The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

As I think about this jailer, I wonder what the job requirements were at the time to become the jailer? He might have been big and strong or had a lot of power over others who were big and strong. Power is an addicting elixir, it can fill our minds with thoughts of invincibility.

Most jailers would, over time, almost inevitably become calloused and hardened towards those who were under their care. See enough criminals, hear enough lies, contemplate their crimes, and it probably all mixed together and sears the conscience. He might have thought, “These criminals are all the same. They are only in it for themselves. And these rulers are all the same too. They want to maintain power and suppress threats to their power.”

Coming from this heart of hardness (remember he didn’t even treat the wounds of Paul and Silas before the earthquake), I wonder if the jailer could even comprehend what happened next.

He had his fortified jail. He had his guards. He had his income. His life seemed very secure. Then the earthquake happened. And in an instant … everything was gone. His life would either be taken by a criminal escaping or by the leaders as a consequence of his failure to guard well.

Have you ever had a moment in life where much or all that you have worked for or valued is instantly taken from you? There can be such a feeling of desperation in those moments.

But to his surprise, what seemed inevitable did not actually happen. Instead, all those who should normally be against him — fighting for their freedom — were for him, staying in jail! The leaders of this group were those crazy preachers who sang all night and kept being joyful, Paul and Silas.

And in a moment, it hit him … this Jesus they worshiped had real power. His power over these inmates extended beyond prison cells and guards and threats of violence if they left. Jesus’ power was deeper, penetrating their hearts. He must have access to this life-changing power, to the love that he had experienced!

And we see he and his family were hungry for the Word of God, and were all saved!

And thinking of this from the perspective of Paul and Silas, this made all of the beatings, all of the false imprisonment, all of the persecution worth it. Eternal souls were redeemed, though earthly bones were broken and bodies harmed. The trade is to the benefit of the eternal!

So what rewards am I seeking for the causes I take on and resulting actions? Do I seek after wealth, the approval of man, to be understood, or to be elevated as one who is smart or wise in the eyes of those around me? Or do I seek the reward of souls saved for eternity?

Lord, cleanse my heart and free me from a focus on myself and my rights and other people’s wrongs against me. May I lay down all that I am owed and seek your face and your will today. The rewards of joining you in your work are eternal and mind-blowing!