How did Paul and Silas react to illegal beating and imprisonment? They responded with praise and singing in jail. They were not simply behind bars but in stocks in the deepest part of the prison. Perhaps the officials had heard the stories of angels releasing other Christians. Whatever the reason, Paul and Silas were under high security.
“Stocks” were made of two boards joined with iron clamps, leaving holes just big enough for the ankles. The prisoner’s legs were placed across the lower board, and then the upper board was closed over them. Sometimes both wrists and ankles were placed in stocks.”[1] The two men had bloody backs and were now in a filthy inner room unable to move about.
Prayer in the Night
We wouldn’t blame Paul and Silas for whining about their situation. After all, they were victims of prejudice and false charges. They could have accused God of forgetting them or having a lapse in His protection. In the unfairness of the situation, they could have called down curses on the authorities. But none of this is recorded in Scripture. Only two activities are recorded for their stay in prison. Acts 16: 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.[2]
It is easy to praise and pray when things are going well. It is much harder to when we are in dire circumstances. We tend to focus on ourselves and forget to look up to God at those times. Yet, we are called to praise at all times. Psalm 42: 8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life. [3]
Praise is a Weapon
Did Paul and Silas feel like worshipping? Probably not. They would have been in pain and unsure of what was to come. Yet, they chose to look up in prayer and worship to God. Satan doesn’t want to hear us praise God, and praise acts as a weapon against him. Psalm 149: 6 Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands.[4]
Paul and Silas knew the difficult truth Jesus taught. Matthew 5: 11 God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.[5]
These two apostles are a model for us under challenging circumstances. Praise may be the last thing we feel like doing. We tend to focus on our situation instead of looking to what God can do. Praise reminds us of the character of God. Our Lord is loving and faithful; we can trust Him no matter the situation.
To learn how Paul and Silas could respond with praise and singing in jail, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/singing-in-jail
[1] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts (p. 285). Tyndale House.
[2-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.