Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison shows Paul and Silas praising God after being beaten and chained, illustrating that faith and worship break spiritual bondage even in dark circumstances. Their prayer and praise brought an earthquake and deliverance, demonstrating that true worship isn’t confined by surroundings but springs from a heart surrendered to God, regardless of trials, and that unity in witness brings transformation to others.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Audio
.
Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 16:14-15, Acts 16:19, Book of Acts 16:20, Acts 16:22-24, Book of Acts 16:25-26, Exodus 11:4-5, Exodus 12:29, Judges 16:1-3, Ruth 3:8-9, Job 34:20, Psalms 119:62, Matthew 25:1-6, Acts 16:25, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Romans 8:26, Acts 16:30, Acts 16:37-38,
Book of Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Continuing our study in Acts Chapter 16
Last week in chapter 15, starting at verse 36, we discussed the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Whose fault was it? Neither. The Holy Spirit led Luke to write the account without laying blame on either man. When we look at both sides, we see areas where each was right and also wrong. But God worked it together for good. As a result, there were two missionary teams instead of one.
The key point is that even ministry leaders sometimes disagree. Disputes should be avoided, but when they happen, we must remember that even apostles faced them. After the disagreement, Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Our story follows Paul and Silas as they leave Antioch, traveling north around the peninsula and through Tarsus, Paul’s hometown.
From there, they moved through Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. Lystra and Iconium are important because these are the places where they welcomed Timothy to join them. I believe they first met Timothy on their earlier trip. I also believe Timothy may have witnessed Paul’s stoning, which led to his conversion. By the time they returned a few years later, Timothy had matured in the faith and had a good testimony among the believers.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
The Importance of Good Testimony
We discussed how reports from fellow believers matter more than formal credentials. When Paul wanted to know about Timothy, he asked the brethren. That good report was the deciding factor. This reminds us that reputation among faithful Christians is far more important than academic titles or official recognition.
The Churches in Galatia
The churches in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe were all located in the region of Galatia. When Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians, he was addressing those very churches. Many Christians don’t realize that this letter was meant for those congregations, and it was passed around among them for all to read.
As Paul revisited the churches, he delivered the decrees from the Jerusalem Council. These decrees freed the believers from the Mosaic requirement of circumcision and the burdens of the Old Testament law. When the churches heard that message of freedom through Christ rather than legalism, they began to grow and multiply. The lesson for us is clear: when the church moves away from rules and traditions that bind people and focuses on the grace of Jesus, growth follows naturally.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Paul and his companions continued traveling through Galatia. They attempted to go into Asia and Bithynia to preach, but the Holy Spirit stopped them. This shows that the Spirit prepares each city ahead of time. A place will not receive the gospel unless God first prepares the hearts of the people. Before I ever came here to speak, the Holy Spirit was already at work preparing you to receive the message. That is how He always works—He goes before the Word to open the way.
Paul’s Vision at Troas
From there, Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled eastward to Troas. In Troas, Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia asking for help. This was the Holy Spirit leading and opening a new door of ministry. Just as God closed the doors to Asia and Bithynia, He opened the way to Macedonia, bringing Paul to Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. If Paul had gone his own way earlier, he would have missed meeting Lydia, the jailer, and the young girl freed from a demon—people whose hearts God had already prepared for the gospel.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Paul’s Journey to Philippi
We continue our journey to Philippi, sailing first to Neapolis and then arriving in Philippi. That is where we ended our study last week. Acts chapter 16 concludes there, while chapter 17 continues through Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth. Chapter 18 then takes us from Corinth to Ephesus and back to Syria. This entire route marks Paul’s long second missionary journey.
Now let’s turn back to page 109 in your notes. I need to go back and include Lydia, whom I left out last week. I won’t keep you long tonight—I promise. This passage focuses on Paul’s ministry in Macedonia, specifically in Philippi, as recorded in verses 8 through 40. Paul’s ministry in this city reached three different social classes.
