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Acts 16:30
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Brought them out - Of the dungeon in which they were confined. What must I do to be saved? - Whether this regard personal or eternal safety, it is a question the most interesting to man. But it is not likely that the jailor referred here to his personal safety. He had seen, notwithstanding the prison doors had been miraculously opened, and the bonds of the prisoners all loosed, that not one of them had escaped: hence he could not feel himself in danger of losing his life on this account; and consequently it cannot be his personal safety about which he inquires. He could not but have known that these apostles had been preaching among the people what they called the doctrine of salvation; and he knew that for expelling a demon they were delivered into his custody: the Spirit of God had now convinced his heart that he was lost, and needed salvation; and therefore his earnest inquiry is how he should obtain it. The answer of the apostles to the jailor shows that his inquiry was not about his personal safety; as his believing on Jesus Christ could have had no effect upon that, in his present circumstances. Men who dispute against this sense of the word are not aware that the Spirit of God can teach any thing to a heart, which the head of a person has not previously learned. Therefore, they say it was impossible that a heathen could make such an inquiry in reference to his eternal state, because he could know nothing about it. On this ground, how impertinent would the answer of the apostles have been: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be put in a state of Personal Safety, and thy family! I contend that neither he nor his family were in any danger, as long as not one prisoner had escaped; he had, therefore, nothing from this quarter to fear; and, on the ground against which I contend, his own question would have been as impertinent as the apostles' answer.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Sirs, what must I do to be saved?--If this question should seem in advance of any light which the jailer could be supposed to possess, let it be considered (1) that the "trembling" which came over him could not have arisen from any fear for the safety of his prisoners, for they were all there; and if it had, he would rather have proceeded to secure them again than leave them, to fall down before Paul and Silas. For the same reason it is plain that his trembling had nothing to do with any account he would have to render to the magistrates. Only one explanation of it can be given--that he had become all at once alarmed about his spiritual state, and that though, a moment before, he was ready to plunge into eternity with the guilt of self-murder on his head, without a thought of the sin he was committing and its awful consequences, his unfitness to appear before God, and his need of salvation, now flashed full upon his soul and drew from the depths of his spirit the cry here recorded. If still it be asked how it could take such definite shape, let it be considered (2) that the jailer could hardly be ignorant of the nature of the charges on which these men had been imprisoned, seeing they had been publicly whipped by order of the magistrates, which would fill the whole town with the facts of the case, including that strange cry of the demoniac from day to-day--"These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation"--words proclaiming not only the divine commission of the preachers, but the news of salvation they were sent to tell, the miraculous expulsion of the demon and the rage of her masters. All this, indeed, would go for nothing with such a man, until roused by the mighty earthquake which made the building to rock; then despair seizing him at the sight of the open doors, the sword of self-destruction was suddenly arrested by words from one of those prisoners such as he would never imagine could be spoken in their circumstances--words evidencing something divine about them. Then would flash across him the light of a new discovery; "That was a true cry which the Pythoness uttered, 'These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation! That I now must know, and from them, as divinely sent to me, must I learn that way of salvation!'" Substantially, this is the cry of every awakened sinner, though the degree of light and the depths of anxiety it expresses will be different in each case.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And brought them out,.... Of the inner prison, to some part of the prison that was more free and open: and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? he treats them with great reverence now, and addresses them under a title and character of honour and respect; whom but a few hours ago he despised and abhorred, and perhaps knew no name bad enough for them; he now saw himself lost and perishing, and wanted their instructions, advice, and assistance; and as most persons under first awakenings are, so he was, upon the foot of works; thinking he must do something to procure his salvation, and desires to know what it was he must do, that he might set about it directly; and it may be he had heard what the damsel possessed with a spirit of divination had frequently said of Paul and Silas, that they were the servants of the most high God, and showed unto men the way of salvation, Act 16:17 and therefore he desires that they would acquaint him with it: his language shows, he was in earnest, and expresses great eagerness, importunity, and haste.
Acts 16:30
The Conversion of the Jailer
29Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.30Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Your Life?
By J. Vernon McGee5.0K44:45GEN 1:1JOB 9:2JHN 1:29ACT 16:30HEB 2:3JAS 4:14In this sermon titled "What Is Your Life?" Dr. McGee explores the brevity and uncertainty of human life. He emphasizes that life is a place of decision and preparation for eternity. Using the example of a rich man in a parable, Dr. McGee warns against the dangers of placing too much importance on worldly success and neglecting spiritual matters. He encourages listeners to acknowledge their dependence on God and to live in accordance with His will.
Canadian Christian Heritage Under Fire #1 - Christian History of Canada
By Ian Goligher2.1K49:20GEN 1:1PSA 72:8PSA 127:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ACT 16:301CO 10:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to be awakened to the battle for the hearts and minds of Canadians. He highlights the importance of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever as the central agenda of Christianity. The preacher also shares the story of a man named Tilley who was deeply impacted by witnessing a tragic event and became involved in the temperance movement and politics. Despite his success in politics, Tilley voluntarily stepped down to continue his Christian mission work. The sermon concludes by highlighting the importance of following the example of individuals like Tilley who dedicated their lives to serving and ministering the gospel.
Earthquaking the Way Into the Evangelisation of a Continent
By Ian Paisley1.3K36:29MAT 6:33ACT 16:13ACT 16:30ACT 16:341CO 4:12In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Jailer from the Bible. The Jailer was a hard and wicked man who took pleasure in the suffering of prisoners. However, one night, there was a sudden shaking in the prison, and all the doors were opened. The Jailer, fearing for his life, decided to take his own life. But before he could do so, he heard the voice of Paul, who assured him that all the prisoners were still there. This encounter led to the Jailer's conversion and the salvation of his entire household. The preacher emphasizes the power of belief in Jesus Christ as the answer to salvation and encourages both unbelievers and believers to continue believing in order to experience joy and eternal life.
History of Revival (1740-1851), 2
By Ian Murray1.2K52:36ACT 16:30The sermon transcript describes a great revival that took place in Logan County, Kentucky in the year 1800. The preacher speaks of the overflowing floods of salvation that God poured out upon the people, describing a powerful service where the whole assembly was shaken by the power of God. The preacher emphasizes that his focus is on preaching repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ, rather than criticizing the established church or clergy. He expresses his concern for the salvation of his fellow mortals and the importance of addressing their spiritual condition. The transcript also includes a story of a student who is confronted about reading a book on these matters and confesses his concern for the truth.
Revival Stories: John Wesley
By E.A. Johnston1.0K16:42BiographyGEN 18:21PSA 46:10MAT 22:11JHN 7:24ACT 16:30HEB 7:25HEB 11:38In this sermon transcript, John Wesley recounts a powerful experience he had while preaching in May 1739. As he was preaching on the words "be still and know that I am God," God began to manifest His power in the open air. Over 2,000 witnesses saw people being struck to the ground and trembling in the presence of God's power. Many cried out, asking how to be saved, and within an hour, seven individuals found salvation. Wesley also faced criticism for his preaching, but he confidently defended his message and shared the importance of repentance. The transcript also highlights Wesley's tireless dedication to preaching and his gratitude for the blessings he received throughout his life.
Awakening - Exhorting - Comforting, in Our Apostate Days
By Rolfe Barnard94753:43AwakeningISA 40:6ISA 40:9MAT 6:33JHN 1:11JHN 3:16ACT 1:8ACT 16:30In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the power to bring light into darkness lies solely in the hands of God. He encourages the listeners to cry out to God and pray for the message of God to open people's eyes. The preacher also highlights the role of believers as vessels of God's message and emphasizes the need for repentance and belief. He discusses the three-fold ministry of evangelism, which includes awakening, exhorting, and comforting. The preacher urges the church to fulfill its evangelistic ministry and reach out to the world.
Why God Made Man - Part 2 of 6
By Paris Reidhead7601:00:09PurposeGEN 2:17MAT 6:33ACT 16:30ACT 17:11ROM 3:23ROM 5:121TH 5:21In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of meeting members of the Gonsu tribe who were curious about his presence. While they visited, the speaker tried to listen to a BBC broadcast for news but encountered technical difficulties. He uses this experience to illustrate the concept of spiritual death and separation from God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the human spirit being connected to God and compares it to the necessity of air for survival.
Saul of Tarsus
By Welcome Detweiler70812:31ACT 16:30In this sermon, the preacher discusses three individuals to whom the apostle Paul preached the Gospel in the book of Acts. The first was King Agrippa, who heard the message but ultimately rejected it. The second was an awakened jailer, who asked Paul what he needed to do to be saved. Paul responded by telling him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The jailer accepted the message and became a follower of Christ. The third person was Governor Felix, who also heard the Gospel but only trembled in fear without making a decision to follow Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to the Gospel and warns against delaying salvation.
Gripped With Eternity
By E.A. Johnston67016:30EternityDEU 32:35DAN 1:6MAT 7:21MAT 16:26MAT 28:19ACT 16:301CO 2:2The video is a compilation of sermon transcripts from various preachers who were passionate about spreading the word of God and saving souls. It highlights the dedication and sacrifice of missionaries like T. Stud, who gave up everything to serve in Africa. The video also mentions the powerful preaching of Mr. Whitfield and Mr. Edwards, who were able to awaken a sense of urgency and conviction in their listeners. Lastly, it shares a story about D.L. Moody, who witnessed a powerful response to his message and was deeply moved by the number of people seeking salvation.
The Manifest Presence of God
By E.A. Johnston62920:14Presence of GodMAT 5:8MAT 6:33ACT 16:30REV 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having clean hands and a pure heart in order to ascend and stand in the presence of God. The key to revival, according to the speaker, lies in verse 4 of Psalm 24. The speaker shares a story about a revival in the Scottish Hebrides that started with a group of men praying for God to send a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. The sermon emphasizes the need for personal holiness and a transformed church that is on fire for God and actively witnessing to others. The speaker encourages listeners to examine their own hearts and prepare themselves for an invasion of the Spirit in revival.
The Philippian Gaoler Gets Saved
By Robin McKeown47024:04SalvationEXO 15:1PSA 40:3ACT 16:25ACT 16:30ACT 16:34COL 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of awakening from spiritual sleep and being saved from the possibility of going to hell. He uses biblical references, such as Romans 13:11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:4, to emphasize the importance of being awake and alert in one's faith. The preacher shares a story of a man who was saved after being cast into prison and another story of a man who was asleep in a boat and almost faced danger. The sermon encourages listeners to not only be saved but also to share their faith with others.
Sunday Night Meditations 14 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler41730:00ACT 16:30In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of transformation and salvation. He emphasizes that all believers will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, when the trumpet sounds at the last drop. The preacher highlights the importance of sharing the gospel message with others, using the example of Paul's conversion and his immediate witness for Christ. He also mentions the response of Governor Felix to the gospel, who trembled and pondered before giving his reply. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the hope and joy found in salvation, and the urgency to seek and save the lost.
Korean Revival 1950
By Bob Findlay30453:50Korean RevivalACT 2:37ACT 16:30In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a miraculous event that changed his life. He then talks about his travels across the country and the impact of missions at home. The speaker also describes a powerful experience he had at a prayer meeting in Korea, where thousands of people gathered at 5 o'clock in the morning to worship and pray. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and the power of prayer.
How to Get Saved
By Arthur Vess0ACT 16:30ROM 6:23ROM 10:91JN 1:91JN 5:13Arthur Vess preaches on the process of salvation, emphasizing the need for repentance, trust in God, and faith as key components. Salvation involves being saved from sin, forgiven for past wrongdoings, and adopted into God's family through Jesus Christ. Repentance requires contrition, confession, forsaking sin, and trusting God for forgiveness, leading to a 'know-so' salvation rather than a 'hope-so' one.
Five Steps From Sin to Salvation
By Russell DeLong0JHN 3:16ACT 8:37ACT 16:30ROM 10:9EPH 2:81JN 1:9Russell DeLong preaches about the journey from sin to salvation, emphasizing the importance of realizing one's sinful nature, feeling genuine sorrow for transgressions, making restitution for wrongs, believing in Jesus Christ's atonement, and activating that belief through faith. Salvation is found only in Christ and His shed blood, offering hope and forgiveness to all who come humbly before Him. The sermon highlights the steps outlined by St. Paul and the transformative power of accepting Jesus as the ultimate Savior.
Holy Ghost Troublemakers
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareBoldness in FaithACT 15:26ACT 16:16ACT 16:30ACT 16:40EPH 6:10JAS 4:7David Wilkerson emphasizes the need for boldness in the church, contrasting silent saints with the courageous actions of Paul and Silas, who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, confronted evil and faced persecution without fear. Their imprisonment led to miraculous deliverance and the conversion of the jailer, showcasing the power of God in the face of adversity. Wilkerson encourages believers to resist fear and be fervent witnesses for Christ, drawing inspiration from the fearless example of Paul and Silas in challenging corrupt systems and proclaiming the Gospel.
The Faith That Saves
By Catherine Booth0ACT 8:27ACT 9:3ACT 10:1ACT 16:30Catherine Booth emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and renouncing sin before believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. She highlights the need for individuals to be awakened to the seriousness of their sin, to hate sin, and to be willing to turn away from it. Catherine Booth stresses that true faith involves surrendering to Jesus Christ, trusting in His power to save, and committing one's life fully to Him. She uses examples from the conversions of the Philippian gaoler, Saul of Tarsus, the eunuch, and Cornelius to illustrate the process of conviction, repentance, and genuine faith in Christ.
Discovering the Way of Salvation
By Charles Finney0Covenant of GraceFaithACT 16:30Charles Finney emphasizes that salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works, highlighting the transition from the covenant of works established by Adam to the covenant of grace through Christ. He explains that Christ serves as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, and that believers are united with Him in a covenant relationship that grants them these benefits. Finney stresses that true faith is essential for receiving these gifts, as it allows individuals to relinquish their own efforts and fully embrace the grace offered by God. He concludes that salvation is a free gift, and that any reliance on personal merit hinders one's relationship with Christ.
The Necessity of Repentance
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual RenewalRepentanceMAT 4:17ACT 16:30David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of repentance in the Christian faith, highlighting that Jesus' first message after his temptation was a call to repent. He critiques the modern church's tendency to focus solely on belief without addressing the need for sorrow over sin and a genuine grieving for wounding Christ. Using the example of the jailer in Acts, Wilkerson illustrates that true repentance often precedes faith, as the jailer was already broken and seeking salvation. He encourages believers to pray for a repentant heart and to rekindle their first love for Christ, assuring them that such a heart leads to life. Ultimately, Wilkerson calls for a return to the biblical message of repentance as essential for spiritual renewal.
The Way of Salvation
By Charles Finney0SalvationFaithACT 16:30Charles Finney emphasizes the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, explaining that salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and eternal life. He contrasts the original covenant of works with the new covenant of grace, highlighting that salvation is a gift from God, not based on human works. Finney elaborates on how Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, and stresses that faith is the means by which we receive these blessings. He urges believers to abandon reliance on their own efforts and fully trust in Christ for their salvation. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace faith as the key to spiritual life and holiness.
Are You Wanting to Change Direction?
By David Wilkerson0RepentanceTransformationACT 16:30David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical need for repentance in the Christian faith, arguing that many churches today neglect this essential message. He points out that while the call to simply believe in Christ is prevalent, the true gospel, as preached by Jesus and John the Baptist, centers on repentance and the necessity of turning away from sin. Wilkerson highlights that genuine repentance involves feeling remorse for one's sins and a desire to change direction in life. He warns that without this godly sorrow, individuals cannot truly prepare their hearts to meet the Savior. The sermon calls believers to reflect on their lives and embrace the transformative power of repentance.
Calvinism's Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace
By David Servant0JHN 3:16ACT 16:30ACT 17:30ROM 3:92CO 4:3EPH 2:1David Servant preaches about the Calvinistic doctrine of TULIP, focusing on Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace. He highlights the belief that humanity is inherently sinful and incapable of submitting to God or believing in Jesus without God's sovereign intervention through irresistible grace. The sermon delves into the Calvinist perspective that unregenerate individuals are so corrupt that they cannot choose to repent or believe, emphasizing God's role in choosing and changing individuals for salvation. The sermon also addresses the concept of persuasive preaching in Calvinism, questioning the necessity of preaching if salvation is solely the work of God's irresistible grace.
Can You Afford It?
By Tom Macartney0PSA 53:1MAT 7:13MRK 8:36JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 16:30ROM 1:161CO 15:31TI 2:52TI 3:141PE 3:18Tom Macartney emphasizes the critical importance of not neglecting the Bible, ignoring God's existence, or rejecting Jesus Christ, urging listeners to consider the eternal consequences of their choices. He challenges the audience to ponder the claims of Christianity, the witness of countless believers throughout history, and the potential risks of indifference towards spiritual matters. Macartney highlights the urgency of seeking God, studying the Bible, and seriously contemplating the message of Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
The Question of Questions
By T. De Witt Talmage0PSA 34:17EZK 18:32MAT 16:26JHN 14:6ACT 16:30ROM 10:92CO 6:21TI 2:4HEB 3:152PE 3:9T. DeWitt Talmage preaches about the urgent and practical question asked by the jail supervisor in Acts 16:30, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking salvation amidst life's misfortunes and urgent need for a personal decision for eternal welfare. Talmage highlights the courteous, practical, and urgent nature of the jail warden's question, urging listeners to prioritize their salvation above all earthly matters. The sermon stresses the immediate need to seek forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ, the ultimate Savior.
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
By O.A. Burgess0MAT 28:19MRK 16:16JHN 1:29ACT 2:37ACT 16:30ACT 22:16ROM 6:3GAL 3:27COL 2:121PE 3:21O.A. Burgess preaches on the crucial question 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' from Acts 16:30, emphasizing the importance of understanding salvation in the light of the New Testament. The sermon delves into the necessity of salvation from sin, highlighting that Christ's central mission was to save people from the power and consequences of sin. The answer to this question lies in three key elements: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance toward God, and immersion into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Brought them out - Of the dungeon in which they were confined. What must I do to be saved? - Whether this regard personal or eternal safety, it is a question the most interesting to man. But it is not likely that the jailor referred here to his personal safety. He had seen, notwithstanding the prison doors had been miraculously opened, and the bonds of the prisoners all loosed, that not one of them had escaped: hence he could not feel himself in danger of losing his life on this account; and consequently it cannot be his personal safety about which he inquires. He could not but have known that these apostles had been preaching among the people what they called the doctrine of salvation; and he knew that for expelling a demon they were delivered into his custody: the Spirit of God had now convinced his heart that he was lost, and needed salvation; and therefore his earnest inquiry is how he should obtain it. The answer of the apostles to the jailor shows that his inquiry was not about his personal safety; as his believing on Jesus Christ could have had no effect upon that, in his present circumstances. Men who dispute against this sense of the word are not aware that the Spirit of God can teach any thing to a heart, which the head of a person has not previously learned. Therefore, they say it was impossible that a heathen could make such an inquiry in reference to his eternal state, because he could know nothing about it. On this ground, how impertinent would the answer of the apostles have been: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be put in a state of Personal Safety, and thy family! I contend that neither he nor his family were in any danger, as long as not one prisoner had escaped; he had, therefore, nothing from this quarter to fear; and, on the ground against which I contend, his own question would have been as impertinent as the apostles' answer.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Sirs, what must I do to be saved?--If this question should seem in advance of any light which the jailer could be supposed to possess, let it be considered (1) that the "trembling" which came over him could not have arisen from any fear for the safety of his prisoners, for they were all there; and if it had, he would rather have proceeded to secure them again than leave them, to fall down before Paul and Silas. For the same reason it is plain that his trembling had nothing to do with any account he would have to render to the magistrates. Only one explanation of it can be given--that he had become all at once alarmed about his spiritual state, and that though, a moment before, he was ready to plunge into eternity with the guilt of self-murder on his head, without a thought of the sin he was committing and its awful consequences, his unfitness to appear before God, and his need of salvation, now flashed full upon his soul and drew from the depths of his spirit the cry here recorded. If still it be asked how it could take such definite shape, let it be considered (2) that the jailer could hardly be ignorant of the nature of the charges on which these men had been imprisoned, seeing they had been publicly whipped by order of the magistrates, which would fill the whole town with the facts of the case, including that strange cry of the demoniac from day to-day--"These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation"--words proclaiming not only the divine commission of the preachers, but the news of salvation they were sent to tell, the miraculous expulsion of the demon and the rage of her masters. All this, indeed, would go for nothing with such a man, until roused by the mighty earthquake which made the building to rock; then despair seizing him at the sight of the open doors, the sword of self-destruction was suddenly arrested by words from one of those prisoners such as he would never imagine could be spoken in their circumstances--words evidencing something divine about them. Then would flash across him the light of a new discovery; "That was a true cry which the Pythoness uttered, 'These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation! That I now must know, and from them, as divinely sent to me, must I learn that way of salvation!'" Substantially, this is the cry of every awakened sinner, though the degree of light and the depths of anxiety it expresses will be different in each case.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And brought them out,.... Of the inner prison, to some part of the prison that was more free and open: and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? he treats them with great reverence now, and addresses them under a title and character of honour and respect; whom but a few hours ago he despised and abhorred, and perhaps knew no name bad enough for them; he now saw himself lost and perishing, and wanted their instructions, advice, and assistance; and as most persons under first awakenings are, so he was, upon the foot of works; thinking he must do something to procure his salvation, and desires to know what it was he must do, that he might set about it directly; and it may be he had heard what the damsel possessed with a spirit of divination had frequently said of Paul and Silas, that they were the servants of the most high God, and showed unto men the way of salvation, Act 16:17 and therefore he desires that they would acquaint him with it: his language shows, he was in earnest, and expresses great eagerness, importunity, and haste.