An Armoured Life

Acts 16:28-30

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

See, God came not to smite the world with a curse nor yet to slay mankind as Job found. Indeed, he came to win many sons to glory as in Hebrews 2:10. Through Christ we yet live. But now it may seem like we are being punished with many trials. Then will he be held blameless through it all as the unoffended and unfettered Lamb of God. My, for some this is a hard text indeed. Paul shouting "do yourself no harm" indicates a spirit of care and concern not found elsewhere. See, the jailor was seeking to harm himself assuming his charges, his position, and his house to be lost. Yet as Paul points out this man's enemy was only himself. None of the prisoners were holding a knife to his throat, hexing him, or anything else. It is clear this man suffered from a visitation of God. To the unbelieving, such a situation may seem cruel indeed. But God can turn it around for the saving of his house and his soul. Now can you see the importance of representing Christ well in these matters. Eternity might depend upon your obedience to the leading of the Spirit of God. In 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 Paul speaks briefly of his many trials for Christ's name. See, there was no need for Paul to be proven for the ministry of God any further. In all these things he went through, God got the glory. Indeed, as those laboring with him in that grace we know that none of these trials have been in vain. How many of you know that the "grace of God" is never in vain. Nor would Paul speak of such if there were no danger. So then there remains a salvation for the people of God. Whether now or later, God will bring you out.

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

The text tells how you might be waiting patiently or suffering from much distress. Indeed, such things are keenly felt in afflictions, necessities, and imprisonment. Here the apostles faced stripes, tumult, and labors for the name of Christ. You might be watching and fasting for now. But then you will be by knowledge and long-suffering alike. See, the text shows that all your trials have an expiration date. They are not sent to destroy but rather to work out some pureness, kindness, and love unfeigned in you. When it is over you will be left with a testimony. Then will all believers know his Spirit, a truthful Word, and the power of God. Note that the double-sided righteous armor of faith Paul will discuss later. See how it surrounds him like an embrace on the right and the left. Here, God is so good that the apostle cannot help but feel it. More than that this "armor of righteousness" guards him on all sides. The result is the jailor falling down in worship and deliverance. Nor is Paul himself the object of such worship. Rather the power of Christ in all things really ought to be seen. For in such a Word is truth, power, and righteousness found indeed. So those professing such also are made clean. Like Paul, you might find yourself honored or dishonored, well-spoken of or ill-spoken, chastened or killed. When you are walking with Jesus it matters not if all count you as one of the deceivers. The truth of Christ matters until eternity. But here he deals with the unknown and the well-known, the dying and the living alike, the sorrowful and the rejoicing, the poor and the rich. With such a point of view, well might those having nothing end up owning everything.