Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
Paul and Silas were busy fulfilling the command of Christ in whatever situation they found themselves. Their witness to the jailer resulted in his conversion with immediate and radical changes, including becoming part of a spiritual family.
This is more than an exciting and inspiring story. It is a testimony to how God’s redemptive plan and transformation works. We see that anyone can change. Neither our past nor present is an obstacle to what God can do. The jailer went from enemy to asset as he believed.
The jailer was terrified of the consequences for losing the prisoners, but he found that faith in Christ defeats fear. He saw this example in Paul and Silas when they stayed in prison instead of escaping. He experienced it for himself when he responded to the Good News. He was baptized, identifying with the Christ who had been crucified by his nation that saw Christians as inferior and strange.
The actions of Paul and Silas show that kindness often leads to repentance. Paul says in Romans 2:4 that God’s kindness leads us to repent. Grace, compassion, and kindness can be pivotal for people who need the Good News to actually see and hear it.
Baptism helps nail down commitment. Something supernatural happens. No, baptism doesn’t save us. But baptism is a bold choice. For the jailer it carried great risks. However, he still chose to be baptized, and it was the starting line of a new, fulfilling life. In the commitment of baptism, he picked up Jesus’ name, message, and mission. Baptism was a line in the sand. He was not who he used to be. He was made new and ready to live committed.
Transformation and faith spreads. When we deeply and truly commit, we become conduits for faith to others.
- This is how the Good News story is empowered to work. Is it your story? Are you no longer who you used to be? Does Jesus have your complete commitment? Does the world know? Are you on mission? What is your next step?