Acts 16:35 kjv
And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
Acts 16:35 nkjv
And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go."
Acts 16:35 niv
When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men."
Acts 16:35 esv
But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, "Let those men go."
Acts 16:35 nlt
The next morning the city officials sent the police to tell the jailer, "Let those men go!"
Acts 16 35 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 16:30 | Sir, what must I do to be saved? | Acts 16:30 (Direct Question) |
| Luke 3:10 | What then shall we do? | Luke 3:10 (Similar Inquiry) |
| John 3:16 | For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son | John 3:16 (Path to Salvation) |
| Acts 2:37 | When they heard this, they were cut to the heart | Acts 2:37 (Conviction) |
| Acts 2:41 | Those who accepted his message were baptized | Acts 2:41 (Response to Truth) |
| Acts 8:36 | Here is water. What stops me from being baptized? | Acts 8:36 (Baptismal Desire) |
| Acts 10:48 | command that he be baptized | Acts 10:48 (Baptism Commanded) |
| Romans 10:9 | If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord | Romans 10:9 (Confession) |
| Romans 10:10 | for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified | Romans 10:10 (Belief) |
| 1 Corinthians 6:11 | And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified | 1 Cor 6:11 (Salvation's Power) |
| Ephesians 2:8 | For by grace you have been saved through faith | Eph 2:8 (Grace through Faith) |
| Titus 3:5 | he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness | Titus 3:5 (Not by Works) |
| 1 Peter 3:21 | baptism, not the removal of dirt from the body | 1 Pet 3:21 (Meaning of Baptism) |
| Hebrews 11:6 | And without faith it is impossible to please God | Heb 11:6 (Importance of Faith) |
| Mark 16:16 | Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved | Mark 16:16 (Belief & Baptism) |
| Isaiah 45:22 | Turn to me and be saved | Isa 45:22 (Call to Turn) |
| Acts 16:32 | And they spoke the word of the Lord to him | Acts 16:32 (Preaching of the Word) |
| Acts 4:12 | salvation is found in no one else | Acts 4:12 (Jesus the only Savior) |
| 1 Timothy 1:15 | Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners | 1 Tim 1:15 (Jesus' Mission) |
| Philippians 2:12 | Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling | Phil 2:12 (Working Out Salvation) |
| Acts 17:30 | God overlooks such ignorance but now commands | Acts 17:30 (Repentance Command) |
Acts 16 verses
Acts 16 35 Meaning
This verse records the immediate aftermath of the earthquake at Philippi. The jailer, previously an unbeliever terrified for his life due to the prisoners' escape, now understands that divine power is at work. Recognizing the true identity of Paul and Silas, he is overcome with conviction and a desire for salvation. The question "What must I do to be saved?" signifies his profound change of heart and his eagerness to embrace the faith presented to him.
Acts 16 35 Context
Following a violent earthquake that shook the prison in Philippi and miraculously loosed the chains of all the prisoners, Paul and Silas remained in their cells. The jailer, discovering the seemingly escaped prisoners, was on the verge of suicide to avoid punishment. Paul intervened, stopping him and assuring him that no one had fled. This event prompted the jailer and his entire household to recognize the divine power Paul and Silas possessed, leading to a deep conviction. The subsequent conversation and the jailer's earnest question reflect his realization that his former beliefs and practices were insufficient, and he sought the true way to spiritual deliverance.
Acts 16 35 Word Analysis
- Sir (κύριε - kyrie): A respectful term of address, indicating respect and acknowledging authority. Here, it conveys deference to Paul and Silas.
- what (τί - ti): An interrogative pronoun seeking information about the method or means.
- must (χρῄω - chreō): Indicates necessity or obligation. It implies a required action.
- I (ἐγώ - egō): First-person singular pronoun, emphasizing the personal nature of his plea.
- do (ποιέω - poieō): To perform, to accomplish, to act.
- to be saved (σωθῆναι - sōthēnai): Infinitive of "to save." Refers to deliverance from sin, its consequences, and eternal damnation, and inclusion in God's kingdom. It implies a holistic salvation affecting spiritual, eternal well-being.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "Sir, what must I do to be saved?": This phrase encapsulates a desperate search for divine intervention and spiritual cleansing. The jailer moves from fearing physical consequence to seeking eternal salvation. His question implies an active role he believes he must take.
Acts 16 35 Bonus Section
The jailer’s question, "What must I do to be saved?" is a profound expression of the universal human desire for meaning and deliverance from brokenness. This singular question is answered by the core tenets of Christian faith, emphasizing faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism as outward signs of an inward transformation. The narrative in Acts 16 powerfully demonstrates how God uses extraordinary circumstances and the proclamation of the Gospel to bring people from despair to salvation. It highlights that true security is not found in earthly defenses or earthly powers, but in the spiritual liberation offered by God.
Acts 16 35 Commentary
The jailer's question is the climax of the immediate events at Philippi. It marks a turning point for him and his household. His previous occupation as a jailer involved keeping people captive. Now, he recognizes his own spiritual captivity and seeks liberation through the means offered by Paul and Silas. This signifies a genuine spiritual awakening, prompted by witnessing the supernatural power of God through Paul and Silas, and hearing the word of God presented to him. His inquiry is not casual but urgent and personal. The answer he receives, which is elaborated in the following verses (Acts 16:31-32), is foundational to the Gospel message: belief in Jesus Christ.