The first person we encountered last week was the slave girl who had a spirit of divination. Her situation represented the lower class of society. Yet Paul still ministered to her and brought deliverance, showing that the gospel reaches even those at the bottom.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Acts 16:14-15
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Now we meet someone from the upper class—Lydia. She was a businesswoman, a seller of purple dye, which at that time was a valuable trade. She was well-off financially and respected in her community. The Scripture says the Lord opened her heart, but Lydia opened her home. That distinction matters. God can touch a heart, but He won’t force us to open our homes or take action. Lydia’s willingness to receive and serve shows her true devotion, and her open house became a key part of Paul’s ministry there.
We read about Lydia in verses 14 and 15. Scripture says she was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God who listened to Paul. The Lord opened her heart, and she responded by believing and being baptized, along with her household. Then she invited Paul and his companions to stay in her home. This tells us a lot about her faith and character.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
The passage says Lydia “attended” to Paul’s words. That word “attended” means to hold the mind toward, to pay close attention, and to apply oneself to something. It goes beyond simply listening. Lydia not only heard what Paul said, but she also acted on it. Her attention led to faith, obedience, baptism, and testimony. She shared what God had done with her family until they also believed and were baptized.
Lydia’s Genuine Faith in Action
She worshiped God, and when the Lord opened her heart, she responded immediately. She is a picture of someone who was already seeking more of God. You can always tell when the Lord truly opens a heart because the person not only listens but also moves into action.
Despite her high social position, Lydia humbly welcomed two traveling preachers into her home. She shows how genuine faith breaks through class and custom. When Paul spoke, she received the message, obeyed it through baptism, and opened her home for ministry. In her, we see how the gospel can reach the upper class just as it did the lower class through the slave girl we studied earlier. Both women experienced freedom—one from demons, the other from religious formality—showing how God meets people at every level of society.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Acts 16:19
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
In verse 19, it says that they “drew” Paul and Silas into the marketplace. That word drew is a strong one—it means to drag by force. It’s the same word used when Paul was dragged out of the city and left for dead. Interestingly, it’s also the same word Jesus used when He said that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them. When God begins that drawing, the spiritual birth will happen in His time. You can’t resist His power once He starts the work.
I often think about how we sometimes try to step in too soon and help God along. We rush the process and cause spiritual stillbirths because we don’t let God finish what He starts. If we allow Him to draw in His timing and let the travail of the Spirit do its work, real spiritual birth will come forth.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Now, back in Philippi, Paul and Silas were dragged to the marketplace because the men who owned the slave girl were angry. Paul had cast out the spirit that allowed her to tell fortunes, and when that spirit left, so did their source of income. They weren’t upset over her condition or her suffering—they cared about the money they lost.
Comparing Gadara and Material vs. Spiritual Concern
It was the same reaction we saw with the demon-possessed man in Gadara. When the devils were cast out and entered the pigs, the people were more upset over the animals than thankful for the man’s deliverance. Their focus was on their material loss, not on the miracle of a changed life.
This raises a serious question for today’s church. Are we more concerned about people or possessions? Are churches more interested in rescuing souls or building bigger properties and facilities? Many denominations rush to booming cities, not necessarily to reach the lost, but to secure prime locations and protect their financial investments. Some even hire lawyers to fight over buildings and land when congregations leave their organizations. It makes you wonder if their true concern is for the people or for the property. God desires that our focus always be on the souls He draws, not the gains we can make.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
The Reality of Babylon’s Spirit in the World
This reality is happening right now. Babylon is not just a distant city or a future prophecy—it is a spirit active in the world today. The Bible calls her a harlot because she seduces and deceives. Just as in the natural world, there are many kinds of harlots; in the spiritual world, there are many kinds of churches that draw people away from truth. Both work by seduction and appearance.
The actual temple God cares about is not a church building made of stone and wood. It is the believer’s heart, the temple of the Holy Spirit. If I ever lose sight of that and start to make the outward building more important than the inward one, I hope someone will remind me. And I know the Lord surely will. Our first priority must always be the people—the “slave girls” and those held captive by spiritual powers—not our buildings or possessions.
