Acts 16:33

KJV

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he took {G3880} them {G846}{G1722} the same {G1565} hour {G5610} of the night {G3571}, and washed {G3068} their stripes {G575}{G4127}; and {G2532} was baptized {G907}, he {G846} and {G2532} all {G3956} his {G846}, straightway {G3916}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, even at that late hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed off their wounds; and without delay, he and all his people were immersed.

Berean Standard Bible

At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized.

American Standard Version

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, immediately.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:33 vividly portrays the immediate and profound transformation of the Philippian jailer, who, after a miraculous encounter and hearing the Gospel, takes Paul and Silas into his home in the dead of night, tends to their severe wounds, and, along with his entire household, is promptly baptized. This pivotal moment underscores the swift, comprehensive, and practical nature of genuine conversion and faith in the early Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a dramatic sequence initiated by Paul and Silas's imprisonment in Philippi. Having been unjustly beaten and thrown into the innermost prison with their feet in stocks for casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, they responded by praying and singing hymns at midnight. A divinely orchestrated earthquake then violently shook the prison, miraculously opening all the doors and loosening everyone's bonds. The jailer, awakening to this chaos and fearing the escape of his prisoners—an offense punishable by death under Roman law—was about to commit suicide. Paul's urgent cry, assuring him that all the prisoners were still present, intervened, leading the terrified jailer to ask the profound question, "[Sirs, what must I do to be saved?](/acts/16-30 "Acts 16:30 - The Jailer's Question")" Paul and Silas's concise yet powerful response, "[Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house](/acts/16-31 "Acts 16:31 - The Path to Salvation")," set the stage for the actions detailed in Acts 16:33. The verse immediately follows the jailer's initial belief, demonstrating his immediate and tangible response to the message of salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, signifying its strong ties to Roman law and customs. The jailer, a Roman official, would have been acutely aware of his duty and the severe consequences of prisoner escape. His initial despair, leading him to contemplate suicide, reflects the Roman sense of honor and shame. The concept of a "household" (οἶκος, _oikos_) in the Greco-Roman world was expansive, encompassing not just immediate family but also servants, slaves, and extended relatives living under one roof. The head of the household held significant authority and influence, and often, decisions made by the paterfamilias would extend to the entire household. Therefore, the conversion and baptism of "he and all his" was not merely a collection of individual conversions but a significant spiritual shift for an entire social unit, reflecting the communal nature of faith in that era. The act of washing wounds also highlights the practical and compassionate care that was a hallmark of early Christian community, contrasting sharply with the harsh realities of Roman imprisonment.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 16:33 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Immediate Response to the Gospel**, as the jailer's actions of care and baptism occur "the same hour of the night" and "straightway," emphasizing the urgency and decisiveness of genuine conversion. This contrasts with the earlier resistance Paul and Silas faced in Philippi, highlighting the transformative power of God's intervention. Another significant theme is **Household Salvation and Baptism**, where the faith of the head of the household leads to the spiritual inclusion of the entire family unit, as also seen with [Lydia's household](/acts/16-15 "Acts 16:15 - Lydia and Her Household") and [Cornelius's household](/acts/10-48 "Acts 10:48 - Cornelius's Household Baptized"). The verse also showcases **Practical Demonstration of Faith**, as the jailer's first acts of faith are not merely verbal assent but tangible acts of compassion, tending to the very people he had previously imprisoned and abused. This demonstrates that true faith is active and produces fruit, echoing the principle found in [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"). Finally, the passage powerfully conveys the theme of **Radical Transformation**, depicting a man who moments before was contemplating suicide, now caring for his prisoners and publicly identifying with Christ through baptism, signifying a complete reorientation of his life and values.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** From παρά and λαμβάνω; G3880. This verb means "to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn." In this context, it signifies the jailer taking Paul and Silas into his personal care, likely bringing them from the prison into his living quarters within the prison complex. It implies an intimate and protective act, a stark contrast to his previous role as their captor.
* **washed (Greek, _loúō'_):** A primary verb; G3068. This word specifically means "to bathe (the whole person; whereas νίπτω means to wet a part only, and πλύνω to wash, cleanse garments exclusively)." The use of _loúō_ here emphasizes a thorough cleansing of their wounds, indicating a deep level of care and compassion. It was not a superficial wiping but a dedicated act of tending to their physical suffering, a tangible expression of his newfound love and concern.
* **straightway (Greek, _parachrēma'_):** From παρά and χρῆμα (in its original sense); G3916. This adverb means "at the thing itself, i.e. instantly:--forthwith, immediately, presently, straightway, soon." Its inclusion highlights the remarkable speed and decisiveness of the jailer's actions. There was no delay, no hesitation; his conversion immediately translated into action, demonstrating the authentic and transformative power of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took them the same hour of the night":** This clause emphasizes the immediate and personal nature of the jailer's response. Despite it being late at night, a time when most would seek rest, the jailer's spiritual urgency compelled him to act without delay. "Took them" (G3880, _paralambánō_) implies bringing them into his personal space, likely his home within the prison compound, signifying a shift from official duty to personal hospitality and care. The phrase "the same hour of the night" (G1565, _ekeînos_ G5610, _hṓra_ G3571, _nýx_) underscores the promptness of his obedience and the profound impact of the Gospel message.
* **"and washed [their] stripes;":** This action is a powerful demonstration of the jailer's transformed heart. The "stripes" (G4127, _plēgḗ_) refer to the severe lacerations and wounds inflicted upon Paul and Silas during their unjust beating. The act of "washing" (G3068, _loúō_) them was not merely a practical necessity but a profound act of humility, compassion, and service. It symbolized his repentance and his new identity as a follower of Christ, who cares for the suffering. This physical act of cleansing foreshadows the spiritual cleansing he and his household would receive through baptism.
* **"and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.":** This final clause details the culminating act of the jailer's conversion and the inclusion of his entire household into the Christian community. "Was baptized" (G907, _baptízō_) signifies immersion, a public declaration of faith and identification with Christ. The phrase "he and all his" (G846, _autós_ G3956, _pâs_) indicates that his entire household, likely including family members and servants, also believed and were baptized. The adverb "straightway" (G3916, _parachrēma_) reiterates the immediacy of this spiritual commitment, highlighting that baptism was the immediate and natural outflow of their newfound faith.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Narrative Pace** to emphasize the immediacy of the jailer's conversion and its practical outworking. Phrases like "the same hour of the night" and "straightway" accelerate the narrative, reflecting the urgency and decisiveness of the jailer's response to the Gospel. This rapid progression from despair to faith to action creates a dynamic and impactful scene. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** evident in the jailer's transformation. He shifts from being a harsh, duty-bound Roman official, ready to take his own life out of fear and shame, to a compassionate caregiver who tends to his prisoners' wounds and embraces a new faith alongside his entire household. This stark shift underscores the radical, life-altering power of the Gospel. Furthermore, the act of "washing their stripes" can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing not only physical care but also a spiritual cleansing and a reversal of roles, where the one who inflicted or allowed the suffering now ministers healing. This act of humble service, preceding his own baptism, symbolically prepares him for the new life he is about to enter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:33 stands as a profound testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the immediate, holistic nature of conversion in the early church. It illustrates that genuine faith is not merely an intellectual assent but a dynamic force that compels immediate action, expressed through both compassionate service and public identification with Christ through baptism. The inclusion of "all his" underscores the significance of household salvation, suggesting that the spiritual decision of a household head often influenced and extended to the entire family unit, reflecting the communal dimension of faith and the early church's evangelistic reach into social structures. This passage highlights that salvation is a holistic experience, impacting one's relationship with God, one's treatment of others, and one's public declaration of faith.

