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The jailer at Philippi

A jailer at Philippi was typically a Roman soldier who had proven his loyalty to the Roman government through a life of service. Roman soldiers were professional warriors highly skilled in the art of war. Details of the Roman skills of hand-to-hand combat and dismemberment of human bodies would shock most of us even today.

These jailers were decorated warriors who were awarded the position of jailer as a retirement job with benefits. The man tasked with guarding Paul and Silas while they were in prison was a seasoned veteran, a no-nonsense, rough, and tough man.

Around midnight following the day of Paul and Silas’ arrests, these men were praying and singing hymns to God with an audience of other prisoners. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All the prison doors flew open, and the prisoners' chains broke.

The jailer likely would’ve been asleep at the top of the prison. When he woke up to see the doors of the prison open, he drew his sword to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. Taking his own life would’ve been the only honorable thing a jailer could do since he was personally responsible for the prisoners with his own life.

But Paul told him they were all still there and not to harm himself.

The jailer rushed in, fell trembling before Paul and Silas, and asked what he must do to be saved (Acts 16:25-31).

Next, the jailer brought Paul and Silas into his home, where Paul spoke the message of salvation and faith in Jesus to the jailer and all the others in his household. What happens next can only be explained by a transformed heart, a spirit of gratitude, and a radical transformation of the mind.

By this time, it must have been after 1 a.m. or later. The jailer then took Paul and Silas, perhaps to the courtyard where the fountain flowed, and washed their wounds (16:33). This seasoned veteran was experienced in making wounds on other people – but now he is washing wounds.

His family witnessed the transformation of this father. After the wound washing was finished, the jailer and all his family were baptized (v. 33).

After the baptism, he brought Paul and Silas back to his home to celebrate his new faith. At this point, it could be 2 or 3 a.m., and the jailer sets a meal before Paul and Silas as his guests of honor.

Has his family ever seen anything like this? Why did the jailer do these things in front of his family and guests? (Acts 16:34)

The story of the Philippian jailer demonstrates the power of the gospel to change a man, a warrior, and a father. The impact of the Gospel on this one man transformed not only him but also his family and his entire household.