BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 16:37

Thursday, 18 May 2023
 
But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.” Acts 16:37
 
In the previous verse, the jailor told Paul that the magistrates had sent word to let them go. With that, Luke now records, “But Paul said to them.”
 
As noted in the comments of the previous verse, the rod bearers were obviously with the jailor when he gave them the news of their release because the address is now in the plural. Paul is speaking to the jailor and the rod bearers. In his response, he says, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans.” The word “openly” is more appropriately translated as “publicly.” They were shamed before other citizens and even non-citizens in a manner that was considered wholly intolerable to the laws of Rome.
 
Of this, Charles Ellicott says –
 
“By the Lex Porcia (B.C. 247), Roman citizens were exempted from degrading punishment, such as that of scourging. It was the heaviest of all the charges brought by Cicero against Verres, the Governor of Sicily, that he had broken this law.”
 
As Paul uses the plural, us, it indicates that Silas was also a Roman. It would be wholly inappropriate to speak the plural in this manner if it were not so. How Silas obtained his citizenship is unknown. However, in Acts 22:28 we find that Paul was born a Roman citizen. That carried an exceptional mark. Others became citizens in various ways, but to be born a Roman meant that his father was a citizen before him as well.
 
In having beaten Paul and Silas, three extremely serious charges could be raised. The first is that it was a violation of Roman law to do so. Second, Paul notes that they were beaten publicly. Third, and certainly most egregiously, they had been disgraced in this manner without any trial having been held. They were stripped of their clothing while at the same time, they were stripped of their rights as Romans. Further, along with these disgraces, Paul says, “and have thrown us into prison.”
 
Vincent’s Word Studies, citing a scholar named Hackett, says “that almost every word in this reply contains a distinct allegation. It would be difficult to find or frame a sentence superior to it in point of energetic brevity.” Paul’s noting of their being thrown into prison carries with it the cumulation of all the injustices explicitly stated along with those that went unstated.
 
They would have been deprived of food. They would not have been properly treated regarding the wounds they received. They were bound like animals in the filth of a Roman cell. These and other injustices would have all come together in their incarceration, heaping up guilt upon those who had allowed the events to occur. Because of this, Paul now contrasts the word “openly” by saying, “And now do they put us out secretly?”
 
The magistrates had violated the law in an open and disgraceful manner. No matter what reason they had for releasing them from prison so early in the morning, it certainly carried with it a desire to secretly hide away what had occurred. Paul was adamantly not going to allow that to happen. Thus, he says, “No indeed!”
 
Throughout the ages, the same idea has been communicated in various abrupt but poignant ways. In modern English, we might say, “No way Jose,” “I think not,” or “Not gonna happen.” The succinct nature of the words provides its own emphasis. Such is the case with Paul’s words. With that uttered, he next says, “Let them come themselves and get us out.”
 
Of this demand of Paul, Albert Barnes provides five valid points to consider –
 
(1) Because they had been illegally imprisoned, and the injustice of the magistrates should be acknowledged.
 
(2) because the Roman laws had been violated, and the majesty of the Roman people insulted, and honor should be done to the laws.
 
(3) because injustice had been done to Paul and Silas, and they had a right to demand just treatment and protection.
 
(4) because such a public act on the part of the magistrates would strengthen the young converts, and show them that the apostles were not guilty of a violation of the laws.
 
(5) because it would tend to the honor and to the furtherance of religion. It would be a public acknowledgement of their innocence, and would go far toward lending to them the sanction of the laws as religious teachers.
 
Life application: As noted in the previous verse, it is ridiculous for Christians to not use the rights allowed to them within their society when they are unfairly treated. For example, Christians are expected to pay taxes. Taxes are used for the various social and legal protections provided by the law. Christians are required to conform to the laws, rules, regulations, and statutes of the land in which they live. These things are imposed on all citizens of a nation to ensure things run smoothly and to ensure people are treated fairly while also being held accountable when they do not conform to the standards of society.
 
To submit to such things as these, but then not use those same rights and benefits when it is opportune to do so – such as in voting – is, frankly, foolish. If a citizen will be directed in these things by whoever is elected to office, but he is unwilling to vote when he has the right to do so, it means that he may be setting himself up to lose the very protections that he is granted.
 
This is the state of the United States today. Those on the left are actively working to take away the rights of citizens in general and those of Christians in particular. And yet, weak-kneed, unthinking Christians fail to use their rights and to exercise their responsibilities within the nation they live. When those rights are taken away from them, they will only have themselves to blame. Paul would find their peevishness and absurd self-piety appalling, as is evidenced by his remarks recorded in Acts 16:37.
 
Heavenly Father, may we use right thinking concerning our lives within our society. If we fail to do so, we will be overcome by tragedy when we find we have squandered our responsibilities and lost our rights as citizens of the nations in which we live. Help us not to be reckoned as peevish examples of folly and foolishness. Amen.

Acts 16:36

Wednesday, 17 May 2023
 
So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.” Acts 16:36
 
In the previous verse, the magistrates sent the rod bearers, telling them to release Paul and Silas. With that, it now says, “So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul.” The word translated as “keeper of the prison” is the same as that translated as jailor in verse 16:27. This is referring to the same man who was baptized by Paul.
 
It seems that Paul and Silas were returned to the prison cell prior to anyone arriving in the morning, probably to keep the jailor out of hot water with the authorities for having people who should be in prison not kept there.
 
Once he had received the permission to release the men, he carried those words with him to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go.” This is per their instructions as just conveyed to him by the rod bearers. With that, he adds his own words of encouragement, “Now therefore depart, and go in peace.”
 
Rather, the verb being an aorist participle, reads, “Now, having gone out, depart in peace.” The words mean that the men are in the prison. The jailor is telling them that once they have left the jail, they are free to go without any further requirements, such as reporting to the magistrates in the agora for a hearing. This was obviously done in the presence of the rod bearers because of what occurs in the coming verses.
 
