Among all the ways that we might characterize Scripture, it is a liberation story. God’s self-expression of love for all which God has created is liberating. The unfortunate reality of the human condition is that imprisonment is an all-too-common experience. Emotionally, spiritually, and physically, we know the need for liberation. Our text from the Book of Acts is a story of God’s liberating love at work through the ministry of Paul and Silas. In addition to showing the power of this liberation, it also spotlights the risk that is at play when corrupt forces seek to maintain their imprisoning ways.

This text also shows, through Paul’s bold action, that we are not powerless in the face of the corrupting influences that would want us to feel disempowered. As we grieve and absorb the ongoing scourge of gun violence in the nation, and the feckless policy makers who refuse to do the things that will make us safer, the corrupting influence of power and profit would seek to keep us cynical about our ability to effect change. The good news is that God’s liberating love is still at work. Paul’s witness encourages us to stand up, speak that story, and participate in the work in our life and community.