A Wing and a Prayer
The account of the Apostle Paul and Silas being unjustly accused, beaten and cast into prison in Philippi is told in Acts 16. They reacted with prayer and praise. Only then did God show up to shake the prison with an earthquakeAbout midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Acts 16:25-26. One focus of the event is that the jailer and his household came to faith with Paul’s simple message. (verse 31So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ).
Being a Roman citizen, Paul’s treatment by those in charge was illegal. So the magistrates, realizing their error, sent word to “Let those men go.” But Paul objected.
But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, un-condemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.” Acts 16:37
The authorities did come. They were embarrassed, apologized and pleaded for them to go away. Because Paul asserted his civil rights and called on the authorities to do the right thing, the advance of the gospel was not further impeded by the city leaders, as Paul reported in his letter to the PhilippiansNow I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear..
Part of the task to disciple the nations is to model and share fundamental biblical principles. It will require that you pray. And it may involve a flight to another nation. The gospel is often advanced on a wing and a prayer. Join us to make an impact. Sign up or log in at MissionNext to begin your journey.
Nelson Malwitz, Founder
Nelson Malwitz, Founder
Nelson was raised in the C&MA and attended Urbana in college. A Chemical Engineer worked in R&D positions 33 years. with formal training in methods of creative problem-solving. He was a founding elder at Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, CT (1982) in what is now one of the largest Evangelical churches in New England. In 1998 Nelson founded the Finishers Project, now MissionNext, and serves on the Board. He has been in 45 countries to work with leaders of leaders and see multiple cultures first hand.
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