Acts 16:31

Authorized King James Version

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

εἶπον,

G2036

they said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Πίστευσον

G4100

Believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριον

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστὸν,

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

σωθήσῃ

G4982

shalt be saved

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

#12

σὺ

G4771

thou

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

οἶκός

G3624

house

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

#16

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ John 3:16 John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
— Whosoever believeth
² Romans 10:9 Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
— Believe in thine heart

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul