Acts 16:32

KJV

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they spake {G2980} unto him {G846} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} to all {G3956} that were in {G1722} his {G846} house {G3614}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whereupon they told him and everyone in his household the message about the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house.

American Standard Version

And they spake the word of the Lord unto him, with all that were in his house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:32 captures the pivotal moment of gospel proclamation following the Philippian jailer's desperate cry for salvation. Paul and Silas, having been miraculously freed from prison, immediately responded to the jailer's question, "What must I do to be saved?" by sharing the transformative message of Jesus Christ not only with him but also with every member of his household, demonstrating the urgency and comprehensive reach of the divine word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct and immediate response to the Philippian jailer's profound question, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" found in [Acts 16:30](/acts/16-30 "Acts 16:30 - The Jailer's Question"). The events leading up to this moment are dramatic: Paul and Silas, unjustly beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, were praying and singing hymns when a miraculous earthquake shook the prison, opening all the doors and loosening everyone's bonds ([Acts 16:26](/acts/16-26 "Acts 16:26 - The Earthquake in Philippi")). The jailer, fearing the escape of his prisoners and facing severe Roman punishment, was about to commit suicide when Paul intervened, assuring him that no one had escaped ([Acts 16:28](/acts/16-28 "Acts 16:28 - Paul's Intervention")). Overwhelmed by these supernatural occurrences and Paul's compassion, the jailer's spiritual conviction led to his urgent inquiry, setting the stage for the gospel's direct presentation in verse 32.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Philippi, a Roman colony, which meant it adhered closely to Roman law and customs. The jailer's immediate impulse to commit suicide reflects the severe penalty for allowing prisoners to escape under Roman law. The concept of a "household" (Greek: _oikos_) was central to ancient society. The head of the household held significant authority and influence, and decisions, including religious ones, often encompassed the entire family unit, including servants and extended relatives. This explains why the gospel was preached not just to the jailer but "to all that were in his house," reflecting a pattern of household conversions seen elsewhere in Acts, such as with [Lydia's household in Philippi](/acts/16-15 "Acts 16:15 - Lydia and Her Household") and [Cornelius's household in Caesarea](/acts/10-44 "Acts 10:44 - The Holy Spirit Falls on Cornelius's Household").

* **Key Themes:** Acts 16:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **centrality of gospel proclamation** as the means by which salvation is offered. Paul and Silas immediately "spake... the word of the Lord," highlighting the necessity of verbal communication of the good news. Secondly, it illustrates the **divine initiative in salvation**, as God uses extraordinary circumstances (the earthquake) to open hearts and create opportunities for the gospel. Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the **inclusive nature of God's salvation**, extending beyond individuals to encompass entire households, reflecting God's desire for all to come to repentance and faith, a theme echoed throughout [the early church's mission](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"). Finally, it emphasizes the **transformative power of the Word of God** itself, which is presented as the instrument through which faith is produced and lives are changed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _laléō_):** This word denotes the act of uttering words, talking, or speaking. In this context, it signifies the verbal proclamation of a message. It emphasizes that Paul and Silas did not merely imply or demonstrate the truth, but they actively and clearly articulated "the word of the Lord," highlighting the direct and intentional nature of their evangelism.
* **word (Greek, _lógos_):** More than just a collection of sounds, _lógos_ here refers to a comprehensive message, a divine communication, or the complete gospel truth. When combined with "of the Lord," it signifies a message that is divinely authoritative, originating from God Himself, rather than human opinion or philosophy. It is the life-giving message concerning Jesus Christ.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** This term signifies supreme authority, a controller, or Master. In the New Testament, when used in conjunction with "the word," it invariably refers to Jesus Christ as the sovereign God and Master. Thus, "the word of the Lord" is the message about Jesus Christ, who is sovereign and through whom salvation is offered.
* **house (Greek, _oikía_):** While literally meaning a residence or abode, _oikía_ in this context also carries the implication of a family or household, including all those who dwell within it, such as servants and extended family members. This broad scope emphasizes that the gospel message was not confined to the individual jailer but was extended to everyone under his roof.
* **all (Greek, _pâs_):** This word means "all," "every," or "the whole." Its inclusion here underscores the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the gospel's reach within the jailer's household. It signifies that no one present was excluded from hearing the message of salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord":** This clause highlights the immediate and direct response of Paul and Silas to the jailer's desperate plea. They did not offer a complex theological treatise or a set of rituals, but rather the simple, powerful, and authoritative "word of the Lord." This "word" is the gospel message concerning Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the offer of salvation through faith in Him. It signifies a divine message, not a human invention, delivered with urgency and clarity.
* **"and to all that were in his house":** This second clause expands the scope of the evangelistic encounter. The message of salvation was not just for the individual jailer, but for everyone associated with him and present in his home. This demonstrates the holistic nature of early Christian evangelism, often reaching entire households, acknowledging the social structure where the head of the household's decision could significantly impact the spiritual trajectory of those under his authority. It also emphasizes the expansive and inclusive nature of God's grace.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Direct Discourse** by presenting Paul and Silas's immediate verbal response to the jailer's question. This makes the answer personal and urgent. The phrase "and to all that were in his house" demonstrates **Inclusivity**, highlighting the expansive nature of the gospel's reach beyond the individual inquirer to an entire family unit. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the jailer's prior state of despair and fear of death, and the life-giving hope offered through "the word of the Lord," underscoring the transformative power of the gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:32 stands as a powerful testament to the core tenets of Christian evangelism and salvation. It affirms that salvation is offered through the spoken "word of the Lord," emphasizing the essential role of verbal proclamation in bringing individuals to faith. This "word" is not merely human counsel but a divinely authoritative message concerning Jesus Christ, capable of transforming lives. The extension of this message to the entire household underscores God's comprehensive grace and the communal dimension of faith, a recurring pattern in the book of Acts where families often embraced Christianity together. This passage reminds believers that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of their past, and that its power is sufficient to bring about immediate and radical change.

* [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing"): "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This verse directly correlates with Acts 16:32, showing that the "word of the Lord" is the instrument through which faith is born.
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Be Ready to Give an Answer"): "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." This passage echoes Paul and Silas's readiness to respond to the jailer's question with the hope of the gospel.
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." This verse reinforces the inherent, divine power of the "word of the Lord" to bring about salvation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:32 provides profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the urgency and method of sharing the gospel. Just as Paul and Silas did not hesitate or complicate their response to the jailer's dire question, we are called to be prepared to articulate the simple yet profound truth of salvation through Christ. This readiness should extend not only to those who explicitly ask but also to our own households and spheres of influence. The passage challenges us to consider who in our immediate family or close circle needs to hear "the word of the Lord" and how we can faithfully and clearly communicate it. It reminds us that the power lies not in our eloquence, but in the divine message itself, which God uses to convict, transform, and save. Our role is to be faithful messengers, trusting that the Holy Spirit will work through the proclaimed Word to bring about conviction and faith, just as He did for the Philippian jailer and his family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I prepared to articulate "the word of the Lord" clearly and simply when opportunities arise?**
* **Who in my household or immediate circle needs to hear the gospel message, and how can I intentionally share it with them?**
* **Do I truly believe in the inherent power of God's Word to bring about salvation and transformation in people's lives?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of urgency and compassion in sharing the good news with those around me?**

### FAQ
**What does "the word of the Lord" specifically refer to in Acts 16:32?**

Answer: In this context, "the word of the Lord" refers to the comprehensive gospel message concerning Jesus Christ. It encompasses His identity as the Son of God, His atoning death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, His victorious resurrection, and the call to repentance and faith in Him for salvation. It is a divinely originated and authoritative message, not merely human advice or philosophy. Paul and Silas were proclaiming the core tenets of Christian faith, which center on Jesus as the only way to be saved, as highlighted in [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name").

**Why was the message given to "all that were in his house" and not just the jailer?**

Answer: The practice of evangelizing to "all that were in his house" reflects a common pattern in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts. In ancient Roman and Jewish societies, the household (Greek: _oikía_) was a fundamental social unit, often including extended family, servants, and even business associates. The head of the household held significant authority, and his decisions, especially regarding religious matters, often influenced everyone under his roof. This approach demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's saving grace, which extends beyond the individual to embrace the entire family unit. It also suggests that the gospel has the power to transform not just individuals but entire communities, starting with the family, as seen with [Lydia's conversion and her household](/acts/16-15 "Acts 16:15 - Lydia and Her Household") earlier in the same chapter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:32 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ, who is Himself "the Word of the Lord" incarnate. The "word of the Lord" that Paul and Silas proclaimed was not an abstract concept, but the living, saving message centered on the person and work of Jesus. He is the one who was prophesied (the "word" of the prophets), who came in the flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and through whom all things were made ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). The salvation offered to the jailer and his household was not merely a change in status but a new life found solely in Christ. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and it is through faith in His finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection that humanity can be reconciled to God. Thus, the "word of the Lord" spoken in Philippi was the good news of Christ, the only name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")), making this passage a powerful testament to the centrality of Christ in all salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:16

¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

1 Timothy 1:13

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

1 Timothy 1:16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

1 Thessalonians 2:8

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;