Singing in Jail

Paul and Silas were in a city telling people about Jesus. They helped a girl by making an evil spirit leave her. But the people who owned the girl got mad because they were using her to make money!

The angry people grabbed Paul and Silas and beat them with sticks. Ouch! Then they threw them in jail. The jailer put them deep inside the prison and locked their feet in heavy chains so they couldn't move.

It was midnight. Paul and Silas's backs hurt from being beaten. Their feet were locked up. They were in the darkest part of the jail. What did they do? Did they cry? Did they complain?

No! They SANG! They prayed and sang songs to God! The other prisoners listened. Even in jail, Paul and Silas praised God!

Suddenly—RUMBLE, RUMBLE, SHAKE, SHAKE! A big earthquake shook the whole jail! All the doors flew open! Everyone's chains fell off! Paul and Silas were free!

The jailer woke up and saw all the doors open. He thought all the prisoners ran away. He was so scared! But Paul shouted, 'Don't worry! We're all still here!'

The jailer ran to Paul and Silas. He was shaking. 'What do I need to do to be saved?' he asked.

'Believe in Jesus!' Paul said.

Right there, that night, the jailer and his whole family believed in Jesus and got baptized! The jailer washed Paul and Silas's wounds and made them dinner. Everyone was so happy!

Paul and Silas showed us that even when bad things happen, we can still worship God. And God can use our hardest times to help others find Jesus!