Featuring the art of Henry Martin Story based on Acts 16 Adapted by Charles Kirkpatrick
One time, Paul and Silas went on a mission trip to Philippi.
As they traveled the countryside, they were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she could predict the future. She made a lot of money for her owners by fortune telling. She followed Paul and Silas shouting, These men are the servants of the most high God and are telling the way to be saved!
She kept this up for many days until finally Paul become so troubled by it that he turned around and said to the spirit, In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her! At that very moment the spirit left her.
When the owners of the girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and took them to face the authorities.
They went before the magistrates and said, "The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews! They are teaching things that are against Roman customs."
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas and the city officials ordered them to be stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison.
The Jailer was commanded to make sure that they did not escape, so he clamped their feet in stocks.
After making sure that Paul and Silas could not escape, the jailer sat down to rest.
About midnight, Paul and Silas began to pray and sing. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake and the prison doors opened.
He took out his sword and was about to kill himself when he heard Paul shout, Dont harm yourself! We are all here! The jailer woke up to see the doors wide open and he was terrified because he thought that all the prisoners had escaped.
Trembling with fear, the jailer called for the lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down before Paul and Silas. Sirs, what must I do to be saved? he asked.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with your entire household, they answered. Then they shared the Word of the Lord with all who lived in his household.
Then the jailer and all in his household were baptized. (Version 1)
Then the jailer and all in his household were baptized. (Version 2)
The jailer was filled with great joy because he had come to believe in God – he and his whole family! The next morning the city officials sent the police to tell the jailer to release Paul and Silas. So the jailer told them, "You are free to leave. Go in peace."
Today, people are still asking the question, What must I do to be saved? The answer is still the same! Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved!
Presented by Sermons 4 Kids, Inc. Artwork © 2006 Henry Martin All Rights Reserved Free use is permitted for ministry purposes only. Not to be distributed or reproduced for profit.