We explore the ministry of Paul and Silas in the Macedonian city of Philippi, particularly their interactions with the jailer where they are imprisoned. When an earthquake strikes, the jailer’s traumatic experience captures his attention and leads him to become a Jesus follower. Paul and Silas were present in his life, ready to respond as “God opens a door.”
(Acts 16:11-40)
Sermon Outline
“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” (Acts 16:29-30)
Encountering Good News at the Riverside (Acts 16:11-15)
- Paul and Silas in Philippi
- The good news of Jesus
- Lydia and her household respond
A Good News Interruption (Acts 16:16-24)
- The annoying slave girl and demonic deliverance
- Upturning economies with the good news of Jesus
- Suffering for the name of Christ
Encountering Goods News in Prison (Acts 16:25-34)
- Worshiping in prison
- The walls falling down
- The jailer and his household respond
Making It Real
- Hearing the good news
- Responding to the good news
- Sharing the good news
Discussion Questions
- What would you say was one of your defining moments with God? What set you on a new course in life? What interrupted you and made you turn to God?
- This week we begin a new series “The Discipleship Journey: Four Examples of Growing with Jesus” by looking at events in Acts 16:11-40. Whether you are on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you as you study His word, and then read that passage aloud.
- Paul and Silas are on a ministry journey and in this instance are in the Macedonian city of Philippi. What is the response to the message about Jesus in verses 11-15?
- How would you summarize in your own words what happens in verses 16-25?
- Have you ever experienced some sort of accusation or suffering for the sake of Jesus?
- How do Paul and Silas respond to their suffering in verse 25? Is this surprising to you or not?
- What happens to the prison while they are singing and praising God (verses 25-26)?
- How does the jailer respond to this situation in verses 27-30?
- Why do you think this episode caused such a response from the jailer?
- What is the instruction that Paul gives the jailer and what happens in verses 31-34?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then take extended time to pray about what you share. If you are studying on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission of Jesus to His disciples.
- Draw, paint, or letter some or all of Acts 16:16-40. As you do that, prayerfully talk with God about your own journey of discipleship.
- Consider reading a resource on beginning life with God by following Jesus, such as:
- Nicky Gumbel, Questions of Life
- C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
- N. T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense