“And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.” (Acts 16:26 KJV)
And suddenly… Let’s walk backwards in this story for a second. Note that it was “suddenly”, not “surprisingly”. In verse 25, they were praying and singing. So? Paul and Silas don’t seem surprised by this. In fact, so not surprised that they manage to retain all the prisoners who just had a free ticket out of Dodge. Not only that, but this is used as a witness to the guard (and later his whole family). Why are they not surprised?
Firstly, this term “praises” in verse 25, is not some artificial happiness or misguided gratefulness for their present circumstances. It is used again in Hebrews 2:12 as the means that he is going to declare God to his brethren. It’s as though praise is the means by which they are being clear about something. In this case, being clear that God sees what is happening and he is not done yet. Not only is God going to show himself mighty to the prisoners, but he is going to set the guard free. Which begs another question. Why “…Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God…” instead of just “sang praises”? In fact, why mix prayer with anything much less praise? Is it really true that where two or more are gathered in his name that he is really there (see Matthew 18:20)? When you combine the presence of God with the requests of his people and then layer that with the clearness that he has unfinished work to accomplish, you may as well be that laser pointer for a laser guided missile that is incoming. Any gentleman can tell you that the fastest way to get his focused attention is to mess with his bride. Do you not think that God hears his bride when they come together and seek his will and intervention?
So, let’s go further back to verses 16 – 19. How did they get into prison? They set someone else free. What was she bound by? Verse 16 says, “possessed with a spirit of divination”. Divination literally being “Python”. Right, like that really big snake that crushes his prey prior to devouring it. Trying to get what you want by magic arts may seem like a more managed way to target your desires, but it captivates, crushes, and devours you along with those who profit from your practice around you. It is not only a reminder that God’s power is so much greater than the world’s power. It’s a reminder that when you lift up a situation to God that it has to be done so in humility and repentance. You might be asking for victory. He might deliver justice. You may want vengeance. Vengeance is His and He may have a rescue plan for someone who needs it very badly. When Jesus speaks of greater works, they are not necessarily works with greater flash or healing power, but they touch people who are in very dark places with an offer of forgiveness and reconciliation.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:12 KJV)