Growing in the Word

God Rescues through an Earthquake

Law
Evil and suffering are in the world because
of sin.

Gospel
In the suffering, death, and resurrection of
Jesus Christ, God demonstrated His power
over sin and death, and through His almighty
power and love, He causes all things to work
together for good to those who love Him.

Acts 16:2034

The judicial proceedings began fairly, but

they immediately deteriorated as the crowd, in
a fit of racial and religious prejudice, demanded
swift punishment. Without further inquiry, the
magistrates had the apostles stripped and beat
them with rods (Acts 16:22). Paul and Silas were
handed over to the jailer and safely locked in
an inner prison with their feet secured in stocks
(Acts 16:24).

Paul and Silas, who must have been extremely

exhausted because of the beating
and the stocks, did not sleep or
Context
groan or complain in prison. Rather,
Paul continued to meet Jews
they were praying and singing
and God-fearers in his mission
Podcast
hymns to God (Acts 16:25).
journeys. On the way, he was
Their fellow prisoners were
Visit
confronted by a slave girl who
cph.org/teacherspot
listening, and God also heard
had a spirit of divination and
and listen to the
the
apostles. His answer was a
brought her owners much gain
Seeds of Faith podcast
great
earthquake (Acts 16:26),
each week!
by fortune-telling (Acts 16:16).
which
shook
the prison at midThe demon-possessed girl cries
night. The doors were opened; the
out that Paul and his companions
chains
were loosened. The jailer was
are servants of the Most High God (Acts
terrified,
fearing
that the prisoners had escaped
16:17). She also recognizes that they proclaim
and
he
would
be
held accountable. The only honthe way of salvation (Acts 16:17). The girls
orable solution was suicide.
shouts correctly identified Paul and his mission.
Paul drove out the evil spirit in the name of Jesus
Christ. The spirits are obedient to Jesus for the
Lord alone brings redemption.

Commentary
Casting out the girls demon earned the hostility of her owners, who stirred up public resentment and official action against Paul and Silas.
The owners banked on anti-Jewish sentiment to
make good their revenge. Paul and Silas were
dragged into the marketplace before the rulers (Acts 16:19). The charges were promoting a
strange and illegal religion among Roman citizens.

34

The voice of Paul reassured the jailer and

kept him from self-destruction. The jailers fear
of death became true fear of God, and he threw
himself in front of Paul and Silas: Sirs, what
must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30).
Paul answered that faith in Jesus as the Lord
is the way to salvation. The jailer and his family
believed and responded by washing and refreshing Paul and Silas. The apostle then baptized the
entire household, and together they rejoiced in
Gods mercy.

Seedlings Devotional Talks

God Rescues through an Earthquake

Lesson 12

Text: Acts 16:2331

Hymn of the Day: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790; LW
444; TLH 39; AGPS 201)
Visual Help:

None

Think of the most difficult times you have ever been through. Have you ever
been really sick? Did someone or something you love die? Have you had to move
away from all your friends to another town? A personal story here would be good, but
keep it brief.
What is the first reaction during difficult times? Many would ask why God let
something like this happen to them or when all the bad feelings will go away.
The Bible tells how two believers acted when they were faced with a very difficult situation. They reacted in a way that is very different from how we might act.
Youll learn more about what Paul and Silas did in class today.
Paul and Silas used this situation to share Gods love for the others with them in
prison. They used the events God allowed to happen as an opportunity to witness
about Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
God helps us in all our good times and our bad times. God gives us the opportunity to share His love, and God promises to help us. Because we know of Gods love
and forgiveness, we can tell others by Gods power. We praise Him in both good and
bad times.
Prayer: Dear good and powerful God, thank You for bringing us into Your family.
Help us to trust that You are with us every day, whether good or bad. May we, like
Paul and Silas, lift our hearts in praise to You in our good and bad days as we tell of
Your goodness. In Jesus name. Amen.

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God Rescues through an Earthquake

Acts 16:2034

Believe in the Lord Jesus,

and you will be saved.
Acts 16:31

color
Story Page 12 Growing in Christ Early Childhood 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV. Reproduced by permission.

105

God Rescues through an Earthquake

Acts 16:2034

Believe in the Lord Jesus,

and you will be saved.
Acts 16:31

color
Story Page 12 Growing in Christ Early Childhood 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV. Reproduced by permission.

105

God Rescues through an Earthquake

Acts 16:2034

Believe in the Lord Jesus,

and you will be saved.
Acts 16:31

color
Story Page 12 Growing in Christ Early Childhood 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV. Reproduced by permission.

105

Craft Guide
Lesson 12: God Rescues through an Earthquake
Puzzle Maker
To Prepare: To make the puzzle, you will need craft sticks, markers, masking tape,
and an envelope.
Place craft sticks in a row to make a square; tape them together. Turn over the square and
draw a cross on it. Add the words Jesus saves. Take off the tape, mix up the sticks, and put
them together again. Save the puzzle pieces in an envelope.
Talk about how you, like Paul, can tell other people about Jesus.
Option: Glue two sticks to the back of the puzzle to turn it into a plaque.

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