Genuine faith bears fruit. I could see this as the fantastic result of a school friend who came to faith as an older adult. Through coming to faith, he went out of the darkness of sin into God’s marvelous light and became a kinder, happier, and gentler person. If he was a fruit tree, he was bearing good fruit.
Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [1]
God Broke In
In our story of the jailer, his entire world has been turned upside down because of the Lord. Paul and Silas were in jail, and although bruised and beaten, they sang hymns and praised the Lord. They may have been in a dark prison, but they brought the light of Jesus to those around them. God sent an earthquake, and all the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off. But the prisoners never left as the light of Jesus had touched them.
Acts 16:7 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then, he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. [2]
The Fruit of the Jailer’s Conversion
After the jailer encountered Jesus, there was the fruit of his conversion as he began to bring the light of Jesus to others. The Holy Spirit moved to help him place his faith in Jesus as his Savior. This dramatically affected him, and he wanted his entire family to learn about Jesus in the middle of the night. He had a sense of urgency and wanted to share this with those he loved.
With newfound compassion, he cared for Paula and Silas and washed their wounds. Soon, his entire family was baptized on that fateful evening. As a result, they all rejoiced as the light of God’s love flooded over them. If you were to examine your life, what is the fruit that you believe in Jesus? If you don’t know Jesus, God, in His patience, is calling you to repent of your sins and turn to Him and be healed. God has not given up on you!
To learn how genuine faith bears fruit, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-prison
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.