Paragraph 16:31–34
16:31a
They replied: This clause in Greek is literally “they said.” But Paul and Silas responded to the question of the jailer, so many English versions translate like the Berean Standard Bible.
Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved:
The first clause is a command. It is used as an invitation to believe. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly be a demand and not an invitation. If that is true in your language, translate the first clause as an invitation. For example:
Please believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved
-or-
If you believe in the Lord Jesus, you will be saved
-or-
Would you believe in the Lord Jesus? Then he/God will save you.
Believe in the Lord Jesus: This indicates that he must believe who Jesus is, what he did, and accept him as Lord. Paul and Silas probably told the jailer the main points of the gospel at this time. They explained further in 16:32.
In some languages what is to be believed about Jesus must be included. For example:
Believe that the Lord Jesus ⌊is your savior⌋
-or-
Believe that the Lord Jesus ⌊is the one whom God sent to save you⌋
you will be saved: Paul and Silas refer to Christian salvation here. Use your usual way of translating the word saved. See 15:1.
This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
⌊he⌋ will save you
16:31b
you and your household: This phrase in Greek is literally “and your household.” Paul and Silas told the jailer that they also invited his household to believe and be saved. For example:
and your household too (New Jerusalem Bible)
your household: This word refers to the jailer’s family and anyone who lived in his house. For example:
all the people in your house (New Century Version)
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