Topical Bible: God: Preserver: Paul and Silas

◄ God: Preserver: Paul and Silas ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the narrative of Paul and Silas, the theme of God as Preserver is vividly illustrated through their experiences during the second missionary journey, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. This account highlights God's providential care and deliverance of His servants amidst persecution and adversity.

Context and Background

Paul and Silas embarked on a missionary journey to spread the Gospel, as directed by the Holy Spirit. Their travels took them to various regions, including Philippi, a leading city in the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony (Acts 16:12). It was here that they encountered both spiritual opposition and divine intervention.

Imprisonment and Divine Deliverance

While in Philippi, Paul and Silas were met with hostility after casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, which led to a loss of profit for her owners. Consequently, they were seized, dragged before the authorities, and falsely accused of causing an uproar by advocating unlawful customs (Acts 16:19-21). The magistrates ordered them to be beaten with rods and imprisoned, with their feet fastened in stocks (Acts 16:22-24).

Despite their dire circumstances, Paul and Silas exemplified unwavering faith and trust in God's preserving power. At midnight, they prayed and sang hymns to God, and the other prisoners listened to them (Acts 16:25). This act of worship amidst suffering underscores their reliance on God as their Preserver.

God's response was both immediate and miraculous. "Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose" (Acts 16:26). This divine intervention not only demonstrated God's power to preserve His servants but also served as a testament to His sovereignty over creation.

Conversion of the Jailer

The preservation of Paul and Silas extended beyond their physical deliverance. The jailer, witnessing the miraculous events, was compelled to seek salvation. He asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). Paul and Silas responded, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:31). The jailer and his entire household believed and were baptized, illustrating the spiritual preservation and transformation that God offers through faith in Christ.

Significance and Theological Implications

The account of Paul and Silas in Philippi serves as a powerful reminder of God's role as Preserver. It highlights His ability to protect and deliver His people from physical harm and spiritual bondage. Moreover, it underscores the importance of faith and worship in the face of trials, as well as the transformative power of the Gospel.

Through this narrative, believers are encouraged to trust in God's preserving hand, confident that He is able to work all things for good, even in the midst of persecution and suffering. The account of Paul and Silas is a testament to the enduring truth that God is faithful to preserve those who are committed to His purposes and proclaim His name.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 16:26-39
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles.
... creatures by Christ, the same their Preserver and Legislator ... who from among the Gentiles
turn unto God: but to ... our own selves, with Barnabas, and Paul of Tarsus ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii the heresies attacked by.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... is called the soul-keeper, the soul-preserver, (Proverbs 24 ... and feeling; now this
also is with God to the ... Paul and Silas sang in prison, the apostles went away ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

part i
... "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom Thou hast sent.""John 17:3. ... And God requires our hearts. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm