Early Converts in Europe

After lengthy travels, Paul's ministry in Europe began down by a riverside where women had gathered. A woman named Lydia listened and the Lord opened her heart to respond in faith to the Gospel she heard from Paul. The gospel proclaimed in power is the proclamation of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As often the case when the power of God for salvation is being proclaimed through the Gospel, there is opposition and persecution soon followed. After casting a demon out of a woman, Paul and Silas got beaten, put in stocks, and imprisoned. Their response to such violence was to praise God. Instead of being discouraged and disillusioned they worshiped God in the midst of their circumstances and spoke volumes in testifying about God to the other prisoners and guards.

God's plan was a literal jailbreak by means of a supernatural earthquake to free all the prisoners. Instead of fleeing, Paul, Silas, and all the prisoners stayed put. This testimony was used to bring the jailer to ask the simple yet most profound question, “What must I do to be saved?” A life changing question for any, and all, who recognize their desperate situation before the holy God. Paul and company were able to answer that question not only for the jailer but also to take the good news to the hearing of his family as well.

The Lord had orchestrated the circumstances as the Spirit had hearts prepared to hear and believe the lifesaving message of Jesus Christ.