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Acts 16

Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

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,

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

What does Acts 16:31 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 16:31 is a concise summary of the Christian gospel message, which is belief in Jesus Christ as the path to salvation.

It takes place during a pivotal moment in the New Testament narrative where Paul and Silas are in prison.

After an earthquake opens the prison doors, the jailer is about to kill himself, thinking the prisoners have escaped.

Paul stops him, and the jailer, recognizing the power of God in the situation, asks what he must do to be saved.

The response from Paul and Silas is this verse, promoting the idea that faith in Jesus Christ is sufficient for salvation, with the implication that this salvation is available not just to the individual but to the whole household.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

During the time of Acts 16:31, Paul was on his second missionary journey, spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout the Greco-Roman world.

The historical context is critical as it highlights the expansion of the early Christian church and the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) into what had been a primarily Jewish sect.

The mention of the jailer's household suggests the early Christian practice of entire households being baptized and coming to faith together.

Theological Insights

There are multiple theological viewpoints regarding Acts 16:31.

Traditionally, this verse has been seen as an affirmation of the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation, echoing other New Testament affirmations like John 3:16.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse has been used to support the doctrine of "sola fide" or faith alone.

Conversely, Catholic and Orthodox interpretations may emphasize not just faith but the role of the sacraments (like baptism) in salvation, as subsequent verses describe the jailer's immediate baptism.

There is also a debate about whether the salvation of the jailer's household implies the concept of "household salvation" or if it simply means that the offer of salvation is available to all members of the household individually, should they choose to believe.

Practical Applications

Acts 16:31 can inspire individuals and families to reflect on the centrality of faith in Jesus for their belief systems and actions. It can encourage believers to share their faith with their families, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith.

Additionally, understanding that one's actions can influence others, as with the jailer's actions leading his household to faith, may encourage personal responsibility and integrity.

Cross-References

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key words are:

"Believe" (πιστεύσῃ/pisteusēi): This word implies trust, confidence, or faith in someone.
"Lord" (Κύριον/Kyrion): A title for Jesus that recognizes his authority and divinity.
"Saved" (σωθήσῃ/sōthēsēi): To be rescued, preserved, or healed, often in a spiritual or eternal sense.

Understanding these terms deepens the meaning of the verse, highlighting an active trust in Jesus's authority and divinity that leads to salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the broader religious context, the concept of a savior or divine help is not unique to Christianity. For example, in various ancient myths, gods would often save or intervene in human affairs.

However, the Christian concept as presented here is distinct in its unconditional offer of salvation through faith alone, without dependency on rituals, sacrifices, or intermediary priests.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives typically do not intersect directly with theological claims about salvation, as these fall outside the scope of empirical science.

However, the sociological impact of conversion experiences and religious beliefs on individuals and their families is a subject of interest in social sciences, examining the transformative effects these beliefs can have on behavior and community cohesion.

commentaries

Various Bible commentators have provided insights into Acts 16:31.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the simplicity of the gospel message that salvation is through Christ alone.

John Wesley's notes on the New Testament also highlight that salvation requires nothing more than faith in Jesus.

Modern scholars like N.T.

Wright stress the verse's radical inclusivity, as the promise extends to the jailer's whole household.

Perspectives range, but there is a general consensus that this verse is central to understanding the Christian message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Acts 16

Acts 16

What does Acts 16:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 16:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?