Discussion Guide

Acts of the Apostles: Message Series

Week 6: Acts 16:23-32

23 After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted in a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." 29 The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." 32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.

Bottom Line: Praising God, even in the worst circumstances, can shake others free.

Synopsis: Praising God amid the worst of circumstances shakes the earth and sets people free. How does our lack of desperation limit our worship? Can we sing praises at midnight and watch God shake the earth and set people free? What’s holding us back?

Questions:

  1. What experience in your life do these lyrics remind you of?

When the pieces seem too shattered
To gather off the floor

And all that seems to matter

Is that I don't feel you anymore

No I don't feel you anymore

I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing

I need to know that You're still holding

The whole world in Your hands

I need a reason to sing
When I'm overcome by fear

And I hate everything I know

If this waiting lasts forever

I'm afraid I might let go

I'm afraid I might let go

2. Reflecting on the response of Paul and Silas to their imprisonment — praying and singing hymns — how does this challenge your own attitude toward difficult circumstances?

3. In what way could you live through hardship so that it makes an impact on others?