A Retelling of Paul and Silas in Prison
Paul and Silas have been thrown into prison after helping free a woman enslaved to the strangulating abuse of her owners. They know that evil will strike back at them every time they help someone discover life in Jesus name, but they refuse to cave in and instead sing hymns and lift up prayers to God in earshot of the other prisoners. Without warning, the earth shakes, the prison trembles, locks fall off doors, and even chains fall off Paul, Silas, and the others prisoners. Instead of running, they put aside their freedom knowing that even behind bars they’re free with Jesus and with this the Jailor realizes he needs some of that too.
A retelling from Acts 16:16-34; Luke 6:18-19, 22-23
More Reflections on Acts 16:16-34
What is freedom? Is it having the ability to do whatever you want whenever you want? No. So many, including myself, have done whatever we want whenever we want and all it really does is make you feel chained up inside. True freedom is what happens when you’re willing to give freedom up like Paul and Silas. It’s only when you’re willing to give it up that you really gain it and more often than not, someone will be affected by your sacrifice. No greater love has anyone than they lay down their life for their friends, and in this case, someone not a friend.