The Evangelist Acts 16:27-28 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword… I. THE ALARM OF THE KEEPER OF THE PRISON. The tokens of the Divine presence were earthquakes, the opening of doors, and the loosing of bonds. In this manner God bore a testimony to His faithful servants, and prepared the way for the jailer's conversion. But the moral terror was the most memorable thing in his history. God used terrific means with a view to a peaceful and merciful end. He was first reduced to despair of himself, and next led to hope in Christ. The degrees of terror are different in different minds. Lydia was brought by calm and peaceful means; the jailer by solemn and arousing ones. Some doubt whether they are converted, because they have not passed through strong convictions, agonies of terror. Let them look at Lydia. That man has had terror enough, be it much or little, if he has been brought to Christ. Our state is to be determined, not by our former emotions, but by our present conduct. II. THE LANGUAGE OF ST. PAUL TO HIM: "Do thyself no harm." The text suggests three great truths — 1. That it is the tendency of sin to harm the sinner. He does not think so in the outset of his career; but he finds it out very soon. We follow evil under the forms of good. The enemy of souls first allures, and then destroys. Sin wounds the conscience; blights the reputation; injures the sinner in his worldly circumstances; destroys the happiness of his family; shortens his days; ruins his soul. As the shadow follows the body, so do plagues follow sin. 2. That it is the design of religion to be a moral safeguard and blessing. It is favourable to a peaceful conscience; to a good name; to worldly prosperity; to family comfort; to length of days; to a peaceful death; and joyful eternity. The gospel is a preservative as well as a restorative system. 3. That it is the office of the ministry to interfere, by its counsels and warnings, between man and misery. Paul cried with a loud voice. III. THE IMPROVEMENT IT SUGGESTS TO OURSELVES. Believe and obey the gospel. It is a remedy suited to all times and persons. 1. By way of inquiry. Have we taken the first step in the road to heaven? 2. By way of caution. Guard against the beginning of sin. 3. By way of invitation to penitents. "Turn to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope." 4. Encouragement to Christians derived from the ascertained connection between faith and salvation. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (The Evangelist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. |
    |