Now, with that in mind, we see Paul in trouble again. Let’s continue reading in verse 20.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Before the Magistrates
Acts 16:20
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
They dragged Paul and Silas into the marketplace and brought them before the magistrates, accusing them of causing trouble in the city. The Amplified Bible says they were “throwing our city into great confusion.” That’s what true men of God do—they stir things up. When God is moving, there will always be some commotion. The gospel disrupts comfort and exposes darkness, which people don’t always like.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Thrown Into Prison
Acts 16:22-24
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
Paul and Silas were thrown into the inner prison for preaching the truth. This wasn’t just any cell—it was the darkest, deepest part of the prison, a place for the worst offenders. They were bound in chains, locked in stocks. They didn’t go there by choice; it was the result of faithfully delivering God’s message.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
But there’s a deeper meaning here. That inner prison represents the hidden places in our own hearts—the areas bound by fear, sin, pain, and chains we can’t break ourselves. When true ministry enters a person’s life, it pushes into those inner prisons. The Word of God has the power to reach deep beneath the surface and touch the parts we try to hide.
When that Word gets inside and begins to pray and praise within those dark places, everything starts to shake. The chains begin to fall off, and doors open where there once were walls. That’s what Paul represents here—a man with a message that can reach into bondage and bring freedom. Real ministry doesn’t need to pry or invade; the anointing itself thrusts it into the prison of people’s souls, and once it gets there, deliverance begins.
The Earthquake at Midnight
At midnight, when it felt like the darkest hour, God sent an earthquake—not just to free Paul and Silas, but to shake every prisoner’s life. That’s what happens when God touches the inner prison—freedom comes to everyone who hears.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Acts 16:25-26
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
In verse 25, it says, “At midnight.” Midnight is an important moment in Scripture. It marks the end of one day and the beginning of another. It is the darkest point of night, but also the turning point when a new day begins. Spiritually, midnight represents the end of one age and the beginning of another. It’s the transition between what has been and what God is about to do.
Second Chronicles 6:1 says that the Lord would dwell in “thick darkness.” This might seem strange since we know that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. But He loves us so much that He steps into our darkness to bring His light. When we go through dark seasons, we can still find Him there. Midnight may seem painful and uncertain, yet it’s exactly where God meets us.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
The Midnight Hour for the Church
We can sense that spiritually, it’s about midnight now. One age is closing, and another is ready to begin. The world feels dark, but a new day is being born. In Luke chapter 2, we see Simeon, an old prophet who was told he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When he held the baby Jesus in his arms, he held the promise of a new age. Simeon represented the end of one move of God, while Jesus represented the beginning of another.
We can choose which part we identify with. We can cling to what is passing away, or we can embrace the new thing God is birthing, even if it seems small and fragile now. The new move of God may look like a baby—it’s still developing, still growing—but it will bring light, healing, and deliverance in time.
As for me, I don’t want to stay with the old prophet. I want to identify with the baby—with the new prophetic ministry God is raising up in this midnight hour. I want to be part of that living body of Christ that will rise and usher in God’s Kingdom on earth. Midnight is dark, yes, but it’s also the start of a brand-new day.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Exodus 11:4-5—Judgment at Midnight
Exodus 11:4-5
4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
I want you to understand the meaning of midnight so that when you come across it in Scripture, you see more than just a time of night. Midnight is both an end and a beginning—the close of one day and the birth of another.
In Exodus 11:4, Moses declared the word of the Lord: “About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt.” At that exact moment, God moved in judgment and power. The firstborn in Egypt would die, from Pharaoh’s household down to the servant at the mill, even the firstborn of the animals.
That passage shows how midnight marks a dividing line in history. It’s where God steps in to bring both judgment and deliverance. Midnight ends Egypt’s power but sets Israel free. It’s always a turning point—a moment where God closes one chapter and begins another.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Exodus 12:29—Midnight Strikes
Exodus 12:29
29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
In Exodus 12:29, it says that at midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt. God had promised it would happen, and it did—right on time. That moment was more than just a historical event; it marked the end of one age and the beginning of another. Midnight ended Israel’s captivity in Egypt and marked the beginning of their journey with God.
