There’s a sense of excitement in Luke’s writing of the next account as he begins it with the word ‘Once’ - it draws us in to hear more and for good reason. The spirit within the slave girl was telling the truth but it was an evil and ridiculing spirit which would not have been trusted by any who heard since the girl’s messages were usually paid for. The moment Paul commanded the spirit to leave in Jesus’ name, it did. A jaw dropping moment for me but to the owners it provoked anger resulting in humiliation, flogging, chains, stocks and imprisonment in the cell reserved for the most dangerous of criminals.
In times of suffering it is not uncommon to sob and ask ‘Why me?’ In those conditions, I imagine sleep would not be possible but, seeking the encouragement and strength Paul and Silas had been pointing to yesterday, would be the best way. How? Pray and sing to God. What a blessing echoing cells must have been, as all the prisoners were able to hear and be comforted but God had his heart set on another - the prison guard. So an earthquake occurs that is enough to shake the doors off their hinges and open shackles, but not cause people to fear enough to run! Paul’s heart was so aligned with God’s, that his first thought was for the jailer who’s life (in his world), was such that he would be better off dead if the prisoners escaped. Pain and fear became joy and salvation - the suffering was worth it but it took courage and strength.
Paul and Silas could have walked away quietly and pleased, with the announcement of their release but God had other plans - justice. On announcing Roman citizenship, Paul demanded an escort by those who had illegally afflicted them. In so doing, the offenders experienced humiliation and a desire to not be seen because of their own actions.
Paul’s passion for the gospel compelled him to continue to enter places where he knew hardened hearts needed transformation. Perhaps in his association with them before his conversion, he understood the hurdles that would need to be overcome. He was prepared to put his own life at risk but not the lives of others like Lydia and Jason who would have their own ministry. So, he moved on to those who were interested and examined for themselves to discern truth.
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Loving Father, I pray for a renewed passion for Your Word and growing desire to spread the gospel message. Align my heart with Yours so that fear would not prevent me from loving like You. Amen.