Borne Upon
Acts 16:31-33
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
2 Corinthians 6:11-18 sees a connection here between the open mouth and enlarged heart for the church there. It seems that the apostles' situation is turning out better and better than expected. Here Paul begins speaking of some straightened bowels. I know, some of you were just about to say, 'how lovely for him to be so concerned.' Those with any medical sense at all will quickly understand the relationship between the two. See, between the bowels and the mouth lies a winding, twisted path connecting the in and the out. In that day these were considered the heart of a man. They still are even today. How many would develop fainting and stomach troubles over situations just like this. Here the apostles are witnessing and fellowshipping with their jailor. It may not seem like very much to you. But have you ever had to witness to someone who had been so mean and nasty even if they had to be. Some of you could not even make it in to speak the Word unto them. Forget even loving them as God intended for a minute here. Now, this situation is the same as what happened to Lydia. She believed in Christ and followed him with her whole house. Here God shows not respect for the jailor, his position, nor yet what he has been made to do. The same grace came to both equally. Had Paul not put on his Holy Spirit dancing shoes, the results might be vastly different. He was in chains and stocks, beaten and starved. In all things were the apostles neglected. Yet there is light and love to be found in their enemy's house. As hungry as these men are, they still take time to speak Jesus to this man. Never mind his twisted spirit of self-harm. It sounds like the beginnings of a praise meeting to me. Could this be the new thing and the overflow of which Isaiah 43:19 spoke.
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Yet there seems to be a strange connection between the Word and what comes next. What began as Corinthian speech has quickly turned into Corinthian digestion. Now there is care found in the house for all involved. Look how the jailor is bathing the inmate apostles and washing their wounds. At the same time, Paul is saying his baptismal rites. Can you see the importance of having Heaven's point of view. I know some of you cannot see what one has to do with the other; that is okay. Everything starts with the same situation. How you respond to it is something else entirely. Both Paul and I can laugh and joke about things that would have some of you holding yourselves under the table. How badly some of you Corinthian believers need this enlargement from on high. It is needed not only for your sakes but also for Heaven's point of view. These believers were like so many spiritual children to the apostle Paul. Since this is a family matter and we are all in a family setting, let us discuss a few things together. First, we are the righteous, the light, the believing, and the temple of God. When put this way, it all sounds rather serious does it not. Such is contrasted with those who are unrighteous, unbelievers, of darkness, from Belial, and in idol temples. Paul is simply saying this. Given such a witness and a testimony, God will not allow you to do anything you please. I know some of you would be in this situation looking for revenge. Not so with Christ or his apostles. Nor should the church hold to either the deeds or the works of such. As the sons and daughters of God there is no place found for joining yourselves to all that know him not. So, you see being like our Father is preferred indeed. Whether God is in the house or on the highway, believe me. He will set things right.