The keeper of the prison shouted: “Bring me a light!” This request symbolized that he had lived all his military life in darkness, but now he had become, in a sense, enlightened by Paul’s words. He immediately recognized the light of the heavenly Spirit, and fell at the feet of the apostle who had saved his life. He may have thought they were gods, particularly since they had not rescued themselves. They had even loved him exceedingly and preserving his life. The kindness of Christ brings about the greatest spiritual revolution in the world.
Paul did not boast or take advantage of the fear of the officer. Instead, he made clear to him that he, too, was a human being, but had been changed and converted by the grace of Christ. When the disturbed and frightened man heard the apostle’s words, he led him and his companion to the courtyard. He saw their bleeding bodies and became fearful of the wrath of God, for he, too, had participated in tormenting these honorable apostles. He mumbled with terrible fright: “What must I do to be saved, to be rescued from the wrath of the Holy One?” Paul the apostle summarized the gospel to this confused man in one of the great statements of the Holy Bible: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” This statement gave the jailer strong hope. God had not destroyed him, nor had He struck him with a thunderbolt from heaven. Instead, He opened to him the door to grace in the person of Jesus Christ. Paul testified to all the men and women, slaves and prisoners, old and young who crowded to him there, that Christ Jesus is the mighty Lord, who can make earthquakes, forgive sins, and give salvation.
The Lord who raises from the dead is also prepared to fill the repentant with the Holy and Gentle Spirit, who delivers man from the power of his sins. With few words the apostle of the Gentiles laid open the gospel to these frightful hearts. Those who had been prepared for salvation believed at once, recognizing that God himself was standing in the midst of His apostles before them. No one but the Eternal One had ever spoken to them like this, offering them life and reconciliation. The light of the heavenly gospel sprung up in the hearts of the hearers. The officer took the apostles to his house, washed their wounds, dressed them with clean clothes, and asked them to baptize him as a token of his complete submission to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Love.
This retired officer and keeper of the prison wanted to clear out all remaining residues in his life. He opened his house for this new Spirit, and gathered all his family, servants, and employees to be baptized the same night. This officer knew that God’s command was a necessity, and that any delay would be sin. He answered immediately, repenting and completely submitting himself to the living Lord. The Holy Spirit entered into those who were baptized, and they became joyful. Songs of praise filled their hearts, and they realized that God had visited them, even in the midst of a dark and foul prison.
They prepared the upper room in their house, and began to cook food for a great dinner. They rejoiced altogether over Christ, who had washed their consciences from sins and sanctified them freely. Those who had been criminals and sinners were now living in the fullness of the light of God even in the midst of the dark night. What a beautiful picture - a banquet being held at midnight, in the dead of night! Christ had enlightened the believers in the midst of the darkness around them, and filled them with great joy. This was the fruit of suffering, endurance, and faithful obedience in Paul and Silas. Lydia, Luke, and Timothy, for their part, were not yet finished offering prayers for those who had been imprisoned.