Life Group Study - Acts 16

Context:

Acts 16:26–30 NLT

Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Summarize the following 4 verses in your own words:

Acts 16:31–34 NLT

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.

Verse 31:

Verse 32:

Verse 33:

Verse 34:

In one short sentence, what’s the main point of these verses?

What questions do you have about these verses?

Read the following commentary to see if any of your questions are answered:

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 16:31–32

16:31–32. Verse 31 is a key passage on the message of faith. All that is needed for justification is faith in the Lord Jesus. The jailer had asked what he should do. The answer was that he need perform no works; he only needed to believe in Jesus who is the Lord.

The words and your household mean those members of his house who were of sufficient age to believe would be saved (cf. v. 34) as they trusted Christ. Each member had to believe to be saved.

16:33. The jailer … washed the wounds of Paul and Silas (cf. v. 23)—an amazing thing for a jailer to do for his prisoners. Then by water baptism he and all his family gave testimony to the washing away of their sins.

16:34. The jailer took the former prisoners home and fed them! And his family was joyful. Once again the evidence of the victorious gospel was joy.

Based on your answers, what is one application of God’s word from this section to your life?