There are several parallels between today’s sermon text from the book of Acts and the elements chosen for this morning’s service. Just as Paul and Silas are freed from their unjust imprisonment, we will sing of God’s willingness to set prisoners free—from the metaphorical chains of sin and misery as much a literal bondage (Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah—Psalm 146; O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing; Jesus Shall Reign). Just as Paul assures his captor that he need only believe to be saved, we read from Paul’s letter to the Romans that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 9:13, quoting Joel 2:32), and we sing that we will call on the Lord “in [our] troubled days” and “in affliction” (Turn Your Ear And Answer—Psalm 86; O Thou In Whose Presence). Just as Paul and Silas are washed from their wounds while the jailer and his family are baptized, we rejoice that Jesus’ blood has “washed all [our] sins away” (There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood). Finally, since this entire story takes place in the city of Phillipi, the text of our final communion hymn (To Live Is Christ) is based on passages from Paul’s letter to the Phillipians.
—Henry C. Haffner
