JAILER IS SAVED

THE BOOK OF ACTS is the record of Jesus’ last words being carried out: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:15f). Acts records several cases of people becoming Christians. One is in chapter 16 where we find Paul preaching, not to please men, but God (Gal 1:10). He and Silas had been severely beaten and thrown in jail. Their feet were fastened in stocks. About midnight they were praying and singing praises to God and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly there was an earthquake and the prison doors flew open. Fearing the prisoners had escaped, the jailer awakened, drew his sword and was about to kill himself when Paul said: “Do not harm yourself; we are all here!” The jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul told him he must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved. Since belief comes from hearing good news about Jesus (Ro 10:17), Paul preached to him and “immediately he and all his household were baptized (immersed).” Faith alone is dead (Jam 2:14-26), but salvation is promised to those who not only believe, but to those who also obey in baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mk 16:16). This is why in the Bible, no believer ever ate, drank or slept until after being baptized (immersed). Why else would the jailer and his household be baptized in the middle of the night??