INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Question is Personal
2. The Question is Participative
3. The Question is Profitable
Introductory Remarks.
1. In today's lesson, we will discuss a man who asked the most compelling inquiry of his lifetime. A question having eternal implications! A question all men will ask if they are unaware of God’s terms of salvation. Not everyone has or will receive the same answer, as this man and his entire family. We are not talking about some man's theology! Or someone’s philosophy! We are talking about eternal things, divinely ordained, before the foundation of the world. Many are looking for an answer in all the wrong places. It’s not found in the Old Testament; it foretells the one who shall come, the Messiah. It cannot even be found in the Four Gospels; they reveal unto us the Lamb of God, who came to take away the world's sins. The answer we seek must be found in the Book of Conversions, The Acts of the Apostles, as revealed by the Holy Spirit. I know this introduction requires further explanation. But as we proceed, let's consider...
2. First of all, this question is personal. The jailer asked only for himself: "What must I?" - making this question personal. He did not ask for his mother, daddy, wife, or children. He desired to be saved himself. Perhaps fear generated this question. Fear for his life. But, somehow knew these men could give him the answer he needed. We need to understand this for ourselves, for each of us must stand before the judgment seat of Christ: by ourselves, for ourselves! Most importantly, however, we cannot help others find the way if we don’t know it ourselves. It is important to find out what we must do, first do it, and then instruct others on how to obey God.
3. Secondly, this question is participative. "What must I DO?" It implies participation on the part of the jailer. It is active in response and not passive. One must do something - to be saved. Unlike the Universalist who says, "Ye need not do anything – it has all been done for you." Or like the Calvinist who says, "You can't do anything if you are not one of His Elects." But Paul told the man to have faith in Jesus, and he could be saved, as well as his entire house. God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. However, each must do something to be saved, and what is required is taught in this act of true conversion - by faith in Christ Jesus. From this example, we will see what God requires of us all to be saved.
4. Lastly, this question is profitable. Salvation was the desired end of his question. Jesus asked: “For what is a man's profit if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” See Matthew 16:26. He was not trying to deceive or attempting to distract them from escaping that night. He truly wanted to be saved. Like so many today! If one would ask this same question, would the answer be the same? I think not. However, God's terms of pardon and salvation have not changed since this man's conversion experience! He is the "same yesterday, today, and forever." In the same hour of the night - this man's life was saved both from suicide and sin by these men of God. He and his entire household heard, believed, and obeyed the Gospel! I want everyone here today to do the same! Let’s consider our first point: the question is personal.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE QUESTION IS PERSONAL
A. Paul and Silas called into Macedonia. They made their way to Philippi, a Roman city and colony. The gospel was now being preached in Europe about A.D. 50.
1. The vision of Paul. The Macedonian Call, Acts 16:9-17.
a. Paul’s vision in Corinth, Acts 18:9-10.
b. They perceived that God had called them to preach in Macedonia.
2. Paul’s similar visions of preaching in Rome, Acts 28:23-24, Acts 28:31.
3. Lydia and her house became the first converts in Philippi.
a. Paul joined a bible class down at the river. He preached: "The Lord opened her heart...as she attended unto the things spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household," Acts 16:13-15.
b. How was her heart opened? Through Paul's preaching and teaching! He wrote, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God," Romans 10:17.
c. The tender words of Jesus’ love and grace touched her heart.
d. She and her entire house obeyed the gospel of Christ on Saturday, down at the riverside in Philippi.
4. Foolishness of preaching: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God,” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
5. It pleased God: “By the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. The Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God,” 1 Corinthians 1:21-24; Romans 1:14-16.
B. Paul and Silas’ work in Philippi. Their healing of a damsel with an evil spirit. Who had followed them and proclaimed: "These men are the servants of the (Most High God), which show unto us the way of salvation," Acts 16:16-24. Notice:
1. For this act of mercy, they were beaten and imprisoned for doing well.
2. Don't be discouraged when people are unappreciative of the good you do or even cause evil to become part of your day. Don't worry about it; the God of heaven is watching and "will deliver you," Psalms 34:19.
3. Those who seek to relieve the affliction and oppression of others might be persecuted for doing well. Paul wrote: "Let us not become weary in well-doing," Galatians 6:9-10.
4. What does God require? Micah answered: “To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before his God," Micah 6:8.
5. For their healing of this maiden, Paul and Silas were beaten and cast into the “inner prison, with the feet fast in the stocks," Acts 16:23-24.
C. Paul and Silas in prison. They had church in prison. They sang praises unto God and prayed. They found this beating and suffering a time of rejoicing. Like Peter and John: “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name,” Acts 5:41-42. Notice:
1. First, there is no time or place where prayer is not acceptable to God or heard by Him. Peter wrote, "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are opened unto their prayers," 1 Peter 3:12.
2. Further, the words in songs and prayers are no sweeter or more moving to God than during the afflictions and suffering of His people. When in their hour of trial, they pour their hearts unto Him.
a. Recall Jehovah's words to Moses: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people...and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them," Exodus 3:7-8.
b. Truly, this was in keeping with James' message when he said: "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is there any Merry? Let him sing psalms. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," James 5:13-14. When God's children cry unto Him, He will work on our behalf.
3. David wrote in the Psalms. Speaking of his faith, prayers, and songs unto God in the Psalms. Notice:
a. God’s vigilance: "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep," Psalms 121:4.
b. God’s righteous judgments: “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments," Psalms 119:62.
c. God’s unfailing love: “But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life,” Psalms 42:8.
4. Finally, God heard their songs of praise and prayers of faith and went to work at midnight in the city of Philippi. Not long after their rejoicing and thanksgiving prayers ascended, heaven's answer came!
ILLUSTRATION: Elvis Presley's "Jail House Rock" - - Hit Song '50.
D. An earthquake at midnight. I cannot but think of Elvis Presley’s hit song: “Jail House Rock.” However, when I consider this conversion experience, Paul and Silas sang this hit song at midnight in Philippi. And in truth, the jailhouse rocked!
1. I think this earthquake was due to the singing and praying of Paul and Silas. Their singing, no doubt, prompts the God of heaven to pat His foot upon His footstool, causing the earth to move beneath his feet. What would happen if God started to pat His foot with our singing and praises unto Him on the “first day of the week?” Consider--
a. Job wrote: “He shakes the earth from its place, and its foundations tremble... And (if) God does not restrain his anger; even the monsters of the sea are crushed beneath his feet,” Job 9:6; Job 9:13.
b. The earth is God’s footstool. Jesus said: “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thou shall not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is His footstool,” Matthew 5:33-35.
2. Stephen spoke of God’s footstool. In his sermon to the council, he said, “Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? Saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?” Acts 7:49-50. The earth is God’s footstool!
3. The jailer was asleep on the job. The earthquake shook the prison and awakened the jailer. So violent was this earthquake that the "prison doors were opened, and every man’s bands were loosed," Acts 16:26. Luke continues...
a. “And the keeper of the prison awakening out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing the prisoners had fled.”
b. “But Paul cried loudly, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here,” Acts 16:27-28.
4. Paul calls for a light: “Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell before Paul and Silas. And brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:29-30. We are now at the verses of interest in this lesson.
E. Jailer’s question. It took an event of this magnitude for the jailer to ask the most critical question of his life. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Let me address this question briefly before proceeding to the next point. The jailer asked: “What must I do to be saved?” This is a stumbling block for some believers. Consider...
1. First, Some religious people consider any active response to God's grace a work of righteousness. Notice Paul: "For by grace are ye saved through (the) faith," Ephesians 2:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9.
a. Paul indicates salvation is through “the faith, " not by “works of man’s righteousness.”
b. God gives grace without our worthiness or righteousness.
c. But, grace must be accepted through God’s terms of pardon and salvation.
ILLUSTRATION: Gift of $10 bill.
2. Further, Jesus explains it as being the work of God. He said to the people: "Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent," John 6:28-29. If we can be saved "without works - then we can be saved without faith" – "for faith is the work of God." The work the bringeth righteousness!
3. Finally, many have not made the distinction between the work (righteousness) of men - and the work (righteousness) of God. Paul distinguishes these while speaking of Israel: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved, for I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge," Romans 10:1-4.
a. Salvation is obtained through true faith and obedience. We will see this as our lesson continues to unfold.
b. Paul wrote to the Romans: “Therefore being justified by faith (he did not say only), we have peace with God,” Romans 5:1-2. Paul states that salvation is “through faith” in this passage. Let’s note how participative the question is.
II THE QUESTION IS PARTICIPATIVE
A. The Jailer's question and his response to God. As men participated in the means whereby GOD brought about salvation - the death of Jesus; the sinner must be willing to participate in God’s Plan of Salvation—notice: The death of his Son, Acts 2:22-24. Man's wickedness and cruelty caused Jesus to be crucified. God, however, through his wisdom and goodness, brought about salvation through the death of his Son. The jailer rightly inquired, "What must I do to be saved?" He recognized there was something for him to do! And he had to be a willing participant in his salvation. This is not foreign to the New Testament conversion. Notice:
1. Like the Pentecostals, who asked: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" See Acts 2:37.
2. Paul, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" See Acts 9:6.
3. The Universalist’s doctrine (all men will be saved) is wrong when they say, "do nothing." The jailer realized he needed to do something – but didn’t know what it was at this time.
4. The Calvinist’s doctrine (regarding the elect and non-elect) is also wrong when they say, "You can't do anything to be saved (if a non-elect) or to be lost (if an elect)."
5. To Cornelius, The angel of the Lord calls for Peter: “He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do,” Acts 10:5-6; Acts 10:22; Acts 10:32; Acts 11:12-14.
B. God desires to save all men. Notice these passages of scripture:
1. First, Paul to Timothy: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time," 1 Timothy 2:3-6.
2. Further, Paul to Titus: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men," Titus 2:11-12.
3. Next, Peter to the saints: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering, to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," 2 Peter 3:9. See also John 3:16; Isaiah 45:22; Isaiah 55:6-7.
4. Finally, Jehovah says, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; turn from your wicked way and live,” Ezekiel 18:23; Ezekiel 33:11.
C. All humanity needs salvation because all have sinned, Romans 3:23. Notice:
1. Paul: "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again," 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
2. All are dead in trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1-3; Isaiah 59:1-2.
D. The jailer recognized his need for salvation and asked, "What must I do?" You cannot ask this question for your mother or daddy. And if we are to help others, we must first find out what to do ourselves, do it, and then share it with others. Salvation is a personal matter. Peter said unto the people on the Day of Pentecost, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation," Acts 2:40.
1. Unlike the Universalist, who would reply, "That they are to do nothing, for it all has been done for you." This is a doctrine of heresy!
2. Or the Calvinist, "You cannot do anything if you are one of God's non-elect." However, these doctrines are not consistent with the teaching of God concerning the death of Christ.
3. Christ’s is the mercy seat. Notice John: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation (seat of mercy) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:1-2.
4. Whosoever wills: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely,” Revelation 22:17.
5. Conclusion: God has called all unto salvation. Jesus invites all "to come unto Him," Matthew 11:28-30.
E. Paul and Silas' answer to the Jailer. The jailer was told: "To believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house," Acts 16:31. Surely beloved brethren and friends can all believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Can anyone be saved without faith? Jesus said: "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins," John 8:24. True faith leads to obedience and salvation, Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
1. But what was his reply? There had to be a reply. Perhaps he reacted just like the blind man when Jesus asked about his faith: "Jesus heard they had cast him out, and when he found him, he said unto him: Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said: who is the Lord that I might believe in Him?" See John 9:35-36. Notice:
a. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.
ILLUSTRATION: The Three “D’s.”
1) “Faith defined;” Hebrews 11:1.
2) “Faith directed; and” Hebrews 11:6.
3) “Faith demonstrated.”
a) By faith Noah, “being warned of God...prepared an ark,” Hebrews 11:7.
b) By faith Abraham, “when he was tried, offered up Isaac,” Hebrews 11:17.
c) By faith, they (Israel) “passed through the Red Sea,” Hebrews 11:29.
b. Every act of faith was enjoined with a corresponding act of obedience.
c. True faith in conversion is “active” and not “passive.”
2. What had the jailer heard at this point? He heard singing and praying. Recall, however: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," Romans 10:17. There was no preaching done in the jailhouse by Paul or Silas.
3. What had his household heard? Nothing; they were at home awake and frightened by the earthquake!
a. Paul, Silas, and the jailer left the prison and went to his house.
b. Notice: "And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house," Acts 16:32.
4. One must first hear the gospel before faith can be acquired, and then that person can come to God. Jesus said: "No man comes to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him, and I will raise him at the last day. It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man, therefore, that hath heard and hath learned of the Father: cometh unto me," John 6:44-45.
5. Hear Paul’s discussion of this truth in Ephesus. Notice he wrote: “In whom ye also trusted, after that, ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:13-14. Let’s outline his points:
a. They trusted in Christ, whom Paul had preached.
b. They heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation.
c. In whom they believed.
d. They were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
e. Who is the earnest of their inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession; the redemption of the body.
f. This sounds like Peter preached and Jesus promised, Acts 2:38, John 7:37-39. Let’s notice our last point: the question is profitable.
III THE QUESTION IS PROFITABLE
A. The Jailer sought salvation. The Jailer wanted to be saved. And for that reason, he asked the question. Jesus said: “For what is a man’s profit if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” See Matthew 16:26.
1. Why did the jailer ask this question? Perhaps you have asked a similar question? He wanted to be saved and have the joy, peace, and righteousness he saw in Paul and Silas.
2. What answer were you given?
a. Accept the Lord Jesus Christ by faith?
b. Pray to God for the forgiveness of your sins.
c. Call upon the name of the Lord? How does one: “Call upon the name of the Lord,” Romans 10:13-18. You might hear these answers today if you ask the same question as did the Jailer.
d. But what did Paul and Silas instruct this man to do? Notice: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
B. Many are claiming the Jailer was saved in the jailhouse. They argue he was saved in the jailhouse while on his knees. If this is true, the same faith that saved him saved his household, who at midnight was shaken out of their beds at home by this earthquake. Surprising, however...
1. The same people who claim "faith only" require their believers to come down to the front before the congregation for the minister to say over them: “The sinner’s prayer.” If they can be saved by “faith only,” what is the purpose of this prayer?
2. Others are asked to show signs of receiving the Holy Spirit by "speaking in other tongues?" Why is any of this necessary? If one is saved by faith only?
3. The truth, beloved, is that the bible doesn't teach in this text, or anywhere else, that salvation is by faith only. Notice:
a. James wrote: "Ye see then how that by works (of God) a man is justified, and NOT BY FAITH ONLY...As the body without the spirit is dead, faith without works is also dead," James 2:24-26.
b. We are saved by "a faith which works, through an obedient love," Galatians 5:6; Acts 5:32.
c. Illustrate: A couple once asked me: "What must we do to get married?" I answered: "All you have to do is say I do." But, I ask, was that all? What about the ring, the marriage license, the blood test, and the wedding ceremony? Are these also part of getting married? The same applies to the jailer’s question: “What must I do to be saved?”
4. The jailer was not saved by faith only. When Paul answered his question with: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,” the Jailer had not even heard the word of truth yet. Can one be saved without even hearing the word?
NOTE: Paul, Silas, and the Jailer will leave the jailhouse and go to the Jailer's home. They would preach Christ unto him and his house at midnight, Acts 16:32. Don't look at me strangely; read your bible! Now,
a. At midnight, they went out searching for water. Has anyone asked why? Well, let me tell you.
b. Apostolic preaching always included baptism. They did not preach Christ without mentioning, commanding, and requiring baptism “for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48.
c. Paul instructed them to be baptized. After the Jailer and his house heard the word of truth, they acquired the proper faith and showed signs of repentance.
d. The Jailer and his house sought to complete their obedience to God in baptism. Luke wrote: "And he (the jailer) took them (Paul and Silas) the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and his entire house, straightway," Acts 16:33.
C. Do you recall this consistent with the "pattern of conversion" we reviewed in previous lessons?
1. Paul told the jailer to have faith in Jesus Christ. He was then taught the urgency of being baptized. For at midnight, they were out there trying to find water! He wanted to be saved!
2. The Jailer's conversion is like that of the Pentecostal Jews, Lydia and her house, the Samaritans, the Corinthians, and even Paul himself. All these conversion examples in the Book of Acts follow the same example of “faith and baptism,” Acts 16:33.
NOTE: See Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12; Acts 18:8; and Acts 22:16.
3. They, therefore, did what was necessary to bring about this blessing. "The jailer and his house, straightway, were baptized" in the same hour of the night.
D. Paul's message and actions were consistent with Christ's and the other apostles' teachings concerning the conversion experience. Consider...
1. He also taught faith and baptism as necessary to obtain salvation, Mark 16:15-16. Those who preach Christ without requiring such are not declaring the “apostolic message” of Jesus Christ as outlined in the “Great Commission,” Matthew 28:19-20.
2. Jesus taught the only way to experience the "new birth" was only possible if a “man is born (ek) of the water and the Spirit,” John 3:3-5. In Greek (ek) means "out of" or "through the means" of: "the water and of the Spirit." Observe,
a. Philip’s Preaching and Baptism. “They went down into…come up out of the water,” Acts 8:25-40.
b. Recall our lesson on “Is There Water in the Plan?” We discussed this important issue then. For those visiting, you may obtain a copy of this lesson or any other just by requesting it. As we move to our conclusion, let me emphasize.
3. At midnight, the jailer’s entire house was saved after hearing the gospel, acknowledging their faith in Christ, and being baptized to remit or be forgiven of their sins.
a. This same process of salvation is still required today – if one wants to be a member of the kingdom of God, Acts 8:5, Acts 8:12.
ILLUSTRATION: Get in the Barrel. Man-type rope walking across Niagara Falls.
b. We must demonstrate our faith by getting into the barrel. Our barrel is the water of baptism.
E. After baptism: "He (the Jailer) had brought them (Paul and Silas) into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with his entire house," Acts 16:34. Consider,
1. Baptism is where man's faith and God's grace come together. As we move to conclude, baptism...Is God's means of regeneration: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost," Titus 3:5.
2. The Jailer and his household willingly submitted to the gospel and baptism (at midnight) in their desire to be saved. They understood that baptism would:
a. First, "wash away their sins," Acts 22:16.
b. Further, grant them the "gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38.
c. Finally, “put them in Christ and the church,” Galatians 3:26-27, Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:47.
3. Paul explains to the Ephesians:
a. First, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, he hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); And he hath raised us together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus," Ephesians 2:4-6.
b. Further, “For by grace are ye saved through the faith (the system of faith); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9—the system of faith – and not by the works of the law, Galatians 3:1-3.
c. Finally, being saved by grace includes baptism. In baptism, man’s faith and God’s grace come together, Ephesians 2:4-5; Colossians 2:10-13. I trust you have followed me along in this lesson. Now, as I conclude, let me review quickly what we discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Question is Personal
2. The Question is Participative
3. The Question is Profitable
B. Summarize main points.
1. Salvation is a personal thing. If you are to be saved from your sins, you must ask the right person and act immediately upon the answer given by the word of God. The Bible holds the answer to this question. We would do well to seek out the Book of Life for the answer to this most profound question.
2. As the jailer had to participate in his salvation by doing something, so must all today. We must acquire the proper faith, repent of our sins, confess the name of Jesus as the Son of God, and be baptized like this jailer and his house in water to remission our sins and be saved.
3. This example of conversion was profitable to the jailer and his household. It can also be profitable for anyone who follows his example of faith and obedience. As his question profited him, I trust it will bring salvation to those seeking it today and always. I pray this lesson will also lead you to ask this soul-searching question, whether private or public: "What must I do to be saved?"
C. Invitation. Discuss the pattern of conversion.
D. Exhortation. “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying: save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
E. Motivation. We love you here at this congregation of God’s people and want the best for your life and your family. We invite you now to come and respond to God's love and his Son's death. What you do today will have lasting benefits for you and perhaps those you love, whether family or friends.
This lesson was updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, on 9/15/2024.