Every believer has a “midnight” moment, too. We can know about God and even witness His works, but until we go through that personal midnight, we haven’t truly encountered Him. Midnight is when we leave behind the old life—when we stop trying to blend the world with our faith and surrender to follow Him completely.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
It’s not an easy experience. It feels dark and painful, but it’s the turning point between bondage and freedom. Midnight marks the moment we move from simply knowing about God to truly walking with Him. Only then do we begin to experience His presence and purpose in a real way.
Judges 16:1-3—Samson’s Midnight Awakening
Judges 16:1-3
1 Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.
2 And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.
3 And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron.
In Judges chapter 16, we find Samson in Gaza. He had a serious problem—he was lying with a harlot. Spiritually speaking, this points to what Revelation 17 and 18 describe as Babylon, the harlot system. Babylon represents a corrupted religious system, and many in the church today are still entangled with it. Samson was lying with it.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
But at midnight, something changed. Samson woke up. Likewise, a spiritual awakening is coming for the true church. Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church. He did not say that about Babylon, but about the true, living church. At midnight, that awakening will come, and God’s people will rise up and carry away those gates of bondage, just as Samson did.
Victory at Midnight
The Scriptures tell us that Samson got up at midnight, lifted the gates of the city along with their posts and bars, and carried them to the top of a hill near Hebron. Midnight was the turning point—the end of one situation and the start of something new. Spiritually, it represents the moment when God’s people shake off compromise, break free from spiritual captivity, and carry away the strongholds of the enemy. Midnight always marks the change from one age to another, from bondage into victory.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Ruth 3:8-9
8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
In Ruth 3:8, we see Ruth as a picture of the true church. Throughout Scripture, women often represent the church, either as the pure bride or as the false system of Babylon. Ruth represents the right church—the faithful one. Boaz, in turn, is a type of Christ, the Redeemer.
The story says that at midnight, Ruth lay at the feet of Boaz in submission. Spiritually, that moment shows what happens when the church humbles itself before Christ. When we surrender completely and lay at His feet, He covers us with His mantle of protection and chooses us to be His bride.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Destiny Changed at Midnight
It all happens at midnight—the moment between endings and beginnings. Just as Ruth’s destiny changed at that hour, the church’s destiny will also shift when it fully submits to Christ. Midnight will be the time when the true church finds covering, redemption, and union with her Redeemer.
Job 34:20
20 In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
This is very similar to the events in Exodus. At midnight, judgment fell, and the wicked were removed. Scripture shows that this pattern repeats. Just as in the days of Noah, it was the wicked who were taken away, not the righteous. Many misunderstand the coming of the Lord, thinking it means the rapture of the just. But the Word reveals the opposite—His coming sweeps away the wicked in judgment, while the righteous remain to walk in His salvation.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Midnight in this verse is again the turning point. It is the moment when God removes the oppressors and shifts history toward His Kingdom purposes. It marks both an ending for the wicked and a beginning for the faithful.
Psalms 119:62—Thanksgiving at Midnight
Psalms 119:62
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Matthew 25:1-6—The Bridegroom’s Arrival
Matthew 25:1-6
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise and five were foolish. All went out to meet the bridegroom, but only the wise brought extra oil for their lamps. The foolish took lamps without oil. While the bridegroom delayed, they all slept.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Then at midnight, the cry was heard: “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Midnight was the moment of arrival—the end of waiting and the beginning of the wedding celebration. Spiritually, this reminds us that no one knows the exact day or hour of His coming, but midnight is a prophetic time of transition.
Midnight in Scripture consistently marks a turning point. Here, it signifies the change from preparation to fulfillment. The wise were ready, their lamps burning with oil. The foolish were unprepared and missed their opportunity. When the cry goes out at midnight, only those who are watching and ready will be able to meet the bridegroom.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Prayer and Praise at Midnight
Acts 16:25
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Acts 16 tells us that at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, and the prisoners heard them. There is a lot in that moment. Midnight here reminds us again of the Lord’s coming, but it also shows that even in our deepest prisons—our innermost struggles—we can still pray and worship.
