“And The Prisoners Were Listening To Them”
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesWhen Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into an “inner prison” (Acts 16:19-24), they were not despondent. In fact, they were joyful — so much so that they “were praying and singing hymns unto God” (Acts 16:25 ASV).
As they were praising God, the Scripture states, “and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25 ASV).
Brother Burton Coffman comments on verse 25:
“This is one of the most thrilling things ever recorded of the apostolic missionaries and has inspired many a sermon and printed article on “Songs at Midnight.” The bleeding, suffering apostles uttering their prayers and singing the praises of God under circumstances such as they were in was something which must indeed have amazed and enthralled the other prisoners.”
The apostle Paul in Colossians 3:16, reminds us to:
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Not only were Paul and Silas offering sweet praise to God with prayers and singing, they were also ministering to their fellow prisoners, teaching and admonishing them with words of spiritual encouragement.
Brethren and friends, in whatever circumstance or situation we find ourselves, let us cultivate an attitude of praise like Paul and Silas.
Whether it is through song or conversation, let our joy in the Lord reverberate to others, encouraging them to render obedience to the Lord (Acts 16:26-34).
For we never know who might be listening to us.