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I. THE MEN ENGAGED WERE EMINENTLY GOOD. "Paul and Silas."

1. They were employed in the highest service.

2. They were the truest benefactors of society.

3. They were successful opponents of evil.

4. They were martyrs to religious fidelity.

II. THE PLACE WAS NOTORIOUSLY WICKED. "Prison."

1. Circumstances are no criterion of character.

2. Doing good does not necessarily produce its equivalent.

3. The world is ignorant of the nature of true religion.

4. The good are non-resistant in their method of meeting persecution.

5. The ungodly are permitted great freedom.

III. THE TIME was extremely unusual. "Midnight." It was neither of the usual "hours" of devotion. The heart of man on earth and the ear of God in heaven are not regulated by our chronometers. Midnight, as well as midday, is the "accepted" time.

1. It was singular time. The world asleep.

2. It was sacred time. David and other eminent servants of God often worshipped them.

3. It was suitable time. Silence reigned. Quietness favourable to devotion.

IV. THE SERVICE WAS MARVELLOUS IN ITS NATURE. They had been stopped serving God by preaching. In the circumstances they did what they could.

1. There was supplication.

(1)  Probably for pardon of enemies.

(2)  Probably for success of mission.

(3)  Probably for guidance in difficulties.

(4)  Probably for preservation of converts.

2. There was song.

(1)  Consciousness of Divine favour.

(2)  Acknowledgment of Divine favour.

(3)  Enjoyment of Divine favour.

3. There was sublimity. Such conduct in such a place was unique — marvellous.

V. THE RESULTS WERE EXTRAORDINARILY GREAT.

1. Shaking of the prison.

(1)  Proof of the Divine presence.

(2)  Illustration of the Divine power.

(3)  Sign of the Divine indignation.

(4)  Symbol of the Divine goodness. Open doors and broken chains. Moral freedom.

2. Conversion of the prison keeper.

(1)  Fear.

(2)  Inquiry.

(3)  Instruction.

(4)  Faith.

(5)  Obedience.

(6)  Courtesy.

(7)  Joy.

3. Liberation of the prisoners.

(1)  Infringement of rights.

(2)  Assertion of claims.

(3)  Acknowledgment of wrong.

(4)  Freedom.Conclusion:

1. God cares for the good.

2. Fidelity to God rewarded.

3. Ultimate triumph of the gospel.

4. Worship God.

(B. D. Johns.)

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KJV: And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

WEB: But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.