The events of the previous day have been considered as settled and the matter is over in the minds of the magistrates.
 
Life application: In such a situation as occurred with Paul and Silas, what would you do with the news that you were to now be released?
 
The answer is surely dependent on many factors. If you are in a foreign land that is unsympathetic to the plight of foreigners, the best thing to do would be to accept the beating without making any fuss and to then get out of the prison as quickly as possible, not making any waves.
 
If you were in an area where your title, position, or standing within the community allowed it, you might consider speaking to someone about the treatment you had received. If you were in your own country bearing the rights of a citizen and your rights were violated, you may want to take even stronger action.
 
Paul will respond according to his own situation in the coming verse, and there is nothing wrong with the avenue he will pursue. Likewise, it is never wrong to pursue what is proper if your rights have been violated. Too often, Christians misuse Scripture and peevishly act as if they should never stand against injustice. Others claim it is inappropriate to vote, as if that is mixing in affairs of the state by people who are “citizens” of heaven.
 
That is a ridiculous stand. It is certain those same people pay taxes, apply for driver’s licenses, and register their newborns according to the laws of the land in which they live. The old adage, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good” is appropriate. The rights of Paul and Silas have been violated. Wait and see how they respond to their release as Luke details it in the words ahead.
 
Lord God, You have placed us in the world to interact with the world. We are born into various countries with certain rights and responsibilities within those countries. Why would we not use those rights to further Your kingdom? Your word provides abundant evidence that this is just what we are to do. So, Lord, help us to fulfill our responsibilities as citizens of the land in which we live while also fulfilling our responsibilities to You. Amen.

Acts 16:35

Monday, 15 May 2023
 
Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. Acts 16:34
 
In the previous verse, the jailor washed the wounds of Paul and Silas and then he and his family were baptized. With that, it now says, “Now when he had brought them into his house.” 
 
More precisely, it reads, “brought up.” From wherever the baptism took place, they ascended to his house. As noted in the previous verse, it appears that the jailor and his family took Paul and Silas to a bathhouse or some other place where they normally bathed. With that complete, he then brought them up to his house. There, and now reassured of their state before God, it says “he set food before them.”
 
The Greek reads, “he set before [them] a table.” This would have been the first meal Paul and Silas had eaten in quite a while and it would have been a joy to partake of for several reasons.
 
The delight of being out of prison and properly tended to physically would have been a relief. Also, having food after such a long and tedious day would have been invigorating. But mostly, they would have been filled with praise to God for the acceptance of the gospel by the jailor and his household. Whatever was set before them would have been more enjoyable than that of a meal prepared for a king. Along with that, it next says, “and he rejoiced.”
 
This is referring to the jailor. Considering that he had almost died by his own hand and apart from God only a short time earlier, he would be renewed not only in spirit, but in his heart and soul as well. Life had taken on a completely new direction, an eternity-changing direction, for him. Of him, it next says, “having believed in God with all his household.”
 
The word translated as “with all his household” is found only here in the New Testament. However, it is found in the Greek translation of Exodus 1:1 and is also seen in other ancient writings. Being an adverb, there is no single English word that matches the intent. Further, it is more rightly united with the verb “rejoiced.” It is the final verb that explains the reason for the joy. The order of the Greek is, “and rejoiced all-householdly, having believed God.”
 
The verb translated as “having believed” is a perfect participle in the singular masculine. Thus, some translations assume this is only speaking of the jailor saying, “he having believed in God.” But this is incorrect. The word “household” is a masculine word. Thus, it is referring to the entire household in the singular.
 
The importance of this is that it totally refutes the idea of salvation coming to those of the house through the jailor’s faith alone. Rather, each person in the household believed. Further, it negates any hint of infant baptism having been conducted. Each person individually believed and was then baptized.
 
As such, though these verses are descriptive, they continue to settle doctrine based on what is normative. Each person must individually believe in Jesus to be saved. Likewise, each person who believes in Jesus should then be baptized as an outward demonstration of the inner faith that has come about.
 
Life application: The book of Acts is a descriptive account of what has occurred. For the most part, it does not prescribe anything for us to apply to our lives. However, at times it does develop a normative pattern concerning what occurred. Every person in Acts who believes is subsequently baptized.
 
But even without this normative pattern, it is a command of the Lord that baptism be conducted. Somehow, the cult of hyperdispensationalism has entered the church and it has caused real damage to sound doctrine within the faith. It inappropriately divides the gospel. It also results in disobedience to the Lord’s direct command to baptize.
 
Be on guard against these people. Hold fast to what is sound and easily discernible from Scripture. Such unhealthy doctrine will only lead you away from a happy and proper relationship with the Lord Jesus.
 
Glorious Lord God, may we be willing to follow up our faith in Jesus with obedience to His command concerning baptism. May we not get pulled astray by unsound teachings such as relying on infant baptism for our security in salvation or refusing baptism after salvation. Rather, may we be confident in our doctrine and willing to follow through with our responsibilities in our faith. Amen.
 

Acts 16:34

Monday, 15 May 2023
 
Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. Acts 16:34
 
In the previous verse, the jailor washed the wounds of Paul and Silas and then he and his family were baptized. With that, it now says, “Now when he had brought them into his house.” 
 
More precisely, it reads, “brought up.” From wherever the baptism took place, they ascended to his house. As noted in the previous verse, it appears that the jailor and his family took Paul and Silas to a bathhouse or some other place where they normally bathed. With that complete, he then brought them up to his house. There, and now reassured of their state before God, it says “he set food before them.”
 
The Greek reads, “he set before [them] a table.” This would have been the first meal Paul and Silas had eaten in quite a while and it would have been a joy to partake of for several reasons.
 
