Acts 16:30

30 He led them out of the jail and asked, "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?"

Acts 16:30 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 16:30

And brought them out
Of the inner prison, to some part of the prison that was more free and open:

and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
he treats them with great reverence now, and addresses them under a title and character of honour and respect; whom but a few hours ago he despised and abhorred, and perhaps knew no name bad enough for them; he now saw himself lost and perishing, and wanted their instructions, advice, and assistance; and as most persons under first awakenings are, so he was, upon the foot of works; thinking he must do something to procure his salvation, and desires to know what it was he must do, that he might set about it directly; and it may be he had heard what the damsel possessed with a spirit of divination had frequently said of Paul and Silas, that they were the servants of the most high God, and showed unto men the way of salvation, ( Acts 16:17 ) and therefore he desires that they would acquaint him with it: his language shows, he was in earnest, and expresses great eagerness, importunity, and haste.

Acts 16:30 In-Context

28 when Paul stopped him: "Don't do that! We're all still here! Nobody's run away!"
29 The jailer got a torch and ran inside. Badly shaken, he collapsed in front of Paul and Silas.
30 He led them out of the jail and asked, "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?"
31 They said, "Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live - and everyone in your house included!"
32 They went on to spell out in detail the story of the Master - the entire family got in on this part.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.