yet, even in prison, they were still praying and singing and worshipping God! The Spirit hadn’t left them – Paul could sense what the jailer was about to do. (He couldn’t see; there were no lights, v 29.) The terrified jailer, fearing at least torture if not death if prisoners escaped, cried out, ‘How do I get out of this mess?’
Is it a deeply theological question? He knew nothing, or next to nothing, about Christian faith and belief. But Paul and Silas knew the deep answer, if you look at their reply. None of them went to bed that night: there was a heart-to-heart about the gospel, and lots of baptising; the jailer gave them medical attention and a meal, and then… Then there was yet more rejoicing (v 34). How do you think Paul and Silas felt at that point?
What influence did the prayer and praising have? Think about it in regard to the Holy Spirit, the prisoners, the jailer and the situation. It’s certainly a powerful reminder to ‘give thanks in all circumstances’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Respond
What are the differences between praise, worship and thanksgiving? What difference do praise and worship make in your life? How could you praise God more – now and every day?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 25,26; 1 Thessalonians 4
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the final two events of the summer – Escape and Mallards. Pray that God will speak powerfully. Pray that all the event leaders and volunteers who have served so well over the summer will be refreshed as they reflect on the opportunities they have had to Reveal Jesus to children and young people.
