the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 4 of 5
Acts 16:16-40
The healing of the servant girl possessed by a satanic spirit brought in its wake, tortures and prison for the two servants of God. They could have thought that this was a strange welcome to Macedonia after having been called over to help (v. 9). But Paul puts into practice that which later he would advise the Christians in this town to do, "Rejoice in the Lord alway" (Philippians 4:4). Covered in wounds, he and Silas are able to sing in the prison. Certainly these sinister walls had never before resounded with such echoes. What a witness these hymns would be to those who heard them. The more difficult our circumstances are, the more our peace and joy will speak to those who know us. And it is often for this that the Lord sends us tribulations.
To this faithful testimony, the Lord adds His own by delivering the prisoners. Trembling, the gaoler cries out, "What must I do to be saved?" The reply, wonderfully simple, is addressed to each anxious soul, "Believe on the Lord Jesus," (vv. 30, 31). Then joy fills the house.
After this memorable night the apostles are officially freed and leave the town not without having once again encouraged the brethren (v. 40).
