Acts
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” It is a remarkable question — and even more remarkable when we consider who is asking it. In Acts 16:30, a Roman jailer stands on the brink of taking his own life when he is stopped by the imprisoned apostle Paul. Moments later, the free man turns to the chained man and asks how he might be saved.
Why would the jailer ask a prisoner about salvation and freedom? From the world’s perspective, Paul is the one bound and the jailer is the one in control. What could the captive possibly teach the guard about liberty?
It seems like asking someone who has gone bankrupt how to avoid debt, or asking the couch-potato how to get in shape. Yet the jailer’s question shows that he has begun to see something deeper. He is not seeking mere temporal rescue. He is awakening to the reality that the gospel turns the world upside down: the man in chains is the one truly free, while the man with the keys is the one truly captive.
As we come to this passage together on Sunday, we will see this irony of the kingdom of God on full display: those who would be free must become servants of Christ.
To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Acts 16:16-40, Genesis 50:20, Isaiah 61:1, Philippians 1:12-21, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 2:16, and this article on the Spread of the Gospel.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Wondrous King, All-Glorious,” the Acclamation of Praise, “Tis O Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” and the Hymn of Response “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Acts 16:16-40
Title: Imprisoned to Liberate
Outline:
- Paul was Imprisoned for Gospel Freedom (vv. 16-24)
- Paul was Imprisoned for Gospel Freedom (vv. 25-34)
- Paul was Imprisoned for Gospel Freedom (vv. 35-40)