Day 18: Freedom in Fellowship

Opening Scripture

Acts 16:25 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

Paul and Silas were followed by a demon-possessed girl who kept shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” The demon within her knew the truth about God but was unable to lie. Instead, it became an irritant, using her to follow Paul and Silas and shout this repeatedly. She made herself a nuisance. Eventually, Paul turned and commanded the demon to leave her, and it did. She was set free.

However, her owners were furious because they had lost the profit they gained from her ability to predict the future through demonic power. They stirred up the crowd until Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison, with their feet fastened in stocks.

Scripture tells us that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. In other words, people influence those around them to move further in the same direction—whether toward good or toward harm.

When we have godly friends, we help one another move in the right direction, even in the darkest moments. Paul and Silas encouraged one another. Rather than losing hope, they chose to pray together and then to sing praises to God. As they did, the other prisoners listened in silence. And God showed up.

The Lord sent an earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison. All the doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. When the jailer saw the doors open and the chains broken, he assumed the prisoners had escaped. For a Roman guard, losing prisoners meant facing the death penalty. Rather than endure a brutal execution, he prepared to take his own life. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here.”

The prisoners did not run. Though they had the opportunity to escape, they chose to remain where the power of God was present. The anointing on Paul and Silas—their worship and the miracle God performed—was greater than their immediate freedom.

When we fellowship with believers who are devoted to God, His presence and power become greater than anything this world can do to us. Godly fellowship sets the heart free, regardless of circumstances.

The Examen

Who has God placed beside me to help me remain faithful in difficult seasons?

How do my words and actions influence those who are watching my faith lived out?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Acts 2:42–43 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (NIV)

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, place people in my life who draw me closer to You, and let me be someone who draws others nearer to You, so that Your presence and power may be revealed gloriously. Amen.