Today we are reading Acts 16. In this chapter we read about Paul and Silas beginning Paul’s Second Missionary Journey. In Philippi Paul and Silas we’re attacked and arrested. “The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safe. The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.” Acts 16:22-23, 38-40 ESV The events at Philippi are bewildering. First, in a vision, Paul is urged to come to Macedonia. Second, a demon possessed slave girl follows him everywhere announcing who they are and what they are doing. Third, Paul and Silas are savagely stripped and beaten. Fourth, in prison the sing and pray. Fifth, God causes an earthquake that frees all the prisoners. Sixth, the jailer and his family come to faith in Jesus. Seventh, the very magistrates who had stripped and beaten them apologize. Years later, Paul writes to the Philippians and his theme is “joy”. What painful experiences have you been through that now you remember with joy? May God grow you through your darkest times to be a powerful witness for Jesus. Pastor Tim