The delight of being out of prison and properly tended to physically would have been a relief. Also, having food after such a long and tedious day would have been invigorating. But mostly, they would have been filled with praise to God for the acceptance of the gospel by the jailor and his household. Whatever was set before them would have been more enjoyable than that of a meal prepared for a king. Along with that, it next says, “and he rejoiced.”
 
This is referring to the jailor. Considering that he had almost died by his own hand and apart from God only a short time earlier, he would be renewed not only in spirit, but in his heart and soul as well. Life had taken on a completely new direction, an eternity-changing direction, for him. Of him, it next says, “having believed in God with all his household.”
 
The word translated as “with all his household” is found only here in the New Testament. However, it is found in the Greek translation of Exodus 1:1 and is also seen in other ancient writings. Being an adverb, there is no single English word that matches the intent. Further, it is more rightly united with the verb “rejoiced.” It is the final verb that explains the reason for the joy. The order of the Greek is, “and rejoiced all-householdly, having believed God.”
 
The verb translated as “having believed” is a perfect participle in the singular masculine. Thus, some translations assume this is only speaking of the jailor saying, “he having believed in God.” But this is incorrect. The word “household” is a masculine word. Thus, it is referring to the entire household in the singular.
 
The importance of this is that it totally refutes the idea of salvation coming to those of the house through the jailor’s faith alone. Rather, each person in the household believed. Further, it negates any hint of infant baptism having been conducted. Each person individually believed and was then baptized.
 
As such, though these verses are descriptive, they continue to settle doctrine based on what is normative. Each person must individually believe in Jesus to be saved. Likewise, each person who believes in Jesus should then be baptized as an outward demonstration of the inner faith that has come about.
 
Life application: The book of Acts is a descriptive account of what has occurred. For the most part, it does not prescribe anything for us to apply to our lives. However, at times it does develop a normative pattern concerning what occurred. Every person in Acts who believes is subsequently baptized.
 
But even without this normative pattern, it is a command of the Lord that baptism be conducted. Somehow, the cult of hyperdispensationalism has entered the church and it has caused real damage to sound doctrine within the faith. It inappropriately divides the gospel. It also results in disobedience to the Lord’s direct command to baptize.
 
Be on guard against these people. Hold fast to what is sound and easily discernible from Scripture. Such unhealthy doctrine will only lead you away from a happy and proper relationship with the Lord Jesus.
 
Glorious Lord God, may we be willing to follow up our faith in Jesus with obedience to His command concerning baptism. May we not get pulled astray by unsound teachings such as relying on infant baptism for our security in salvation or refusing baptism after salvation. Rather, may we be confident in our doctrine and willing to follow through with our responsibilities in our faith. Amen.
 

Acts 16:33

Sunday, 14 May 2023
 
And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 16:33
 
The wording of the verse is more rightly rendered, “And having taken them in that hour of the night, he washed from the wounds, and he was baptized, and all his, immediately.” (CG)
 
This will be used for the evaluation. In the previous verse, it was noted that Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to the jailor and to all who were in his house. With that complete, it next says, “And having taken them in that hour of the night...”
 
Remembering that it was “at midnight” that the apostles were singing in the prison when the earthquake occurred, one can assume that this is now between 12:30 and 2:30 depending on how long the intervening events took place. There was absolutely no hesitation in getting from the prison to the house. Even if the jailor lived on the prison premises, he had rushed to the house and excitedly gathered everyone in the house together to hear the news about Jesus.
 
Only after telling them about the message of salvation, does it next say, “he washed from the wounds.” The word louó is used. It means to bathe the entire person. The meaning is that their bodies were covered in blood from their beating. He didn’t just tend to the wounds, but he cleaned them up from their wounds.
 
It is a tender act that must be rightly considered. They were met in the prison by the jailor who wanted to know how to be saved. He then brought them to his house and had them tell everyone the good news. After they had told them the good news, he – at the same hour of the night – treated their wounds. It is a kindhearted act of care upon those who only a short time earlier were considered enemies of the people and thus enemies of the state because it was a Roman colony. And yet, he now has called them lords and ministered to them in this fashion. With that, it next says, “and he was baptized, and all his, immediately.”
 
This is in obedience to the word of the Lord as given in Matthew 28:19 –
 
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...”
 
There was no delay in administering this rite, but it was conducted, as it says, immediately. Along with obedience to the word of the Lord, there are several other things to consider in what is said. The word translated as baptize signifies to submerge. The literal sense is to dip under the water, coming from baptó, to dye or dip. There is a full covering with the fluid.
 
Further, the entire household was baptized, but that will require the words of the next verse to fully understand. And more, nothing is said about where they were baptized. What seems likely is that the same place where the family normally took their baths was used for their place of baptism, possibly a public bath house nearby.
 
Understanding this, and it is speculation, Luke is telling these things for a reason. The jailor had just bathed Paul and Silas from their wounds, meaning, washing the blood off them. It then notes that immediately after this occurred, the next thing that happened was that they were baptized, probably in the same water that had just been used to cleanse Paul and Silas.
 
If the supposition is correct, and it appears to be so based on Luke’s record, one can see the beautiful exchange that has taken place. Using the same word, louó, just used for washing Paul and Silas, the author of Hebrews says this –
 
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed [louó] with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22
 
Paul and Silas had been cleansed from their physical wounds that were received in the administration of their duties as missionaries. That is being set in apposition to the cleansing of the jailor and his household from their deeper wounds of sin and enmity with God. Paul and Silas were cleansed from their own blood; the others were baptized as a sign of being cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. The specific order in which Luke records these events, summed up by the word parachréma, or immediately, appears to be his way of showing us the juxtaposition between the two events.
 
Life application: If you are being taken into the emergency room for surgery, it may be because your life is in danger. But if you are a Christian, this is only your physical life, which is going to end someday anyway. But those around you may have never heard the word concerning Jesus. They are going to die someday too, but without Jesus, there is no hope for them. So, if you can wait a moment for the surgery, wouldn’t it be the perfect time to say, “Stop for just a minute, I need to tell you about something more important than getting me to the operating table.”
 
This is basically what has happened in this verse from Acts. Paul and Silas were covered in their own blood and in need of care concerning their wounds. And yet, they first took the time to tell the others what they needed to know so that they could be saved. They gave their audience the true washing with pure water that they needed for their souls to be healed. Only after that did Paul and Silas receive their needed washing for their physical healing.
 
Let us consider this lesson and pay heed to what we are being told. The most important words of all must be conveyed for others to be saved. May we set our priorities and speak early and often about Jesus!
 
Glorious God, help us to rightly prioritize our thoughts, placing the important things first. And then, may we act on those things first as well. And the most important thing of all is for us to share the gospel. Give us the wisdom to speak while we can so that those who hear may be saved. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 16:32

Saturday, 13 May 2023
 
Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Acts 16:32
 
In the previous verse, the instructions concerning salvation were presented to the ears of the jailor, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” It was noted that this doesn’t mean that his household would be saved if he believed. Rather, it means that the opportunity is available to any in his household if they too believe. It is not something limited to the master of the house.
 
In confirmation of that thought, the next words are provided, saying, “Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.” If, as is wrongly assumed by some, his salvation also meant the household’s salvation, there would be no need for the apostles to also speak to those in his house.
 
However, that is what took place. The message of Jesus was communicated to all of them. Those who would believe were then saved. As an advanced happy note, verse 34 will confirm that all his household believed. As for the words, “they spoke the word of the Lord to him,” the guard already knew that these men proclaimed the way of salvation. The fact that he came to them asking how he could be saved meant that he understood they knew the answer.
 
As noted at that time, it is probable that he had already heard some of their words concerning the Lord, maybe while they were talking to each other or maybe while talking to the other prisoners. Something gave him the knowledge that they proclaimed salvation. He may have disregarded it thinking, “Ha, they are the ones in prison.” However, because of their willingness to stay in the cell, even when it was opened by the earthquake, he realized that they were men of integrity.
 
Their actions had led to his reconsideration of the matter. Their conduct and words had now brought them out of prison and to his home. And their witness of the Lord Jesus had brought the message of salvation to him and his household.
 
Life application: One of the truly damaging rites of churches is that of infant baptism. It gives a false sense of security to the family concerning salvation. If you doubt this, talk to a dyed-in-the-wool Roman Catholic about their prospects of heaven. Inevitably, they will bring in the fact that they were baptized into the church, as if that somehow makes them pleasing to God.
 
The thinking permeates those of the church, and it is a point of hope and even seemingly hopeful surety that they possess eternal life. Unfortunately, it is a misdirected hope. Infant baptism is as effective in securing salvation as is giving a baby a bath in Epsom salts. It is a showy but meritless ritual that has no basis in biblical Christianity.
 
Infant baptism puts the cart before the horse and provides a false sense of security that is damaging to a true and heartfelt relationship with Jesus Christ. In the coming verses, the matter of salvation and what is to come after it will be seen.
 
Lord God, thank You for Your precious word that gives us the necessary information for us to know that we need to be saved, how that can come about, and what to do once we are saved. It is our vital instruction manual for our spiritual lives. And, above all, thank You for Jesus Christ who is the focal point of it all. Yes, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 16:31

Friday, 12 May 2023
 
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31
 
In the previous verse, the jailer had brought Paul and Silas out of their cell and then asked them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The words recorded by Luke speak volumes. First, he notes, “So they said.”
 
The use of the third person plural tells us that both Paul and Silas responded. Their voice and the substance of their response are united in thought. They were in complete agreement concerning the matter, saying, “Believe.”
 
In the Greek, as in the English, their first word excludes any work at all. They simply instruct him to believe. They don’t bring up their culture or heritage by introducing the Law of Moses. They don’t ask for anything, nor do they tell him he must vow, offer, or sacrifice anything. They simply tell him to believe.
 
The next word, epi, is rightly translated, on or upon. It is the same one that was used in Acts 3:16. At that time, it was noted that Peter had healed the man because of the faith found in (based upon) the name of Jesus. Here in Acts 16, Paul and Silas instruct the jailor to believe upon the One they will name, meaning He is to be the foundational subject of his faith. They then say that this belief is to be upon “the Lord Jesus Christ.’”
 
The jailor had just called the two men kurioi, lords. They now immediately subordinate themselves to the One Lord – Jesus Christ, the Kurion. Ultimately, there is one Lord that all other lords are subject to, whether they acknowledge it now or not.
 
What is evident, without it being said, is that their words elevate Jesus above all these other lords because they ascribe salvation to him. If Caesar could save, they would have said so. If any other “lord” could save, they would have said so. But by directly responding to the jailor with a single named Lord, it means that He – by default – is above all other lords.
 
It should be noted that some manuscripts leave off the word Christ. The word has the same meaning, Anointed One, as the Hebrew word Messiah, even if it has a different signification to the Jews than it would to the Greeks. However, in this case, that seems to be irrelevant because it is accompanied by the name Jesus.
 
This seems to tell us that the jailor had already been made aware of who Jesus is. If this were not the case, there would have been a much fuller explanation recorded by Luke. Otherwise, the jailor’s obvious question would have been, “Who is the Lord Jesus?”
 
The next verse will indicate that more explanation is given, but it seems likely by the direct response of these men that the jailor had already been made aware of Jesus’ name through either direct conversation or through listening while Paul and Silas talked with the other prisoners. Therefore, it is not a strong argument to say that the word Christ isn’t original based on its signification to a Greek.
 
Once someone has been instructed on who Jesus is, meaning being the Christ, the term is applied to Him as a fixed appellation from that point on. This is evidenced by its use hundreds of times by Paul in his epistles that are written to Gentiles.
 
But more, because the name Jesus was a common name at the time, there may have been many lords (meaning masters) named Jesus in Israel. But there is only one Messiah. To say, “Believe on the Lord Jesus” would not carry the same weight as saying, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” It identifies the Person, and it explains who He is.
 
A more comprehensive explanation of what Christ means would necessarily be needed to complete the thought. That would include that He is God incarnate, that He died for the sins of the world, that He was buried, and that He rose again. This fuller explanation was probably something that the jailor was already exposed to, at least partially, through the words of Paul and Silas as they talked about their faith to the other prisoners.
 
Therefore, whether the word Christ is original or not is not something to be so cavalierly dismissed as is done by scholars. With that, Luke next records, “and you will be saved.”
 
This is the completion of the thought in response to his question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” He wanted to know what would bring him personal salvation and they provided the necessary answer. The only requirement for him to be saved is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. But with that explanation out of the way, they continue their words with a fuller explanation, saying, “you and your household.”
 
This is an important addition. Jesus is not just the Savior of a certain group of people, nor is He the Savior of a limited number of people. He is the Savior of all who come to Him. Their response to the jailor is in line with what the messenger had said to the house of Cornelius –
 
“And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’” Acts 11:13, 14
 
Neither the messenger noted in Acts 11, nor Paul and Silas in Acts 16, mean that the household is saved through the master’s faith.
 
Peter’s words to the house of Cornelius were to be the good news of salvation, the gospel. Upon conveying them, those who believed would be saved. The term, “you and all your household,” does not mean that Cornelius’ salvation would lead directly to the salvation of his household as if his faith was sufficient to cover everyone. Earlier in Acts 10, it had said –
 
“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household.” Acts 10:1, 2
 
The family was already a family that feared God. The saving of the household spoken of was to be a salvation that was based upon the faith they already possessed. It just needed to be directed properly toward Jesus Christ. Likewise, Paul and Silas are not telling the jailor that his salvation would result in his family’s salvation, but that the necessary condition for any of them to be saved was to believe. Those who did, meaning any in all his household, would be saved.
 
Life application: For such a simple set of words, there is a great deal of underlying meaning in what has been conveyed. The main substance of it, however, is that there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, who is capable of saving. The simplicity of the response to the question excludes any other possible option.
 
But more, the words clearly indicate that one must believe in the right Jesus. Paul conveys this thought elsewhere, saying –
 
“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” 2 Corinthians 11:3, 4
 
There is not another Jesus who can save. There is also no other gospel that can save. In Galatians 1:6-8, Paul says any other such notion is anathema. Let us be precise when we give the gospel so that the message is clearly understood. Once it is, if the person believes the message, he will be saved. For those who have believed in a false Jesus or a false gospel, explain to them what was in error and ask them to reconsider what they have believed. It’s important.
 
Lord God, help us to properly convey the gospel so that those who hear it will have the chance to accept our words and be saved. May we be precise in our explanation so that those to whom we speak understand the importance of our words. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 16:30

Thursday, 11 May 2023
 
And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30
 
Note: As with the previous verse, the verbs here are thoroughly botched by the NKJV. A literal rendering would be, “and having brought them out, he was saying, ‘Sirs, what is necessary of me to do, that I may be saved?’” (CG). This will be used for the evaluation.
 
In the previous verse, Luke carefully described the jailor’s actions after he had refrained from killing himself. That verse and this verse now are one continuous thought. Taken together, they read – “And having called for lights, having rushed in, and having become terrified, having fallen down before Paul and Silas, and having brought them out, he was saying, ‘Sirs, what is necessary of me to do, that I may be saved?’”
 
One can see how Luke has carefully used participles to lead to the final thought, revealing it as if it is the most important question ever uttered. In this verse, Luke begins with “and having brought them out.”
 
He had just fallen on his face before Paul and Silas, utterly terrified at the events that had occurred, knowing that if Paul had not called out as he did, he would now be dead. The thought of this overwhelmed him. With them now out of the prison cell, and with his thoughts collected, Luke now changes from participles to an imperfect verb, rendered as “he was saying.”
 
Being imperfect, there is a sense of progression. Thus far, each event has been completed but with the anticipation of another event to follow. This question now progresses forward anticipating a final resolution. With that, the jailor begins his question with the word “Sirs.”
 
The Greek word is Kyrioi. A more formal English word would be “Lords.” In the use of this word, he has elevated his captors above himself, stating a title of respect that is spoken towards masters or those of higher power or authority.
 
What seems evident is that the jailor had at least a partial idea about what had transpired in the public square that had led to the imprisonment of Paul and Silas. Along with that, he may have heard some of what Paul and Silas were speaking about before he fell asleep. They may have recounted the events of the past days to the other prisoners, explaining what had brought them to the point of incarceration.
 
In whatever manner he heard the rough details, he now understood that what he had heard was true. And so, he completes his question with, “what is necessary of me to do, that I may be saved?”
 
The jailor could not have asked this question unless he already knew that they proclaimed how to be saved. When he had put away his sword and gone into the cell and found the prisoners unbound, he realized that what he had heard was true. There was no hidden agenda, no pretense, and no falsity in them. Rather, whatever he had heard was now confirmed in his mind to be true.
 
As for his question, the word translated as “to do” is poieó. It signifies to make, manufacture, construct, etc. It is an action that leads to a result. When a tree bears fruit, it puts forth of itself so that it will produce seeds to continue the cycle of life. When a person gives to the poor, he is looking for a resulting change in their miserable state. Similarly, the jailor is looking to do one thing so that another thing may come about.
 
