Acts 16:31

They said. The appeal was addressed to both missionaries, and they unite in returning an answer.

Believe. Circumstances did not permit a profound theological discussion. The fearful man needed succinct directions for salvation. His situation might be compared with that of the thief on the cross (see on Luke 23:39-43). The Christian prisoners skillfully ministered to the jailer’s urgent need. They put Christian teaching into a simple formula that the distressed man could readily grasp. The formula did not represent the extent of their teaching. At the moment, however, they impressed on the suppliant the truth that salvation depends on personal belief in the redeeming life and work of Jesus. For the significance of belief in Christian teaching see on Matt. 9:28; John 1:7, 12; 3:18; Acts 10:43.

Lord Jesus Christ. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of the word “Christ.”

Thou shalt be saved. Note the certainty of the answer, not wavering doubt, but confident assurance. The apostle and his companion had found the formula to be true. They enjoyed salvation through believing on the Lord Jesus, and thus were qualified to assure another sinner that he also could find redemption through belief. The promise was extended to include the jailer’s “house,” that is, the members of his household who would believe on Jesus.