The Gospel is not always received with open arms, minds, or hearts. Since the first time the Gospel was preached, some received it with gladness of heart (Acts 2:41), and then some rejected it with fierce determination. They hated it so much, even wanting to squelch it from the first word, murdering those that proclaimed it. (See the entire book of Acts for detailed stories of these extremes).
When Paul and Silas are in Philippi (Acts 16), the message of Jesus is preached. Some responded positively, and others with contempt. Casting out the spirit of a girl being used to make a profit by her masters, Paul and Silas were dragged before the authorities and accused of causing a ruckus and bringing confusion to the city. A crowd rose up, stripped, and beat them, then threw the preachers into prison. Nevertheless, the Gospel prevailed.
While in prison, Paul and Silas pray out loud and sing praises to God as the prisoners listen. An earthquake shakes the ground, the doors open, and all the prisoners are freed from their chains. Desperate, the jailer was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped and would lose his life anyway as punishment. Paul talks him down from suicide and reassures him that all is well. The jailor asks Paul the most life-changing question of all time.
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
I believe that the jailor was not asking what he must do to be saved from the wrath of God but what he must do to be protected from the punishment that would come from his Roman commanders. What must he do to be saved because the jail is in such terrible shape, and he almost lost all the prisoners? What must he do to be physically saved from the punishment?
Paul’s answer is not directed to this physical dilemma in which the jailer has found himself. He was entrusted with the prison and the prisoners, and now it lay in shambles. Paul’s answer was directed to the spiritual dilemma that all humanity finds ourselves in when our sin has made our life in shambles. We have been entrusted with a life and a soul to give back to God, and when we sin, it crumbles left in ruin. It is here we ask.
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
Paul’s answer is: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Paul has more to say, but that is the start. Paul speaks the word of the Lord to the jailer and his household, and they are all baptized that night.
There are two things in the text that we can conclude that Paul said are absolutely essential:
- BELIEVE IN JESUS – Acts 16:31. I’ve always concluded that Paul and Silas must have told him more about Jesus from that moment forward. Remember, the other prisoners listen to Paul and Silas praying and singing while the jailer is asleep. (Acts 16:25; 27) Therefore, we can conclude that the two preachers proclaimed to the jailer and his family who Jesus was, what Jesus did, how Jesus died, and how Jesus lives. Therefore, he MUST believe in Jesus.
- BE BAPTIZED – Acts 16:33. I’ve always concluded that Paul and Silas must have told them about how baptism is essential if one desires to have their sins washed away. Baptism (immersive washing) was not a foreign concept in ancient times. Here in Philippi, Paul met Lydia at the riverside and baptized her and her family (Acts 16:13-15). After Paul and Silas preach Jesus to the jailer and his family, the immediate response is for them to be baptized. Therefore, we can conclude that the preachers must have told them that baptism is what one MUST do to be saved.
These two things are precisely what Jesus said was to be preached to the whole world.
Mark 16:15-16 “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved…”
What must we do to be saved?
BELIEVE IN JESUS
BE BAPTIZED
It really is that simple.
Do you believe in Jesus? Then be baptized today.
Contact me right now to be saved, and let’s get you in the water today.
I love you,
Alex Mills
Preacher