Paul in Prison
Ilumi Kids · Stories
Paul and his friend Silas loved Jesus and traveled to tell everyone about Him. In a city called Philippi, they met a young woman who needed help. They prayed for her, and God set her free.
But the young woman's owners became very angry. They couldn't use her to make money anymore. So, they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them to the city square, accusing them of causing trouble.
In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison with their feet in stocks. At midnight, instead of complaining, they prayed and sang. An earthquake opened the doors and loosened the chains. The frightened jailer asked what he had to do to be saved. He and his whole family believed in Jesus that night.
Where it is in the Bible: Acts 16:16-34
Praising God in hard times shows our faith and can touch the people around us.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
Paul and his friend Silas loved Jesus and traveled to tell everyone about Him. In a city called Philippi, they met a young woman who needed help. They prayed for her, and God set her free.
But the young woman's owners became very angry. They couldn't use her to make money anymore. So, they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them to the city square, accusing them of causing trouble.
Without asking many questions, the city leaders ordered Paul and Silas to be punished. Afterward, they were thrown into prison. The prison guard, called the jailer, received a very serious command: "Guard them carefully!"
The jailer took them to the darkest and most secure part of the prison, deep inside. To make sure they wouldn't escape, he fastened their feet in a heavy wooden block called stocks.
It was almost midnight. Even with their feet in stocks and in a dark place, Paul and Silas weren't sad or scared. Instead of complaining, they began to pray and sing hymns of praise to God.
Their voices filled the prison with songs of hope. The other prisoners, surprised, listened carefully to everything. They had never seen anyone sing with joy inside a prison.
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. — Acts 16:25
Suddenly, something amazing happened! The ground began to shake very, very hard. A great earthquake shook the entire prison, from the ground to the ceiling.
With the shaking, all the prison doors flew open at once. And the most astonishing thing: everyone's chains came loose! The jailer woke up with a start, and seeing the doors open, he thought everyone had escaped and became desperate.
Paul: Don't harm yourself! We are all here!
Hearing Paul's voice, the jailer asked for a light and rushed into the cell. Trembling with fear, he knelt before Paul and Silas and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They gave him the best news in the world. That same night, the jailer took care of their wounds. He and his whole family believed in Jesus and were baptized, filling their home with joy.
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household. — Acts 16:31
