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Why in Acts 16:31 would the jailer's family be saved if the jailer believed?

In this verse, why does Paul say to the jailer that if he believes, him AND his family will be saved?

Acts 16:31

LS1910 - 31 Paul et Silas répondirent: Crois au Seigneur Jésus, et tu seras sauvé, toi et ta famille.

Clarify Share Report Asked October 20 2013 Mini Samuel Bourassa Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

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B8c746f3 63c7 43eb 9665 ef7fba8e191b Kelli Trujillo Supporter Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Teacher, Musician
If I'm reading this verse correctly, I would assume that the second clause of the sentence is an addition to the original statement that extends the invitation of salvation to the jailer's family if they also believe, not an indication that if the jailer gets saved, his family will be saved as a result of his salvation. 

In other words, it could read like this: "If you believe, you will be saved--not just you, but if your household believes, they can be saved, too." Understanding the verse correctly is a matter of understanding the phrasing.

I see that you are reading the Bible in French. My French is too rusty for me to understand how the phrasing works as you're reading it. Check the phrasing in French. I hope that my deduction is applicable when the verse is read in French as well as in English.

October 20 2013 2 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Stringio Vincent Mercado Supporter Skeptic turned believer, Catholic, father of 3
From my understanding, being the head of my family, it is the father's role to teach the faith to his household. In this case, the jailer have the opportunity to bringing his entire family along with him to heaven.

October 20 2013 3 responses Vote Up Share Report


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