Acts 16:30
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προαγαγὼν
brought
G4254
προαγαγὼν
brought
Strong's:
G4254
Word #:
2 of 12
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἔφη
and said
G5346
ἔφη
and said
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
5 of 12
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
Κύριοι
Sirs
G2962
Κύριοι
Sirs
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
9 of 12
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
ποιεῖν
do
G4160
ποιεῖν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Acts 2:37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?Isaiah 58:9Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;Acts 14:15And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:Acts 22:10And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.Matthew 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:Luke 3:10And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
Historical Context
Paul and Silas, imprisoned after exorcising a fortune-telling spirit (vv.16-24), sang hymns at midnight when an earthquake opened prison doors (vv.25-26). The jailer, about to commit suicide assuming prisoners escaped (v.27), was stopped by Paul's assurance that none had fled. This demonstration of Christian integrity and supernatural power prompted his inquiry. He and his household were immediately baptized (v.33).
Questions for Reflection
- What circumstances in your life have prompted the question 'what must I do to be saved?'
- How does the jailer's question reveal both human inability and awareness of need?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?—The Philippian jailer's question follows an earthquake that freed prisoners but didn't prompt escape, convincing him of divine intervention. His address 'Sirs' (κύριοι) shows respect; his question 'what must I do' (τί με δεῖ ποιεῖν) assumes salvation requires action. The Greek 'sōthō' (be saved) likely meant initially 'saved from consequences of prisoner escape' but Paul redirects to eternal salvation. This is Scripture's clearest statement of the seeker's question, receiving the clearest gospel answer (v.31).