Page 77 - Acts Student Textbook

Titus 2:11; 1 Tim. 2:4; 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:1; 4:14); therefore, the implication is that God, on
some level (natural revelation, cf. Ps. 19:1-6 or special revelation, cf. Ps. 19:7-14), confronts every
person with their sin (cf. Romans 1-3) and His character.

The mystery is why some respond and some do not! I personally cannot accept that the answer is
God's choice of some, but not others. All humans are made in God's image (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) and God
promises to redeem all of them in Gen. 3:15. Maybe it is not so important that we understand why,
but that we faithfully present the gospel to all and let it do its work in the heart and mind of its
hearers (cf. Matt. 13:1-23). Paul preached to Lydia and she and her household responded.

Lydia and her household believe and are baptized (16:13-15). This apparently refers to her family,
servants, and workers (cf. Cornelius, Acts 10:2; 11:14; and the Philippian jailer, Acts 16:33). Also,
notice that she, like others in the NT, was baptized immediately. It is not an option!

The theological question which this verse raises is, "Were children involved in these examples of
household conversions in Acts?" If so, then there is a biblical precedent for infant baptism in those
"family salvations." Those who assert this as evidence also point toward the OT practice of including
children into the nation of Israel as infants (i.e., circumcision at eight days of age, see James D. G.
Dunn, pp. 175-176).

Although it is surely possible that faith in Christ immediately affected the whole family (cf. Deut. 5:9
and 7:9). The NT is a revelation about personal volitional choices related to the awakening sense of
guilt. One must recognize his need for a savior. The NT is an adult book. It asserts God's love for
children, but its message is directed toward adults! However, some cultures are democratic,
individual-focused society, but the Near East is a tribal, clan, family society! This understanding may
have a bearing on how we take this passage.

Fortuneteller and the Jailer

From the encounter with Lydia, Paul gets into a confrontation with a fortuneteller which leads to his
arrest with Silas (16:16-24). In the prison, we see an earthquake and the conversion of the jailer and
his household (16:25-34). But let’s first take interest in the earthquake (16:26). This was a natural
event, but with supernatural purpose, timing, and effect (cf. Matt. 27:51, 54; 28:2). God had
delivered Peter from prison by means of an angel (cf. 4:31), but here an event was chosen that gave
Paul a chance to preach the gospel to both the prisoners and the guards.

Second interest takes us to the Jailer (16:30). He asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" This
reflects mankind's (1) fear of the supernatural and (2) search for peace with God! He wanted the
peace and joy that Paul and Silas had exhibited, even in these unfair and painful circumstances.
Notice this man, as so many, knew there must be some kind of human response (cf. Luke 3:10,12,14;
Acts 2:37; 22:10).

Third interest takes us to the response of Paul and Silas (16:31). Note that they did not say, “there is
nothing you can do since God has already done it all for you”, like some modern preachers say. They
said "‘Believe in the Lord Jesus'" The VERB (AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE) pisteuō can be translated
"believe," "faith," or "trust." It is primarily a volitional trusting response (cf. 10:43). Also notice that it
is trust in a person, not a doctrine or a theological system. This man had no Jewish background. Yet
the requirements for complete salvation are very simple and just the same! This is the most succinct
summary of the gospel in the NT (cf. 10:43). His repentance (cf. Mark 1:15; Acts 3:16,19; 20:21) was
shown by his actions.

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