Once the earthquake had loosened their chains and the building had collapsed, Paul and Silas could easily have made their escape. But no. They stayed with all their fellow prisoners (some of whom may have remained chained). The gaoler, who feared for his own life if the prisoners had run away, fell at Paul's feet in gratitude asking what he should do to be truly saved. "Believe in the Lord Jesus", said Paul, and then began to explain the essence of the Gospel to him. Then it was the gaoler's turn to wash the wounds of Paul and Silas and to have himself and his whole household baptised. It is a beautiful story of people taking care of each other and not selfishly looking after themselves, as could have been the case in such a stressful situation. How often do we put the needs of others before our own?