With his question presented, it is worthwhile to compare the words of the girl with the spirit of Python from verse 16:17 and his words now –
 
These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of salvation.
Sirs, what is necessary of me to do, that I may be saved?
 
As noted earlier, the jailor had heard at least some of what had transpired, and which resulted in the incarceration of the apostles. This certainly included the words of the girl. Whether he had heard of her or not, it seems he had heard what she had proclaimed. But more, their response to him will show that he had already heard about Jesus, at least to some degree. This will be seen in the next verse.
 
Life application: The prison cell where Paul and Silas were would have been filthy and stinky. Despite this, the guard fell before them in the cell. Once he had gained his composure, only then did he bring them out. Having brought them out, he then addressed them as superiors.
 
The actions of Paul and Silas brought about a mark of total respect by the jailor. So much was this the case, that he humbled himself before them in the confines of the dirty jail cell.
 
One can see from this that it is not expensive clothing, material possessions, or a high position in this world that makes a person truly worthy of respect. Rather, each person must be judged as an individual. Some people of wealth or power do not deserve the respect one would offer to a dog. Others who are in lowly jobs or humble circumstances may be the most honorable people in town.
 
Do not rush to judgment by looking at mere appearances. Rather, be willing to evaluate people based on their character and conduct and then proceed from there.
 
Lord God, help us to treat people properly. May we not look at the externals and come to erroneous conclusions. Instead, may we be willing to look at each person and see what their true makeup is. Our impartiality will demonstrate that we are also people of character. This is especially important because people who are curious about You will make their judgments based on us. May our actions lead them to want to know You more. Amen.
 

Acts 16:29

Wednesday, 10 May 2023
 
Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Acts 16:29
 
Note: The NKJV follows the six translational errors of the KJV for this verse and cannot be salvaged. A more precise reading would be – “And having called for lights, having rushed in, and having become terrified, having fallen down before Paul and Silas...” (CG).
 
The translation requires the words of the following verse to be fully appreciated. Together there is a constant stream of verbs, mostly participles, revealing one action following another.
 
Paul had just called out loudly to the jailor, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” With those words called out, the sequence of actions by the jailor commences, beginning with, “And having called for lights.”
 
The word is plural, phōta. The use of the singular by the KJV, which is followed by the NKJV, robs the intent of what is occurring. It is certain that the jailor carried in his own torch or other such source of light. However, as was seen in verse 27, it was insufficient to see anything other than the fact that the prison doors were open. Having seen this, he assumed that the prisoners had escaped.
 
Now, he calls for lights to be brought. Despite the prisoners having called out, he could not know if this was a trap. If he walked into the cell alone and with insufficient lighting, would he be overwhelmed? That would be contrary to the loud call made by Paul, but if they were still bound in their chains, his suicide outside of the cell would still leave them bound. But if they could get him into the cell, they would have a better chance of getting free by possibly 1) using keys if he had them, 2) using his sword to pry at the locks, or 3) using his life as leverage to get freedom.
 
Therefore, he cautiously called for lights. The meaning is that he would not only have sufficient lighting but also the guards who held the lights. Only then would it be safe to enter. With that, it next says, “having rushed in.”
 
The word translated as “rushed in” is eispédaó. It was seen in Acts 14:14 and it literally means “to leap in,” or “to spring in.” This shows that the jailor surely thought it was a trap. He rushed in expecting to be pounced upon by those inside the cell. But with the area now lit and seeing the prisoners all there, without any chains restricting them and yet having not attempted to escape, he was floored. As it next says, “and having become terrified.”
 
The obvious thought to be deduced from this is that the jailor had heard the conversation between Paul and Silas and probably with the other prisoners as well. This will become more evident when the words of the next verse are presented. But for now, this is a valid assumption.
 
The jailor had surely heard the words that Paul and Silas spoke concerning salvation, judgment, etc. He may not have paid much attention, but he was aware of the general sense of what they were saying. Now, realizing that these men’s words were backed up by their actions, he felt the weight of judgment having fallen upon him and it terrified him.
 
The jailor wasn’t terrified of the threat of being overwhelmed by prisoners any longer. Rather, he was terrified that his life had almost ended by his own hand, and he was not ready to meet his Maker on the terms determined by Him. Therefore, he was overwhelmed by the moment, terrified of looming judgment, and now hoping for mercy from the Creator. This begins to be seen in the next words, “having fallen down before Paul and Silas...”
 
The man who has custody of the prisoners assigned to him now places himself under them and into their care. He is about to place his request before them, hoping that they will have a suitable answer to the terrifying dilemma that is facing him, and which has been brought to light by the events that have just taken place.
 
Life application: The active nature of Luke’s writing brings the reader directly into what is occurring. Step by step, the thoughts are presented to have us carefully consider each event as it occurs before moving to the next one.
 
Likewise, a proper translation of the word “lights” rather than “light” makes an amazing difference in what one will perceive concerning what is happening. If Luke had said “light,” it would mean that the jailor stupidly walked into a darkened prison area without his own light. Calling for a light would mean he needed it to see anything at all.
 
But by calling for lights, it does not exclude him having already brought his own. He just needs more lights and more guards to prepare for whatever lies ahead. As noted above, the KJV and the later NKJV provide six errors in translation in this single verse. The NKJV also changed the translation of the KJV from “sprang in” to “ran in.” Both thoughts are acceptable, but “sprang in” is closer to the original than “ran in.” It was as if the guards leaped into the cell, ready to pounce on whoever was in there waiting to attack them.
 
All these nuances help us to rightly discern what is being said. Thus, our conclusions will be closer to what is truly intended for us to know about what the overall passage is conveying to us. There is a need in the human soul that cannot be fixed by us. Each of us is just one heartbeat away from having that need forever removed from us.
 
Be sure to get out and tell people what they need to know. From there, each person can then decide if what he or she has heard is acceptable to them. At least they will have this chance. But if we don’t speak, they may never have it. Go forth and speak!
 
Heavenly Father, how desperately we need to be reconciled to You! Thank You that You have sent Jesus to bring this about. May we not withhold the precious words of restoration from those we meet along life’s path. Help us to be faithful in this. Amen.

Acts 16:28

Tuesday, 9 May 2023
 
But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Acts 16:28
 
In the previous verse, the jailor was prepared to kill himself, having drawn his sword for that purpose. With that obviously seen by Paul, Luke next records, “But Paul called with a loud voice.”
 
One might question why Paul could see the jailor, but the jailor didn’t notice Paul. The answer is that the jailor has come into the cell area from the outside. There would have been no lights as there are today. There would have been no reason to provide lamps at night. And so, the cells would have been pitch black.
 
Based on what is said in verse 29, even if he had his own torch, it wasn’t sufficient to light the area. Rather, it was only light enough so that he could notice that the cells were open. He surely assumed everyone had skedaddled while he slept. It would have been an obvious inference on any other occasion. The poor lighting would not have been able to pierce into the darker recesses of the cell where the prisoners were.
 
With his eyes straining to look into the pitch dark, his soul would have become even darker, losing hope of life itself. In that state, the sword would have been drawn and readied for its final plunge. But before that could happen, Paul called out with a loud voice, “saying, ‘Do yourself no harm.’”
 
Paul’s voice was certainly intentionally loud to arrest the suicidal thoughts of the man. The abruptness and loudness of his voice would have shocked the jailor enough to halt any action with the sword. With that happily effected, he continued his words, saying, “for we are all here.”
 
Nothing is said of how many were in the prison. The word “all” generally implies more than two people. That makes at least three. But verse 25 had said “the prisoners were listening to them.” The plural indicates at least two others. Therefore, at a minimum, there were four prisoners but there could have been even more.
 
But the point is made, there were at least four people whose chains had been loosed and whose doors were opened. And yet, they remained in the prison. The obvious question is, “Why would the other prisoners also have remained.” Though the narrative doesn’t say, the answer Luke intends to convey is obvious.
 
Luke purposefully noted that Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. Unless there is a specific reason that he penned this fact, it is an otherwise irrelevant bit of information. Yes, it makes for great sermon material and allows later writers to make grand statements about the happiness one can experience even in terrible times. But that can be deduced in many other ways.
 
Luke included those words to introduce the next clause, “and the prisoners were listening to them.” This would be an even more irrelevant statement than the previous one except for the continued narrative. Paul and Silas had such a profound effect on the other prisoners that when they were freed from their bonds, they had chosen to remain in the cell rather than escape.
 
It can be deduced that even if they wanted to escape, Paul and Silas had convinced them that the life of the jailor would be in jeopardy and to not leave. It can be further surmised that these prisoners may have even been converted in the previous hours as they lay chained in the darkness. Whether this is the case or not, Paul and Silas at least had enough sway to convince them of their need to stay. And they did.
 
Life application: The general tenor of the words in Acts 16 has been played out time and again since it was recorded. Christians have patiently waited on the Lord through trials, troubles, tribulations, and testing. They have praised him through storms while those around them have seen and desired a faith like theirs.
 
An example of this is seen in the life of John Wesley. The familiar story is cited from the Methodist.org.uk website –
 
John and Charles Wesley set out for America in 1735, enthused at the idea of preaching the Gospel to Native American people. During the voyage the ship was struck by a terrifying storm. John was afraid. He prayed with the English passengers, one of whom brought him a baby to baptise in case they were all about to die.
 
Shortly afterwards he was at another service with a group of German Moravians when a huge wave engulfed the ship and water poured down into the cabins. While the English passengers screamed in terror, the Moravians continued singing - men, women and children seemingly untroubled.
 
Later he asked one of the Moravians if they hadn't been afraid. He replied that not even the women and children had been afraid. None of them were afraid to die. John knew that they had something he didn't, an absolute trust in God. They were prepared to lose their lives because they knew that God was never going to let them go. John was deeply impressed.
 
His time in America was unsuccessful in many ways, and he and Charles returned home after two years. All the time John was nagged by the thought that he did not have full faith in God. But this was about to change. 
 
Just as the faithful patience and singing of Paul and Silas brought a change in the prisoners with them, the faithful endurance and singing of the Moravians were able to pull at the soul of John Wesley.
 
Let us consider this as we face terrible times. Our faithful composure and even elation at our salvation may be all that is needed to convict lost sinners who see. From there, the gospel can be proclaimed to the saving of their souls.
 
Glorious heavenly Father, we have the absolute assurance of eternal life in Your presence because of the finished, final, full, and forever work of Jesus Christ. Help us to act with that assurance when times are tough. May we be as lights in the darkness to those who need to find their way back to You. Amen.

Acts 16:27

Monday, 8 May 2023
 
And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. Acts 16:27
 
Note: The NKJV botches many of the verbs in this verse. The BLB translation will be used to evaluate it. It reads, “And the jailer having been awoken and having seen the doors of the prison open, having drawn his sword was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners to have escaped.”
 
In the previous verse, there was an earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, opening the doors and loosing the chains. With that, it now says, “And the jailer.”
 
This individual will be a key figure for the next few verses. He is the one who was given charge over Paul and Silas as well as the other prisoners who were incarcerated. With the coming of the earthquake, it next says, “having been awoken and having seen the doors of the prison open.”
 
Luke’s use of participles leads the reader quickly from one event to the next, each dependent on the preceding event. He was awoken and he then saw the doors of the prison open. The adjective translated as awoken, exupnos, is found only here in the Bible. It is literally translated “out of sleep.” 
 
