Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIb

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
Two Households At Philippi (16:6-34) Part Two

From the example of one who was evidently a truth-seeker, we now turn to the conversion of one who appears to have "stumbled" onto the gospel. The conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household was precipitated by the arrest of Paul and Silas after Paul exorcizes a spirit of divination from a slave girl - Ac 16:16-18. Her masters have Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned - Ac 16:19-24.

Events leading up to the jailer’s conversion - Ac 16:25-29. Paul and Silas are singing in prison at midnight, with others listening. An earthquake shakes loose the doors and everyone’s chains. The jailer, fearing prisoners having escaped, is about to commit suicide. He is stopped by Paul, who reassures him that all the prisoners are present. Trembling, he falls down before Paul and Silas. He asks, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved". Paul responds, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household" - Ac 16:30-34. Paul then proceeds to speak the word of the Lord to him and those in his house. In the same hour of the night, the jailer washes the stripes of Paul and Silas, and is baptized along with all his family. He then brings Paul and Silas into his home, feeds them, and rejoices that he and his family have believed in God.

Now let’s make a few observations from this conversion. This example of conversion does not teach salvation by "faith only". It is common for some people to simply note verses 29-31 "And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, 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, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house." They offer this verse as containing the whole plan of salvation, denying therefore the necessity of baptism. Of course, this verse says nothing about repentance, confessing Jesus, etc., which the Bible requires elsewhere - cf. Ac 3:19; 17:30; Ro 10:9-10. The context of verses 29-31 must be taken into consideration. Salvation requires faith, so it is natural that would be the first thing to tell someone who asks "What must I do to be saved?". Without faith, one is not a suitable subject for baptism - Ac 8:36-37 "And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, Behold, here is water; what hinders me to being baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart,you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Having established the necessity of faith, Paul proceeded to speak "the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house." - Ac 16:32. Though not mentioned, would this not have included the need to repent? What is mentioned, though, is that they were baptized immediately! Clearly the "word of the Lord" included baptism - Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."

It is not until after he and his family were baptized, that Luke describes them as "having believed in God with all his household" - Ac 16:34 (ASV, KJV). Taken out of context, one might use verses 29-31 to teach salvation does not involve baptism, but in the context it certainly appears to play a significant role!. This example of conversion reveals something about the "purpose" of baptism. Contrary to the doctrine of many churches, the purpose of baptism is not to make a public profession of one’s faith. As we saw in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, baptism can occur when there is only the baptizer and the baptize - Ac 8:36-38. In this case, a family is baptized in the wee hours of the morning (after midnight, in the same hour) - Ac 16:25 "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened.", 33 "While it was still night, the jailer took them to a place where he could wash their cuts and bruises. Then he and everyone in his home were baptized."

The purpose of baptism is hinted at by the fact it was done immediately, even in the pre-dawn hour. It was done whether in private or public. This example of conversion is consistent with the purpose expressed by Peter ("for the remission of sins") - Ac 2:38 and by Ananias ("wash away your sins") - Ac 22:16. As such, you don’t delay, and it doesn’t matter if done in private!
This example of conversion provides no evidence of infant baptism either. Again, some appeal to the mention of "household" to infer infants were included in the baptism. Yet the text states that Paul "spoke the word of the Lord...to all who were in his house", implying that all were able to listen and understand what was said - Ac 16:32 "Then Paul and Silas told him and everyone else in his house about the Lord." The text states that the jailer rejoiced, "having believed in God with all his household"; i.e., everyone believed, implying the ability of all to believe what they heard - Ac 16:34 "They were very glad that they had put their faith in God. After this, the jailer took Paul and Silas to his home and gave them something to eat." There is nothing here to preclude what we have already concluded as necessary requirements to be a subject qualified for baptism:
Repentance - Ac 2:38
Wholehearted faith - Ac 8:37
Both of which infants are incapable.

With the conversion of "Two Households At Philippi", a wonderful church was born. The church at Philippi, to which the epistle to the Philippians was written. A congregation that supported the apostle Paul and the preaching of the gospel throughout Macedonia and into Achaia - Ph 1:3-5; 4:15-16. A congregation that was mindful of Paul even toward the end of his life, as he awaited trial in Rome - Ph 4:10,14,17-18. Never underestimate the effect of the gospel in the life of a family!

The conversion of "Two Households At Philippi" are illustrative of what Jesus taught in two parables. "The Hidden Treasure" (Mt 13:44) depicts one who stumbles onto the truth; the Philippian jailer was such a person. "The Pearl Of Great Price" (Mt 13:45-46) depicts one who is searching for the truth; Lydia of Thyatira was certainly seeking to please God. What is important to note is that the Lord knew such people existed at Philippi (see for example the "Macedonian Call"), and saw to it that they had an opportunity to hear the gospel. What kind of person are you? Whether you are one who has been on a lifelong search for truth, or have simply stumbled across the gospel, are you willing to allow God to open your heart through the gospel and heed the word of the Lord? Only God knows, but perhaps you will save not only yourself, but your whole family...

Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ? If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined the conversion of Lydia, the Philippian jailer and their households and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net

This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!

The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001

God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year

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Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
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