SUNDAY SCHOOL continued Thus they were able to pray and sing while they were in prison. God looked upon the scene with approval and caused an earthquake to shake the prison so that its doors were opened and all the prison ers’ bands were loosed. The Lord caused the experience to open the way for the salvation of the jailor. The latter had threatened to kill himself because he felt that he would be held responsible for the prisoners whom he thought surely had escaped. But Paul assured him that none had fled and urged that he do himself no harm. So deeply affected was the jailor with all that had happened that he rushed in where Paul and Silas were and fell down before them and said, “ Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The rest of the passage recounts the ready acceptance of the gospel message by the jailor and his family. Note the evidences the jailor showed that he was truly born again: (1) he washed the stripes of Paul and Silas, v. 33, (2) he was baptized, v. 33, (3) ihe set meat before the Lord’s serv ants, (4) he rejoiced, (5) and he believed in God with all his house, v. 34. Thus it is perfectly evident that a miracle of grace had taken place in this man’s soul. Two Aspects of the New Life 2 Cor. 5:17 The Christian life has two aspects—the negative and the positive. Becoming a Christian means that the things of the past, the things of self and sin are put in the background. As Colossians 3 tells us, it includes a putting off of the old garments of defilement. On the other hand when a person becomes a Christian he puts on some things, namely: the life of Christ, the fruit of the Spirit and all that goes with godly living. Can you say with Paul, “ Behold, all things are be come new” ? Helps for the Children The Difference Jesus Mokes Acts 16:19-34; John 3:1-21 M EMORY VERSE: “Rejoice in the Lord olway: and again I say. Rejoice" Phil. 4:4. Wherever the story of the Lord Jesus Christ is told there is an immediate dif ference in nations, cities and lives of in dividuals. Hospitals, schools, correct treat ment of women and girls and many other helpful and good institutions and prac tices are found only where the Saviour is known. Paul and Silas were among the first Christians who fearlessly preached the gospel to all whom they met. One day these men of God were beaten and cast into prison because of a miracle they had performed in the name of their Lord. Probably most Christians would have com plained that God had forsaken them if they had experienced such treatment. God’s Word says that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God. Suddenly an earthquake opened the prison doors and loosened the prisoners. When the jailor realized what had hap pened he was ready to take his own life but Paul said, “ Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.” The jailor fell at the feet of Paul and Silas and cried out, “ Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The sim-
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