The two types of prisoners – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Acts 16:22-26 – And the multitude rose up together against them, and the rulers tore their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods.
And when they had given them many stripes, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely, who, having received this order, threw them into the inner prison and held their feet in the stocks.
Near midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Then suddenly there was such a great earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosed.
Theme: Even in the midst of struggles, the Lord wants to use his Church to set the captives free
Introduction to Acts 16:22-26
The crowd and authorities without the knowledge of the Lord rise up against the Church (2 – Paul and Silas) to imprison them, put them in a tight spot, limiting them as much as possible (prison, inner prison and feet on a log – limiting even walking) in order to prevent the Church from evangelizing.
PRISON
Many servants at this time are being limited by the adversary in order to prevent them from speaking about Jesus, from evangelizing. There are many attempts to put servants in prison, for example: sickness, loss of employment, various struggles, discouragement.
The text speaks of a physical prison, but when we bring it into a spiritual context, we reach many teachings.
Inner prison – It also reminds us of the inner struggles of the servant. Every day we fight great inner battles, especially against the desires of the flesh.
The feet on the stump – Total limitation of the servant, unable to walk, unable to reach new horizons in the presence of God.
THE CHURCH’S POSITION – PRAISE
Faced with such a situation, it would have been natural for the servants to fall, but that’s not what they did.
They prayed and sang – glorifying the name of the Lord.
Many servants at this time are going through tremendous struggles, they are perhaps totally limited by these struggles. The onslaught has been great to leave them downcast, totally prostrate, but the teaching of the Word is that we should be praying and praising the Lord, who knows all our afflictions and who can deliver us at the moment he wants to.
Conclusion of Acts 16:22-26
Other prisoners heard
There is a difference between “prisoners” and “prisoners”.
The servants were “imprisoned” physically, but they were free spiritually, so they were glorifying the Lord and this is what we need to do – glorify the Lord because he has freed us from many prisons, and even in distress or affliction he does not leave us alone.
The other “prisoners” needed to be freed by the marvelous power of JESUS, who sets the imprisoned free.
If we have praise even in the midst of affliction, this is a testimony for others to be delivered, the Lord gives us authority and works with his power.
Earthquake and everyone’s jails released
In the midst of a Church, the Lord works, shaking all the structures on which man stands, freeing his servants and others. Wherever we are, we are the Church, because God no longer dwells in temples made by the hands of men; we are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit of God.
Near midnight
This is the time we’re going through, but a new day is dawning. A day when all the prisons will be gone.
Acts 16:25 – “And about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.”
The Lord was already pointing to a time (around midnight) and a position pleasing to God (they prayed and sang). Paul and Silas were pointing to the Faithful Church. In fellowship, in doctrine, in everything that pleases God.
Midnight: it’s the time we’re living in. The final period. Everyone is looking at the Church, listening to what is being announced. They think we’re crazy. Singing at this hour, in this struggle. These people only think about praying. That’s what they’re saying. But we know what we’re doing.
They pray: it’s a life of dependence on God. We ask and expect everything from him.
They sang: the Church knows the importance of worship, no matter the circumstances, the expression of our gratitude to the Good Shepherd. The church’s praise foreshadows the manifestation of God’s power. We give thanks now for the great victory that will be our departure from this world. To break the shackles of sin and death. In our daily struggles, we sing because we know that only He can give us the victory we need.
Preaching Outline on Acts 16:22-26 – And the multitude rose up together against them, and the rulers tore their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods.
And when they had given them many stripes, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely, who, having received this order, threw them into the inner prison and held their feet in the stocks.
Near midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Then suddenly there was such a great earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosed.
More Preaching Outlines
- Paul and Silas’ companions – Acts 16:25-26
- The Tabernacle and the Church – Bible Book
- Word of Hope – Zechariah 9:12
- Acts 16:25 – The midnight vigil
- The Praise of the Faithful Church – Revelation 15:3-4
