INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Jailer’s Crisis at Midnight
2. The Jailer’s Counsel at Midnight
3. The Jailer’s Conversion at Midnight
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we will be discussing, a man who asked a very important question. A question that had eternal implications! This is a question that all must ask if they like him are unaware of God’s terms of salvation. Not everyone however will receive the answer, in the same spirit in which he and his entire family did. We are not talking about some man's theology! Or someone’s philosophy! We are talking about things, which are eternal, and divinely ordained. Many have asked this question, but not all have received the same answer. In every case where one inquired of God's terms of salvation, of the man of God, the Lord requires his servants to give the same answer and assistance to the inquirer’s search for salivation. We will notice that this act of conversion follows the New Testament’s “pattern of conversion” as outlined in the Book of Acts.
2. First of all, we will consider the jailer’s crisis at midnight. As a result of an unexpected earthquake at midnight, the jailer would ask a great question out of concern for his safety and salvation. That would be: "what must I do to be saved?" Perhaps fear generated this question. Fear for his life. But, somehow he knew these men could give him the answer he needed. We ought to understand this for ourselves; for each of us must stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Most important however, we cannot help others find the way, if we don’t know it first ourselves. It is important to find out what we must do, first do it, and then instruct others how to obey God.
3. Secondly, we will notice the two counselors God had placed in the jail house at midnight. The jailer asked the counselors: "Sirs, what must I DO to be saved?" It implies some action on the part of the jailer. It suggests that he understood that he must do something - to be saved. Unlike the Universalist’s which say, "Ye need not do anything – it has all been done for you." Or like the Calvinist’s which say, "You can't do anything if you are not one of God’s elect." But, Paul told the jailer to have faith in Jesus, and he could be saved he and his entire house. God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. But each must do something to be saved and what is required is taught in this act of New Testament conversion. We will see from this example, what God requires of us all, in order to be saved.
4. Lastly, we will describe the jailer’s conversion at midnight. The jailer desired to be saved. He was not trying to deceive, or attempting to distract them from escaping that night. He truly wanted to be saved. Like so many today! If someone would ask this same question today, would the answer be the same? I sincerely think not. However, God's terms of pardon and salvation have not changed since this man's conversion! He is the "same yesterday, today and forever." In the same hour of the night - this man's life was saved both from suicide and sin, by these men of God. He and his entire household heard, believed and obeyed the Gospel! I would today, that everyone here today would do the same! Let’s consider our first point, the Jailer’s crisis at midnight.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE JAILER’S CRISIS AT MIDNIGHT
A. How the jailer arrived at the conclusion he needed to be saved is a question of speculation. It is possible he had seen or heard of Paul’s work among the Macedonians. It may be possible or even likely, he heard talk of their work among the prisoners or the guards. God sent Paul and Silas into Macedonia. Illustrate: The Macedonian Call, Acts 16:9-17. Philippi was a Roman city and colony. The gospel was being preached in Europe in this city, about 50 AD. Paul’s vison in Corinth, Acts 18:9-10; and his preaching in the city of Rome, Acts 28:23-24, and Acts 28:31.
B. First converts in the city, was Lydia and her household, Acts 16:13-l5. "The Lord opened her heart...as she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her entire household, she, besought us..." How was her heart opened? Through preaching! "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God," Romans 10:17.
C. Healing of a damsel of an evil spirit. Who had followed them and proclaimed: "these men are the servants of the Most High God, which show unto us the way of salvation," Acts 16:16-24. For this they were beaten and place in prison, for doing GOOD. Don't be discouraged when people are unappreciative of the good you do, or even cause evil to become part of your day. The man and woman of God seek to relieve the affliction and oppression of others; even if they receive persecution for doing so. Paul admonishes us all not to "Become weary in well doing," Galatians 6:9-10. What does God require? Micah answers: “To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before his God," Micah 6:8.
D. Paul and Silas had church in prison. Sang praises unto God and prayed. There is no time or place where prayer is not acceptable unto God, and not heard by Him. Notice Peter, "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are opened unto their prayers," 1 Peter 3:12. David said: "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep," Psalms 121:4. The words of song and prayers are no sweeter and moving to God than during the afflictions and suffering of His people. When in their hour of trial they pour out their hearts unto Him.
1. Recall Jehovah's words to Moses: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people...and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them," Exodus 3:7-8.
2. Luke states: "And all the prisoners heard them." They were rejoicing for being thought worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ, Acts 5:41-42. Paul reminds us: "All things work together for good," Romans 8:28. God can use every situation in our lives to glorify His name and help bring others to Christ, when we learn to rejoice and give thanks, even in our darkest hours.
3. Truly, this was in keeping with James' message when he said: "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any Merry? Let him sing psalms. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," James 5:13-14.
4. David said in the Psalms: "At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments," Psalms 119:62. God in this case did a great work at midnight in the city of Philippi. It was not long after their songs of rejoicing and thanksgiving ascended, heaven's answer came! An earthquake shook the prison; and awakened the guard. So violent was this earthquake that the "prison doors were opened, and every man’s bonds were loosed," Acts 16:26. That's the power of an Almighty God!
E. God creates a crisis in Philippi. A miracle at midnight was unfolding, Acts 16:25. It took an event of this magnitude for the jailer to ask the most important question of his life. "Sirs, what must I do -- to be saved?" He no doubt was extremely frightened, being awakened out of his sleep from such a rumble. Seeing the prison doors open, he "supposed that all prisoners had fled" drew his sword, to take his own life; rather than being executed himself for losing his prisoners. But Paul cried: "do thyself no harm for we are all here," Acts 16:28. See 1 Kings 20:39-42. Illustrate: Spiritual Suicide. Many are committing spiritual suicide supposing that:
1. The church is the vine and denominations are the branches, John 15:1-6. Jesus said: "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd," John 10:16. Paul also describes the Church (including both Jews and Gentiles) is the "one fold," Ephesians 2:13-16. The “branches” Jesus speaks of are disciples or Christians, not denominations.
2. One can be saved by grace, apart from any works. James argues: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" James 2:21-24; Genesis 22:15-18. Paul affirms: “Therefore being justified by faith (he did not say only), we have peace with God,” Romans 5:1-2. Paul is stating salvation is “through faith” in this passage.
a. Many religious people consider any active response to God's grace as works. Notice Paul: "For by grace are ye saved through faith," Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 2:8-9. Paul indicates again, salvation is through faith – and not by works of man’s righteousness. Grace is given by God without our worthiness or righteousness. But, grace must be accepted through God’s terms of pardon and salvation. Illustrate: Gift of $10 bill.
b. Jesus explains, "Faith as being the work of God." Notice: "Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent," John 6:28-29. If we can be saved without works or an active faith - than we can be saved without faith – for faith is the work of God.
c. Many have not made the distinction between the work (righteousness) of men - and the work (righteousness) of God. Paul makes a distinction of these while speaking of Israel: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved, for I bear them record that they have a zeal of God," Romans 10:1-4.
d. Salvation is obtained through true faith and obedience. This we will see as our lesson continues to unfold. Secondly, let’s notice the work of God’s counselors at midnight.
II THE JAILER’S COUNSEL AT MIDNIGHT
A. The Jailer's question brought counsel to his concern. Paul and Silas would be the Jailer’s counselors during this disturbing event at midnight. As sinful men behaved unseemingly in fulfilling the determinate council of God by crucifying Jesus Christ, which secured our salvation; the sinner must be willing accept God’s guidance in understanding His terms and conditions of pardon. Notice: The death of his Son, Acts 2:22-24. Man's wickedness and cruelty caused Jesus to be crucified. God however, through his wisdom and goodness, brought about salvation through the death of his Son. The jailer rightly inquired, "What must I do to be saved?" He recognized there was something for him to do! And, he had to be a willing to accept the counsel of God from his servants, Paul and Silas. Recall, God’s counselors guidance when others asked this questions. Notice:
1. The Pentecostals, who asked, "men and brethren what shall we do?" See Acts 2:37.
2. Paul, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" See Acts 9:6.
3. The Universalist’s doctrine (all men will be saved) is wrong when they say, "do nothing." The jailer realized he needed to do something – but didn’t know what?