The word pray used in this verse is the same as in 1 Corinthians 14:15, where Paul says, “I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” This means their midnight prayer wasn’t just words of understanding, but Spirit-led prayer.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
1 Corinthians 14:15
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
In that dark place, Paul and Silas prayed in the Spirit and sang praises. That kind of worship carries power. It breaks chains, opens doors, and touches everyone within hearing. Even in the inner prison, Spirit-filled prayer brings freedom. At midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, and the prisoners heard them. This moment is full of meaning. It reminds us that even in our deepest personal prisons, we can still lift our voices in worship and prayer.
Worship Releases Freedom
In their midnight hour, locked in the inner prison, they prayed in the Spirit and sang praises. That kind of worship releases God’s power—it opens doors, breaks chains, and impacts everyone who hears it. Even in confinement, prayer and praise in the Spirit bring freedom.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Paul was praying in the Spirit, and I don’t believe that Paul was just in these stocks and bonds, singing in his understanding. I believe that he and Silas were lifting up spiritual songs unto the Lord.
It’s the same word pray that he uses in Romans chapter 8 verse 26, where it says that, “the Spirit helpeth with our infirmities with what? Groanings, alright, that cannot be uttered.” That’s the prayer he was doing.
Romans 8:26
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
The Scene in the Inner Prison
Let me paint the scene for you. Paul and Silas had been stripped of their clothes, beaten with rods, and thrown into the inner prison. Their arms and legs were locked in stocks, their backs were bleeding, and the smell of that filthy dungeon filled the air. Yet in that miserable condition, surrounded by suffering prisoners, the Scriptures say they prayed and sang praises to God. The prisoners heard them.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
I think about that when we come together in church. We have comfortable homes, nice cars, families, health, and freedom. Yet how often do we offer God only a halfhearted sacrifice—a “sick lamb” of praise? Paul and Silas, beaten and chained, could still lift their voices in worship. What excuse do we have?
The Lord has been speaking to me about our assembly. The focus for us this year must be prayer, praise, and worship. We sometimes bring God our best, but other times we bring less than our best. True praise and worship are not optional—they are vital. It wasn’t until Paul and Silas prayed and praised that the earthquake came and the prison doors opened. Hebrews 12 says that God will again shake the heavens and the earth. That shaking—the move of God—doesn’t come until the praise comes.
Inhibitions and Entering Worship
So I have to ask—where are we? What holds us back from worshiping freely and without fear? Our worship should never depend on what the person beside us is doing. It’s between us and God. But I also know that when one of us holds back, it affects us all. Until we, together, enter into true worship, we will not experience the fullness of His presence.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
If I give God less than my best—whether it’s in preaching or praise—it’s a sick lamb. The same goes for all of us. God deserves our very best offering of worship. Like David when he brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, we should rejoice freely before the Lord. David danced and celebrated, but Michael looked out the window, despising him. Until we get the “Michael” out of us—that critical, self-conscious spirit—and let the “David” rise up within us, true worship will remain stifled.
One last thing. The prisoners heard Paul and Silas worshiping. People hear what we bring before God, too. When visitors come into our fellowship, can they tell whether we are offering real praise or a sick lamb? Do they sense life and joy or indifference? The world is listening—and what they hear will reveal what kind of offering we’re really giving.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Praise Beyond Sundays—A Lifestyle
What we offer up in praise isn’t limited to Sunday services. It happens at work, at home, and wherever we go. If you’re talking negatively about others or giving halfhearted sacrifices, the “prisoners” around you—those watching and listening—will hear you. In the same way, if you choose to praise God and speak words of encouragement, they will hear that too. You have the choice: offer up a “sick lamb” or a “perfect lamb” in every circumstance.
Paul and Silas praised God even when beaten and chained. Today, most Christians find it hard to praise or pray when things are good, let alone when times are tough. Too often, they complain about others instead of lifting up God. But even in struggles, someone is listening. The prisoners will hear either your worship or your criticism.
