Acts 16

Timothy joins Paul and Silas on their journey. Timothy was a young man but was a great asset for missionary service because he was both Jewish and Gentile. His dad had been Greek. "So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily. v.5

I caught something - so proud of myself - in v.10 when the narrative goes from the third person to the first person. Luke, the writer of Acts had joined Paul, Silas and Timothy. When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Anyway, thought that was kinda cool, sort of like we were there with Luke.

Along the way they come upon a "Medium" that could see into the future being used by her masters for money. The apostles rid her of the demon, but that made her masters very angry because they lost their cash cow. The masters come up with some lame excuse, Jews vs Romans, that gets Paul and Silas arrested and thrown into the stocks. Curious as to why Luke and Timothy were not. Interesting note on the stocks: "This particular security measure was designed to produce painful cramping so the prisoner's legs were spread as far apart as possible." John MacArthur.

I didn't know the story of the medium but I do know, very well, the story that takes place next. An earthquake comes and breaks open the jail and every one's chains so they could run free. Now, a Roman Soldier who lets a prisoner escape would be put to death. Paul somehow managed to convince everyone to stay where they were, not escape, and in turn saves the jailer's life. This example of charity brought that Roman Soldier and all his household to believe on the Lord Jesus and were saved. Makes you think, huh? What example are we out there in the world...to do the right thing even if it is in detriment to ourselves but a help to others. Our witness in the world is never more seen by the unbeliever than when we do something that no one else would ever consider doing.

And speaking of something no one would ever do: Paul and Silas were sitting in their stocks, legs spread apart, legs cramping and were singing! "...Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them...: v.25 That love for God and faith brought on the earthquake.