Can you comment on Acts 16: 25-34?
Introduction. The account of the Philippian jailer becoming a Christian is one of the many accounts in the book of acts of individuals being saved. Paul and Silas had been imprisoned because of their uncompromising preaching (vss. 19-24). The prisoners heard them praying and singing (vs. 25). "and suddenly there was a great earthquake...and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed (vs. 26). The "keeper of the prison" observed the situation and believed the prisoners would escape. Under Roman law, if the prisoners escaped, the keeper of the prison would have been put to death. Hence, the jailer "...would have killed himself..." (vs. 27). Paul stopped him (vs. 28). The jailer obviously knew there were supernatural powers present (vs. 29). He "...brought them out, and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'"(vs. 30).
Believe. Paul and Silas told him to "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ..." (vs. 31). Faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom 10: 17). Hence, they "spake unto him the word of the Lord..." (vs. 32).
Repent. The jailer showed "fruits of repentance" (Matt. 3: 8) when he "washed their stripes" (vs. 33). What a contrast: The jailer who had guarded the prisoners is now cleaning the stripes which had been inflicted on Paul and Silas as a result of the beating they had received (vs. 23). Indeed, repentance - a change of will which is produced by godly sorrow and which leads to a reformation of life - is necessary to being saved (Luke 13: 3, 5; Matt. 21: 28, 29; 2 Cor. 7: 10, 11, see also Rom. 10: 10).
Be Baptized. Next we are told that he "and all of his were baptized" (vs. 33). They did not tarry, but were baptized "straightway." Being baptized at such an hour (vs. 25) and in such circumstances was extremely awkward. It is apparent that the jailer realized the necessity of water baptism (Acts 2: 38). He and his "rejoiced, believing in God."
Believe. Paul and Silas told him to "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ..." (vs. 31). Faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom 10: 17). Hence, they "spake unto him the word of the Lord..." (vs. 32).
Repent. The jailer showed "fruits of repentance" (Matt. 3: 8) when he "washed their stripes" (vs. 33). What a contrast: The jailer who had guarded the prisoners is now cleaning the stripes which had been inflicted on Paul and Silas as a result of the beating they had received (vs. 23). Indeed, repentance - a change of will which is produced by godly sorrow and which leads to a reformation of life - is necessary to being saved (Luke 13: 3, 5; Matt. 21: 28, 29; 2 Cor. 7: 10, 11, see also Rom. 10: 10).
Be Baptized. Next we are told that he "and all of his were baptized" (vs. 33). They did not tarry, but were baptized "straightway." Being baptized at such an hour (vs. 25) and in such circumstances was extremely awkward. It is apparent that the jailer realized the necessity of water baptism (Acts 2: 38). He and his "rejoiced, believing in God."