He was roused out of sleep and saw that the prison was no longer secure. With this, his heart surely sank. Being responsible for those under his charge, he would be held accountable for their escape, even if an earthquake was involved. Rather than face such disgrace, it next says, “having drawn his sword.”
 
Luke, still using participles, leads the reader from thought to thought. He is prepared to take action after having drawn his sword. Luke says that he “was about to kill himself.” The verb is imperfect. He has drawn his sword and is probably thinking of his life, his wife, his children, or whatever memories he wanted to consider one last time. Standing there holding the sword and maybe pondering what purpose his life held if it had all come to this. He was given charge over prisoners, and he stood there “supposing the prisoners to have escaped.”
 
The verb translated as “to have escaped” is in the perfect tense. He supposes they are long gone, and he was not quick enough to have gotten up and stopped them. How could things have gone south so quickly?
 
Life application: Luke masterfully carries the reader from one point to another and then leaves the mind hanging for a moment before bringing us, along with the jailor, to the sudden realization that life has come to its end. He is writing this way for a reason. He wants whoever reads his narrative to think through what value life really holds.
 
If we simply evolved from the slime and are going back to dust, then life really has no meaning. The jailor may not have believed in evolution, but he had no knowledge of the true God. Whatever god or gods he believed in gave him no hope. Now that fate had turned against him, his life would end without any true purpose.
 
This is the state that the verse leaves us to consider. But in the desperate shadows of life, there is a beacon of light for those who will receive it. That light is about to shine on the heart of this supposedly doomed jailor.
 
Are you ready to tell someone about Jesus today? Without Him, the person you pass by on the street will have as much hope in his last moment as this jailor possesses as he stands at the jail door with a sword pointed at his stomach.
 
Open your mouth and speak. People need Jesus.
 
Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord who gives us hope in this dark, fallen world. Amen.
 

Acts 16:26

Sunday, 7 May 2023
 
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:26
 
It was about midnight in the prison while Paul and Silas were praying, singing hymns of praise to God and the other prisoners were listening to them. With that, it next says, “Suddenly there was a great earthquake.”
 
Comments from scholars are divided on whether the earthquake was a divine occurrence or not. For example, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says of this event, “in answer, doubtless, to the prayers and expectations of the sufferers that, for the truth's sake and the honor of their Lord, some interposition would take place.”
 
That actually makes no sense at all. Nothing was said of expectations from prayer. They were sitting in prison and singing to God. There isn’t even a hint of anything like, “O God, get us out of here,” or “Vindicate your servants, O God.”
 
Earthquakes happen. They are a part of the natural cycle of things, and one simply occurred at a time when the Lord knew Paul and Silas would be in prison. Further, if release from prison is what they were praying for, then the events of the coming verses would not have taken place.
 
As for the coming of the earthquake, Luke continues with, “so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.”
 
The point of these words is to show that this was not like the event that occurred in Acts 4:31 –
 
“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
 
The event in Acts 4 was a localized occurrence and a sign to those in the house that God had heard and responded. The event in Acts 16 is a major earthquake that affected everything in the area. It shook up the very foundations of the prison. To assume that God had decided to send a cataclysmic earthquake to simply respond to the prayers of Paul and Silas would be no different than someone making the same claim today.
 
In other words, if an earthquake or other natural disaster affects an entire city, there will naturally be some seemingly miraculous events that take place. Within the past few months before typing this commentary, there was a massive earthquake in Turkey and the news was filled with such reports. As for the shaking of the prison, that leads to Luke’s next words, “and immediately all the doors were opened.”
 
In such a large quake, this would not be unheard of. As the foundations of the earth are moved, those things dependent on the foundations, such as doors, walls, etc., will be affected as well. Things became unhinged, loosened, and shaken free. This is what happened with the prison where Paul and Silas were held. Along with that, Luke next says, “and everyone’s chains were loosed.”
 
Depending on how the prison was set up, this is also not at all improbable. When one thing got out of place, anything connected to it may have also been affected. If the chains were attached to bolts set into the floor in a row, the floor would be weakened in a line where they were set. This is how stones are often cut into slabs. By drilling holes in a straight line and then exerting pressure in those holes, slabs are broken off. Likewise, in an earthquake, such a straight line of bolts could easily cause the floor to crack, releasing the bolts and thus the chains.
 
This is all speculation, but it is given to show that what occurred is not at all impossible. Of these events, Albert Barnes says, “The design of this was, doubtless, to furnish them proof of the presence and protection of God, and to provide a way for them to escape.”
 
Again, this is really a stretch, especially considering what transpires in the coming verses. The miracle was not that there was an earthquake. However, it was certainly propitious and known to God that Paul and Silas would be in this prison when there was an earthquake. By using the two events that have aligned in this manner, God will be glorified through what transpires.
 
Life application: Natural disasters happen all the time. They come in the form of tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, plagues, and more. In the recent earthquake in Turkey, dozens of seemingly miraculous events took place. People were saved under falling buildings, having just enough room to survive until rescuers could come. One guy, Hakan Yasinoglu, survived 278 hours before being rescued. Many such reports came out in the news.
 
This is true with natural disasters in countries all over the world. People are spared, and the reasons may be as simple as time and chance (Ecclesiastes 9:11). What we as Christians do with what happens is what is important. Paul and Silas will be faced with choices in their sudden release, and they will respond in the manner that is most appropriate to the situation.
 
Will we glorify God for our being spared? Like all events that happen in our lives, we are asked to be people of faith. When propitious events take place, we should glorify God for them. When disaster occurs, we should glorify God through it. We have lives to live. Let us live them in the constant awareness that we belong to the Lord and that whether through life or death, He is directing our steps.
 
Lord God, we cannot know why things happen as they do, but we can be faithful through whatever occurs, thanking You, praising You, or calling out in our mourning to You. Help us to always remember You as the events of our lives unfold. May it be so. Amen.