The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1928-08-23
Lesson for August 26
PAUL IN A ROMAN PRISON

PAUL IN A ROMAN PRISON
LESSON TEXT-Acts 16:16-40.
GOLDEN TEXT-Rejoice in the
Lord always; and again / say, Rejoice.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Paul in Jail.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Paul in Prison.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-The Source of Pauis Joy.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-Paul AS an Evangelist.
|. Paul and Silas in Jail wv. 1926.
l. The occasion wv. 1920.
As the missionaries went out from
day to day to the place Of prayer they
were accosted by young woman pos
sessed by a spirit of divination. She
was owned by a syndicate of men who
derived large gains from her SoOthSay-
ing. Her utteranceS as she followed the
missionaries became a great annoy
ance to Paul, who in the name OF
Jesus Christ commanded the evil spirit
TO come out of her. The spirit in this
maid testified that these were serv-
ants of the Most High God and that
they proclaimed the way of salvation.
But Paul, like Jesus Mark $50, would
not have Satan's testimony. The evil
spirit Immediately obeyed Paul's com
mand. When the demon was cast out,
the supernatural power of the maid
was gone, therefore the source of rev.
enue was dried up. This so eXasper-
ated her owners that they brought
Paul and Silas before the magistrates
on the false charge of the changing of
customs. 1t was not custom but their
unlawful gain which was interfered
with. There is always trouble when
the unlawful business in which men
are engaged is threatened.
q Their behavior in Jail ". 25).
Paul and Silas prayed and sang
hymns to God. 1t seems quite natural
that they should pray under such cir
cumstances, but to sing hymns is as
tonishing to all who have not come
into possession of the peace of God
through Christ. Even with backs lac
Grated and smarting and feet fast in
the stocks compelling the most pain
full attitude, in the dungeon darkness
of the inner prison with extreme I'M
certainty before them, their hearts
went up to God in gratitude.
3. Their deliverance ". 26).
The Lord wrought deliverance by
sending a great earthquake which
opened the prison doors and looSed
their bands
II. The Conversion of the JaiIer
wv. 27-3N.
The jaiIer had small sympathy for
the prisoners, for as soon as they were
made secure, he went to sleep. Being
suddenly aroused from slumber by the
earthquake he was about to kill him
self, whereupon Paul assured him that
the prisoners were all safe. What he
had heard of their preaching and what
now he experienced caused him to
come as a humble inquirer after sal
walton. He was convicted of sin and
felt the need of the Savior. Paul
clearly pointed the way to be saved,
saving, believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ" The word "believe" means
to trust and fully obey. The proof
that the jailer was saved is three
fold
l. Transformation from brutality to
tenderness ". 33).
He who a little while ago could with
impunity lay on the cruel lashes is
now disposed to wash their wounds.
q Confession of Christ in baptism
". 33).
Those who have really been con-
yicted of sin and have experienced the
saving grace of God delight to con-
fess their faith in Him under all cir
cumstances.
8. He set meat before them ". 34).
4. His whole household baptized
". 33).
When a mans family is willing to
follow him, you may be sure that his
conversion is genuine.
Ill. The Magistrates Humbled
wv. 35-40).
/. Orders to release the prisoners
tvv. 80, 36,).
The earthquake brought fear upon
the magistrates and thus moved them
to give leave for the prisoners to go.
2. Paul's refusal to go ". 80.
The ground of his refusal was that
their rights as Roman citizens had
been violated. They demanded public
yindication.
8. Brought out of prison by the Off
GERS wv. SO, 39).
Because they were Roman citizens
they we're released, the magistrates
fearing what they had done.
a. Returned to the house of Lydia
". 40).
Upon their public vindication they
left the prison and entered the house
of Lydia, and after ministering COM
fort to the brethren, they departed.
God Will Aid