Did you know that after Paul and Silas were miraculously delivered from jail, they put themselves right back in?

I had never seen this before! We’ve been taught since Sunday School that the supernatural earthquake that freed these two disciples from prison was the end goal. But it wasn’t! We know that they went to the jailer’s house that night and brought his entire household to faith. That was incredible. We also know, according to Roman custom, that if a jailer loses any prisoners, he himself would be put to death. Perhaps that is why Paul and Silas go right back into their cell by the next morning!

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But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.”(Acts 16:35)

Not only did they return to their cell for the sake of the jailer, Paul was going to hold the government to account. Even though they could have walked out on their own, Paul challenges the officials to come and bring him out themselves!

But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.”(v 37)

Paul wasn’t about to let the officials sweep this injustice under the carpet. He knew his rights! Not only did he take a stand as a citizen, he demanded that they take responsibility for their wrongdoing. It states that when they realized who he was – and what they had done – they came and even apologized to him – because of the fear of the Lord (v 38-39)! Had he the opportunity, I could just see Paul inviting the press to assure this would make the Roman headlines!

This was not the first, nor the last time, that Paul would call public officials to account (Acts 22:25). He demonstrated that though we are citizens of another Kingdom, we have authority and rights in both realms if we but use them. He knew the laws of the land and the rights he had, not only as a believer in Christ, but as a citizen of the state. Do we?

Seeing the whole story now, perhaps the miracle here is not an earthquake that breaks off chains, but a disciple who puts them back on in order to hold his accusers to account.

What do you think we can learn from the example of Paul? Share your thoughts.

Wanda Alger has been a field correspondent with Intercessors for America and written for Charisma, The Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, and The Christian Post. She is an author of numerous books, including “Moving from Sword to Scepter: Ruling through Prayer as the Ekklesia of God.” Follow her blog at wandaalger.me.