“After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. … About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.”
Acts 16:23, 25
Upon reading of Paul and Silas’ pain, darkness, and despair in prison, one cannot help but either be amazed or skeptical at their response: praying and singing hymns. And this was not a brief moment! They may have been singing for hours. The Greek verb used for the prisoners’ listening is an imperfect verb, meaning they listened for an extended period. They responded not with a fleeting emotion tied to circumstances, but rather with a steadfast hope rooted in their Savior.
Christian, when you are in the midst of suffering, do you begin praying and singing hymns to God? Or do you run to any number of other short-lived comforts the world tries to offer? Remember this: even when your hope seems weak, the object of your hope is infinitely strong.
For a time you may lament. But your sorrow does not end in despair. Let your heart be lifted up by songs that sing of your Rescuer. You await a promised rescue! “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
Christian, when you are in the midst of suffering, do you begin praying and singing hymns to God? Or do you run to any number of other short-lived comforts the world tries to offer? Remember this: even when your hope seems weak, the object of your hope is infinitely strong.
For a time you may lament. But your sorrow does not end in despair. Let your heart be lifted up by songs that sing of your Rescuer. You await a promised rescue! “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
Scripture Focus
Acts 16:16-40
Insight
Marvel at the hope we have been given in Jesus Christ as you listen to “Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery” (Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, 2019).
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 49-50
- Psalm 126
- 2 Corinthians 6-7