4. The Calvinist’s doctrine (regarding the elect and non-elect) is also wrong when they say, "you can't do anything to be saved (if a non-elect) or to be lost (if an elect)."
5. Quote from Calvinism: “Unconditional Election." “This is the concept of predestination: that God has divided humanity into two groups. One group is "the elected." It includes all those whom God has chosen to make knowledgeable about himself. The rest will remain ignorant of God, and the Gospel. They are damned and will spend eternity in Hell without any hope of mercy or cessation of the extreme tortures. God made this selection before the universe was created, and thus before any humans existed. The ground or grounds that God uses to select the lucky few is unknown. What is known is that it is not through any good works on the part of the individual. It is not that he extends knowledge to some in order to find out who will accept salvation and who will not.” Online reference: “In Search of Truth.” Visit this site to read more on the Doctrine of Calvinism.
B. However, God desires all men to be saved. Notice Paul and Peter’s counsel:
1. First, Paul to Timothy: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time," 1 Timothy 2:3-6.
2. Further, Paul to Titus: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men," Titus 2:11-12.
3. Next, Peter to the saints: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering, to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," 2 Peter 3:9. See also John 3:16; Isaiah 45:22; Isaiah 55:6-7.
4. Finally, Jehovah saith: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, turn from your wicked way and live,” Ezekiel 18:23; Ezekiel 33:11.
C. All mankind needs salvation, because all have sinned, Romans 3:23. Notice Paul: "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again," 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. All are dead in trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1-5; Isaiah 59:1-2.
D. The jailer recognized his need for salvation, and asked, "What must I do?" One cannot ask this question for mother or daddy. And if we are to help others, we must first find out ourselves what to do; do it, and then share it with others. Salvation is a personal matter. Peter said unto the people on the Day of Pentecost, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation," Acts 2:40.
1. Unlike the Universalist’s who would reply, "That they should do nothing, for it all has been done for them." This is a doctrine of heresy!
2. Or the Calvinist’s teaching, "You cannot do anything, if you are one of the God's non-elect." These doctrines are not consistent with the teaching of God, concerning the death of Christ; and the salvation he affords to all men.
3. Christ’s mercy seat. Notice John: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation (seat of mercy) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:1-2. See also Revelation 22:17.
E. Paul and Silas' counsel to the Jailer. They said: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy house." Surely beloved brethren and friends we can all do this - believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. If not, why not? Can any be saved without faith? "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins," John 8:24. True faith leads to obedience and then to salvation, Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
1. But what was the Jailer’s reply? There had to be a reply. Perhaps he reacted just like the blind man Jesus healed, when: "Jesus heard they (the Pharisees) had cast him out and when he found him, he said unto him, dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, who is he Lord, that I might believe on Him?" See John 9:35-36.
a. Notice also Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:6. Faith is defined and directed in these verses.
b. Notice Jeremiah: "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart," Jeremiah 29:13.
c. Maybe you have not sought the Lord with sincerity? Many are satisfied where they are – because they have not sought out the real truth about this question.
2. Beloved, what had the jailer heard at this point? He heard singing and praying. But: "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," Romans 10:17. There was no preaching done in the jail house by Paul or Silas. There was no instruction of the word of God at all up to this point.
3. What had his household heard? They had heard nothing at all. They were at home fast asleep. Paul, Silas and the jailer left the prison and went to his house. Notice: "And they (Paul and Silas) spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house," Acts 16:32.
