The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-10-08

AWAY: and again say, Rejoice.
LESSON TEXT-Acts 16:16-40; Phil.
4:4-9.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Paul in Prison.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Paul in Prison.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-A Jailer Led Captive.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-Initial Victories in Europe.
Z. Paul and siIas In Jail wv.
1926.
/. The occasion wv. 1924. AS the
missionaries went out from day to day
to the place of prayer they were &C.
costed by young woman possessed
by a spirit of divination. She was
owned by syndicate Of men who de-
rived large gain from her soothsaying.
Her utterances as she followed the
missionaries became great annoy
ance to Paul who in the name Of
Jesus Christ commanded the evil spirit
to come out of her. The evil spirit
Immediately obeyed Paul's command.
When the demon was cast out the
supernatural power Of the maid was
gone. Therefore, the source of rev.
enue was at an end, and this so exas-
perated her owners that they brought
Paul and Silas before the magistrates
on false charge.
Without any opportunity to defend
themselves, Paul and Silas were
stripped and beaten by the angry mob
and then remanded to Jail where they
were made fast by stocks.
2. Their behavior in Jail ". 25).
They prayed and sang hymns to God.
It seems quite natural that they should
pray under such circumstances, but
to sing hymns is astonishing to all. who
have not come into the possession of
the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Even with their backs lacerated and
smarting, with their feet fast in the
stocks, compelling the most painful
attitude in the dungeon darkness of
the inner prison with extreme uncer-
tainty before them, their hearts went
up to God in gratitude.
8. Their deliverance ". 26). The
Lord wrought deliverance by sending
great earthquakes which opened the
prison doors and removed the chains
from off their hands. The earthquake
cannot be explained on natural
grounds. Earthquakes do not throw
bolted doors open and unclasp letters
from mems hands.
IL. The Conversion Of the Jailer
wv. 27-34).
The jailor's sympathy did not 60 out
very far 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 himself, whereupon Paul
assured him that the prisoners were
all safe. What he had heard Of their
preaching, and now what he expert
enced caused him to come as humble
inquirer after salvation. He was con-
yicted of sin and felt the need Of a
Savior. Paul clearly pointed out the
way to be saved. He said, Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ" The word
"believe" means ito trust and fully
obey" The following facts prove that
the Tailor was saved:
1. transformation from brutality
to tenderness ". 33). He who little
while ago could with impunity lay on
the cruel lashes is now disposed to
dress the wounds of the prisoners.
2. Confession of Christ in baptism
r ". 33). Those who have experienced
the saving grace of God are willing to
confess their faith in Christ under all
circumstances.
8. He set meat before them ". 34).
4. His whole household was bap-
tized ". 33). When a mans family
is willing to follow him, you may be
sure that his conversion is genuine.
III. The Magistrates Humbled wv.
35-40).
/. The prisoners ordered released
wv. 35, 36). The earthquake brought
fear upon the magistrates and thus
moved them to release the prisoners.
2. Paul's refusal to go ". 37. The
ground of his refusal was that their
rights as Roman citizens had been vio-
lated. They demanded public vindi-
cation. The magistrates were guilty
Of serious offense. Paul was willing to
suffer for Christ's sake, but he used
the occasion to show them that per-
scouting men who preached the Cos
pei was an offense against the law
of God and man.
8. Brought out of prison by the Off
GERS wv. So, 39).
4. Returned to the house Of Lydia
". 40). Upon their public vindication,
Paul and Silas left the prison and
entered the house Of Lydia. After
ministering comfort to the brethren,
they took their departure.
~. Always Rejoicing (Phil. 4:4-9).
The presence of the Lord Jesus Christ
gives such peace that singing Gods
praises is possible even in prison.
The Pastor Says:
Never tell a young person that any