This message isn’t just for one church, but for every true gathering of believers. God desires sincere praise every time—not just once in a while. He’s looking for a perfect offering from us, not something leftover.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Finally, think about Paul’s ministry in Philippi. The third person he reached was the jailer. He was middle-class. After the earthquake, the jailer was terrified and thought he had lost all his prisoners. He was ready to take his own life, but Paul stopped him. The jailer asked the most significant question of all: “What must I do to be saved?” Those are truly beautiful words, expressing the heart’s genuine search for God.
Acts 16:30—What Must I Do to Be Saved?
Acts 16:30
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
In verse 30, the jailer asked Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” This doesn’t mean just showing up to church on Sunday morning. It’s not about adding Wednesday night services either. This is about a complete lifestyle change. When we truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, He becomes Lord over every area of our lives—not just part of them.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to the jailer and his entire household. That same night, the jailer washed their wounds and was baptized immediately, along with everyone in his house. He brought them into his home and fed them. The passage says he rejoiced, believing in God with all his household.
The jailer heard the word, believed it, was baptized, and rejoiced. While the text doesn’t explicitly say they received the Holy Ghost, the word “rejoicing” implies that spiritual transformation has occurred. This man’s conversion was complete and immediate—from despair to faith, from death to life, all in one night. His whole household followed his example, showing how genuine faith spreads to those closest to us.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Legal Rights
Acts 16:37-38
37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
The rest of the chapter, down through verse 39, shows something new from Paul—he used his legal rights. Whenever the Jews stoned or attacked him, Paul did not defend himself. He accepted it as part of God’s plan and mission. But when the Romans beat him and threw him into prison, Paul exercised his privileges as a Roman citizen.
This is important for us. As Christians, we still have legal rights granted by our nation. Paul wrote, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord,” but here he stands up for himself legally. It is okay for believers to use their legal rights when they face injustice, as long as it does not interfere with God’s purpose.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Paul made the officials publicly apologize. By doing this, he protected his reputation and made sure the church in Philippi would start strong. They went back to Lydia’s house, which became the meeting place for this new church. Lydia’s home now hosted believers from every social class—showing the true nature of the body of Christ. Paul wanted everyone to know that he and Silas were not just wandering troublemakers, but were respected servants of God. This public recognition helped the baby church begin with honor and unity.
Conclusion—Five Points Summarizing Chapter 16
In conclusion, I want to highlight five main points from this chapter.
First, Timothy was present throughout these events. He was likely at Lydia’s house praying while Paul and Silas were in prison. Timothy was getting a real, hands-on baptism into the ministry. Like Moses trained Joshua and Elijah trained Elisha, Paul was preparing Timothy. Real ministry requires training under other ministers and learning from mistakes.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Second, Paul ministered to three distinct groups: Lydia, a wealthy and generous businesswoman; the slave girl, a person from the lowest class who was delivered from bondage; and the jailer, a middle-class man whose whole family was saved. God reaches across all classes to build His church, and faithful ministry serves everyone—there are no special groups in God’s Kingdom.
The Spirit’s Direction in Ministry
Third, we learn from verses six through eight that the Holy Spirit sometimes forbids ministry from entering certain places. It’s important to recognize when He directs or restricts our path.
Fourth, though I am liberated in spirit, I admit I—and many others—are still bound in traditions. We need to leave behind the legalism of Moses and enter the joy found in the tabernacle of David. The church only increases in number when those restrictive teachings are set aside. Legalism hasn’t worked to change hearts; only Christ within people brings true transformation.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Fifth, even ministry leaders can sometimes disagree and be divided. These disputes are never justified, though God can work them for good. When the Spirit inspired Luke to write about Paul and Barnabas, he blamed neither and justified neither. Ministry leaders should rise above arguments and show maturity.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 2: How To Sing In Prison
Other Related Sermons:
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1 Audio
Book of Acts Series Chapter 5 Part 2 Audio
Get Busy Living sermon video audio notes
Also see: