Topical Bible: Converts: Jailer

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The account of the conversion of the Philippian jailer is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, illustrating the transformative power of the Gospel and the early spread of Christianity. This event is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 16:25-34.

Context and Background

The Apostle Paul, accompanied by Silas, was on his second missionary journey when they arrived in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. Their ministry in Philippi began with the conversion of Lydia, a seller of purple goods, and her household (Acts 16:14-15). However, their activities soon led to conflict when Paul cast a spirit of divination out of a slave girl, which angered her owners as it deprived them of their source of income (Acts 16:16-19).

As a result, Paul and Silas were seized, dragged before the magistrates, and accused of causing an uproar by promoting customs unlawful for Romans to accept or practice. The magistrates ordered them to be beaten with rods and imprisoned (Acts 16:20-24).

The Miraculous Event

While in prison, Paul and Silas, despite their suffering, were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. "Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose" (Acts 16:26). This miraculous event set the stage for the conversion of the jailer.

The Jailer’s Conversion

The jailer, responsible for the prisoners, awoke to find the prison doors open. Fearing that the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword to kill himself, knowing the severe consequences he would face. However, Paul intervened, shouting, "Do not harm yourself! We are all here!" (Acts 16:28).

Trembling with fear, the jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell before Paul and Silas. He then asked the pivotal question, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). Paul and Silas responded, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:31).

The jailer took them to his home, washed their wounds, and he and his entire household were baptized without delay. The narrative concludes with the jailer rejoicing because he had come to believe in God, along with his whole household (Acts 16:33-34).

Significance

The conversion of the Philippian jailer is a powerful testament to the Gospel's reach beyond cultural and social boundaries. It highlights the immediate and profound impact of faith in Jesus Christ, as well as the communal aspect of salvation, extending to the jailer's entire household. This account also underscores the theme of joy and transformation that accompanies genuine belief in Christ.

The account of the jailer serves as an example of how God can use extraordinary circumstances to bring individuals to faith, demonstrating His sovereignty and the unstoppable advance of the Gospel message.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 16:27-34
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Epistle to the Philippians.
... a divining spirit, which was used by her masters as a means of gain among the
superstitious heathen, and a Roman jailer, were the first converts, and fitly ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 97 the epistle to.htm

Acts xvi. 25, 26
... The heathen objection is this, You may see by the character of the first converts,
such as this jailer, what is the character of the doctrines: "Since what ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxvi acts xvi 25.htm

In the Regions Beyond
... of Providence in their behalf, and the conversion of the jailer and his ... to suffer
for Christ's sake, exerted a deep and lasting influence upon the converts. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 21 in the regions.htm

The Introduction of the Gospel into Europe, and the Ministry of ...
... or explanation, had summarily consigned them to the custody of the jailer. ... leave
Philippi until they had another opportunity of meeting with their converts. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter vi the introduction of.htm

The Trial at Caesarea
... The jailer joyfully welcomed the Spirit of God to his heart and to his home ... would
not, in his own behalf, appeal to the sympathy and generosity of his converts. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 39 the trial at.htm

Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... could not be enforced with the same ease as the order of a jailer. ... agencies, and
for this prudence dictated recourse to the Asiatic and Eurasian converts. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vii calcutta and the.htm

Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience.
... Or, in one word, it converts the sinner ... of God for examples of the two latter classes,
we might mention Zaccheus, Saul of Tarsus, the Philippian jailer, and the ...
/.../chapter xix conversionvaried phenomena or.htm

Household Salvation
... the word of God sounded at midnight in the ears of the jailer and his ... mind and will
of God, then hearers would in larger numbers become converts; for God will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/household salvation.htm

Acts xvi. 13, 14
... how the writer of the history is not ashamed of the occupations (of the converts):
(c) moreover ... (a) "And the magistrates," etc., "charging the jailer to keep ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxv acts xvi 13.htm

'Constrained by the Word'
... two, who had been sent to see how things were going with the recent converts in
the ... lay on you a far more solemn and awful clutch, and like a jailer with his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/constrained by the word.htm