It is a serious mistake to take sides in an argument, just to please your friends, as happened here, instead of making sure you know all the facts.
When Paul and Silas came to Philippi, some of the local people had two reasons for wanting rid of them: These preachers condemned evil, and as a result of their preaching, wicked men lost a source of income. (verses 16-19.) Another reason was that these local people, although involved in evil money-making, were content with the “religion” they had! (verse 21.) It obviously gave them freedom to live as they pleased, and yet offered them some spiritual comfort as well! (Titus 1:15-16. 2ndTimothy 3:1-9.)
Many people still want a religion that can do this for them today! Do YOU want to live as you please most of the time, and yet try to put your mind at ease by adding a little bit of religion now and again?! Anyone with that idea of religion would certainly NOT have liked to hear Paul and Silas preaching about REPENTANCE AND FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! (Acts 26:17-20.)
The local people seized them, and dragged them to the authorities. These Roman officials showed no interest or concern for the preachers, or their message. To the delight of the local people the officials “ordered them to be stripped and beaten … and thrown into prison.” (verses 22-23.)
“When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: ‘Release those men.’... But Paul said to the officers, ‘They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens! and threw us in prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.’” (verses 35-37.)
Those Roman officials had sided with the evil crowd, and their wicked ways! Now they would have to admit publicly, that the men who had come preaching about the Lord Jesus Christ being the only Priest and Saviour, had been guilty of no crime. (1stTimothy 2:5-6. Hebrews 7:23-27.) Humiliated, “they came and escorted them from the prison…”
Paul and Silas came out of prison, went to Lydia’s house … met the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.” (verses 39-40.)
Don't YOU make the Roman officials' mistake. Make sure you know the FACTS about the ONLY PRIEST AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, instead of just going along with those who condemn this message. Don’t be tempted to go on in sin, and empty religion, for then, too late, you will still have to apologise to the faithful preachers of Christ, as you are being put away eternally from the presence of God, and from His people in Heaven. (Matthew 25:41-46. Revelation 3:9.)
It is much wiser to recognise this mistake NOW, and to turn from your sin to Jesus for His forgiveness and power. (see Isaiah 55:6-7.)
Read of the Roman officials' mistake in Acts chapter 16:16-24, 35-40.
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