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Does the standard interpretation of the Philippian jailer's question cloud what was happening here? And give the wrong impression of salvation? (in this situation)
This story is significant in the Evangelical salvation statement: Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. (note: only half of the quote) Why is the second half omitted?
In this formula, believe = salvation.
Acts 16:30-31 NRSV
Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
But does the context of the text completely support this formula?
Especially verse 27.
Here is the earthquake passage context.
Acts 16:26-31 NRSV
Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 The jailer" called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
This story is significant in the Evangelical salvation statement: Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. (note: only half of the quote) Why is the second half omitted?
In this formula, believe = salvation.
Acts 16:30-31 NRSV
Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
But does the context of the text completely support this formula?
Especially verse 27.
Here is the earthquake passage context.
Acts 16:26-31 NRSV
Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 The jailer" called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”