This is perhaps the greatest question that has ever been asked – “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The Bible provides the answer. That is why it is important to know the Word of God.

1 – The reason for this question (vs. 25-30)

There are two reasons for the question.

• It is provoked by fear (vs. 27-29) – The Roman Law was such that if prisoners escaped the jailer was put to death. The doors of the prison were open and the prisoners were free. He was about to take his own life. Some people come to Jesus Christ out of fear. A funeral has to be one of the scariest things on Earth if you are not prepared to die.
• It was provoked by faith (vs. 25) – The jailer had heard them singing and he knew there was something different about these men. God can prick the conscience of the hardest heart. The jailer’s spiritual eyes are not open. His faith had already been developing and he wants to be saved. See Ephesians 2:1 & John 16:8.

2 – The response to this question (vs. 31-33)

He gets three answers.

• It mentions a person – the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is based on a person not a philosophy. There is no other name. There is salvation in no other. See Acts 4:12. There is only one way.
• It mentions a plan – You have to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. You can believe in something intellectually. It needs to be a belief in the heart. It is a belief that affects your daily life. See John 3:36 & John 1:12-13.
• It mentions a promise – You shall be saved. What a promise! It is the promise of rescue. It is rescued from eternal punishment. It is not hard to be saved. People prefer darkness rather than light. See John 6:37-38.

3 – The results of this question (vs. 34)

Is this man scared straight or just scared silly?

• It led to salvation (vs. 34) – He believed and immediately he was saved. Going to church all your life will not lead to salvation. Have you believed and been saved? It is an experience of faith. You can’t get it with church attendance. You can go to church and end up going to hell. Not all who go to church are Christians. If you know you are saved then don’t doubt it.
• It leads to service (vs. 34) – This was the same person who threw them in prison without a care. He is now washing their wounds and feeding them. He is a brand new man. He has a desire to serve. Faith without works is dead. Are you serving the Lord or rebelling? It is not about how little you can give to the Lord but how much.
• It leads to satisfaction (vs. 34) – He was rejoicing. He has been set free! This was the man who had put them in jail! Now he knows what Paul was singing about. He is ready to sing along with them now!

It is alright to be scared straight if you go into the arms of Jesus!

Categories: Acts