Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and placed in stocks in the inner cell. I wondered what these “Stocks” were? Until I found out, Stocks were made of two boards joined with iron clamps, leaving holes just big enough for the ankles. The prisoner’s legs were placed across the lower board, and then the upper board was closed over them. Sometimes both wrists and ankles were placed in stocks. Paul and Silas, who had committed no crime and who were peaceful men, were put in stocks designed for holding the most dangerous prisoners in absolute security. Despite this dismal situation, they praised God, praying and singing as the other prisoners listened.

Paul and Silas’s reputation in Philippi was well known. When the jailer realized his condition and need, he risked everything to find the answer. The Good News of salvation is simply expressed: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. When we recognize Jesus as Lord and trust in him with our entire life, salvation is assured to us.

Paul and Silas took the family unit seriously. So, the offer of salvation was made to the jailer’s entire household family and servants. Yet it was not the jailer’s faith that saved them; they all needed to come to Jesus in faith and believe in him in the same way the jailer had. His entire family did believe, and all were saved.

No matter what our circumstances, we should praise God. Others may come to Christ because of our example. Pray that God will use you to introduce our Lord Jesus to your family and that they will come to believe in him.

When the CRL first began its mission it has just the key figures from families who were part of the prayer meetings but over time this changed. Whenever a person was touched, a few years later the whole family would be drawn in and they would collectively experience the salvation of Christ. The promises is to you and your families.

Prayer: Abba Father, use me to draw my family members and people I meet closer to you. Amen