4. One must first hear the gospel; before faith can be acquired; and then that person can come to God. Notice Jesus: "No man come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me," John 6:44-45.
5. Hear Paul’s discussion of hearing to the Ephesians. He writes: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:13-14. Let’s outline his points:
a. They trusted in whom they heard.
b. They heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation.
c. In whom after they believed, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
d. The earnest of their inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.
e. Notice this in light of Acts 2:38, John 7:37-39. With this, let’s notice our last point, the jailer's conversion at midnight.
III THE JAILER’S CONVERSION AT MIDNIGHT
A. Salvation was sought by the Jailer and his house. The Jailer wanted to be saved. And for that reason he asked the question. Illustrate: The couple who asked: "What must we do to get married?"
1. They were told: "All you have to do is say I do." But, I ask, what about the ring, the marriage license, the blood test and wedding ceremony? Are these also part of getting married?
2. Why did the jailer ask this question?
3. Perhaps you have asked a similar question?
4. What answer was given to you?
a. Just have faith?
b. Pray for your forgiveness?
c. Call upon the name of the Lord? How does one “call upon the name of the Lord?” See Romans 10:13-18.
d. Remember the answer given to the jailer was to: “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
B. Many claim the Jailer's was saved in the jail house. They argue he was saved right there in the jail house while on his knees. If this is true, the same faith that saved him; saved his household, who at midnight was home in bed.
1. Surprising, the same people who claim "faith only" require the believer to appear before an altar, mourner’s bench or before the assembly to be prayed over.
2. Or, to show signs of receiving the Holy Spirit by "speaking in a tongue?"
3. Why is all this necessary? If one is saved by faith only?
4. The truth of the matter is, the bible doesn't here or anywhere else suggests or teaches that salvation is by “faith only.” James writes: "Ye see then how that by works (of God) a man is justified, and NOT BY FAITH ONLY...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also," James 2:24-26. We are saved by a "faith which works through an obedient love," Galatians 5:6; Acts 5:32.
a. Jailer not saved by faith only. When Paul made this statement the Jailer had not even heard the word yet. Was he saved not even hearing the word?
b. At midnight they went out searching for water? Has anyone asked why? Well, let me tell you. Apostolic preaching of Christ always included baptism. They did not preach Christ without mentioning, commanding and requiring baptism “for the remissions of sins,” Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48.
c. Paul instructed them to be baptized. After the Jailer and his house heard the word of truth; they acquired the proper faith, and showed fruits of repentance. They then sought to complete their obedience to God, in baptism. "And he (the jailer) took them (Paul and Silas) the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and his entire house, straightway," Acts 16:33.
C. This act of obedience. Is consistent with other acts of conversions we have reviewed in previous lessons in the Book of Acts.
1. The Jailer and his house, just as the Pentecostal Jews; Lydia; the eunuch, the Samaritans, Saul and others in the Book of Acts were baptized, Acts 16:33; Acts 16:15; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12; Acts 9:18; and Acts 18:8.
2. Paul told him to have faith in Jesus Christ. He was then taught the urgency of being baptized. For at midnight they were out there trying to find water! He wanted to be saved!
3. They therefore, did what was necessary to bring about this blessing. "He and all his, straightway were baptized," Acts 16:33. The same hour of the night – he and his entire house was baptized.
D. Paul's message. Notice Paul’s message is consistent with the teaching of Christ and the other apostles on the subject of salvation. He also taught faith and baptism as being necessary for one to obtain salvation, Mark 16:15-16. Those who preach Christ without requiring such are not declaring the “apostolic message” of Jesus Christ as outlined in the “Great Commission,” Matthew 28:19-20.
1. Jesus taught the way to experience the "new birth" was only possible if a “man is born (ek) of the water and of the Spirit,” John 3:3-5. In the Greek: (ek) means "out of"; or "through the means" of: "the water and of the Spirit." Illustrate: Philip’s Preaching and Baptism. “They went down into…come up out of the water,” Acts 8:25-40. Recall, we made this point very clear in our discussion of the conversion of the Ethiopian, as a result of Philip’s preaching, Acts 8:26-39.
2. Recall also, we discussed this truth in our lesson, “Is There Water in the Plan?” For those visiting; you may obtain a copy of this lesson or any other, just by requesting it. As we move to conclude this lesson, let me emphasize further the point of baptism.
3. The Jailer and his household willing submitted to the gospel and baptism (at midnight) in their desire to be saved. They understood that baptism would "wash away their sins," Acts 22:16. And grant them the "gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38. And put them in Christ and the church, Galatians 3:26-27, Romans 6:3-4; and Acts 2:47.
4. Illustrate: Get in the Barrel. Man type rope walking across Niagara Falls. We must demonstrate our faith by getting into the barrel. Our barrel is the water of baptism.
5. After which "he (the Jailer) had brought them (Paul and Silas) into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with his entire house," Acts 16:34.
6. This entire house was saved at midnight. After hearing the gospel of Christ; acknowledging their faith in Christ and being baptized for the remission of their sins. This same process of salvation is still required today – if one would be a member of the kingdom of God, Acts 8:5, Acts 8:12.
E. Importance of Baptism. Baptism is where man's faith and God's grace comes together.
1. It is God's means of regeneration. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost," Titus 3:5. Let me explain this process!
2. Notice: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, he hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); And he hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus," Ephesians 2:4-6.
3. Consider also: “For by grace are ye saved through faith (the work of faith); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works (of human merit), lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9. The system of faith – and not the works of the law, Galatians 3:1-3.
4. Being saved by grace includes baptism, it is in the act of baptism, man’s faith and God’s grace comes together. I trust you have followed me along in this lesson. Now as I conclude, let me review quickly what we have discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Jailer’s Crisis at Midnight
2. The Jailer’s Counsel at Midnight
3. The Jailer’s Conversion at Midnight
B. Summarize main points.
1. First of all, we considered the jailer’s crisis at midnight. As a result of an unexpected earthquake at midnight, the jailer would ask a great question out of concern for his safety and salvation. That was: "what must I do to be saved?" Perhaps fear generated this question. Fear for his life. But, somehow he knew these men could give him the answer he needed. We ought to understand this for ourselves; for each of us must stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Most important however, we cannot help others find the way, if we don’t know it first ourselves. It is important to find out what we must do, first do it, and then instruct others how to obey God.
2. Secondly, we noticed the two counselors God had placed in the jail house at midnight. The jailer asked the counselors: "Sirs, what must I DO to be saved?" This question implied some action on the part of the jailer. It suggests that he understood that he must do something - to be saved. Unlike the Universalist’s which say, "Ye need not do anything – it has all been done for you." Or like the Calvinist’s which say, "You can't do anything if you are not one of God’s elect." But, Paul told the jailer to have faith in Jesus, and he could be saved he and his entire house. God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. But each must do something to be saved, and what was required is taught in this act of New Testament conversion. We saw from this example, what God requires of us all, in order to be saved.
3. Lastly, we described the jailer’s conversion at midnight. The jailer desired to be saved. He was not trying to deceive, or attempting to distract them from escaping that night. He truly wanted to be saved. Like so many today! If someone would ask this same question today, would the answer be the same? I sincerely think not. However, God's terms of pardon and salvation have not changed since this man's conversion! He is the "same yesterday, today and forever." In the same hour of the night - this man's life was saved both from suicide and sin, by these men of God. He and his entire household heard, believed and obeyed the Gospel! I would today, that everyone here today would do the same!
C. Invitation. Discuss the plan of salvation. Review the jailer’s faith and acts of obedience.
D. Exhortation. "With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying: save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
E. Motivation. We love you here at this congregation of God’s people, and want the best for your life and your family. We invite you now to come and respond to the love of God and the death of his Son. What you do today will have lasting benefits for you, and perhaps for those whom you love, whether they be family or friends.