* [Acts 8:36-38](/acts/8-36-38 "Acts 8:36-38 - The Ethiopian Eunuch's Baptism")
* [Acts 10:47-48](/acts/10-47-48 "Acts 10:47-48 - Cornelius and His Household Baptized")
* [Luke 19:8-9](/luke/19-8-9 "Luke 19:8-9 - Zacchaeus's Transformation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:33 offers a powerful model for contemporary believers. His immediate response to the Gospel, without hesitation or delay, challenges us to consider the promptness of our own obedience to God's call. It teaches us that genuine faith is not passive but active, manifesting in tangible expressions of love and service, even towards those we might have previously viewed as adversaries. The jailer's act of washing the stripes of Paul and Silas, the very men he had imprisoned, is a profound example of practical compassion and humility, demonstrating that true transformation leads to a radical reorientation of priorities and relationships. Furthermore, his and his household's immediate baptism underscores the importance of public declaration of faith and identification with Christ. This narrative encourages us to embrace the full implications of our faith, allowing it to transform not only our inner lives but also our outward actions, our relationships, and our commitment to Christ through the ordinances He has given us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the jailer's immediate response challenge my own tendency to delay or hesitate in obedience to God's promptings?**
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate the "fruit" of my faith through acts of compassion and service, especially towards those who may have wronged me or are in need?**
* **What is the significance of baptism in my own spiritual journey, and how does the jailer's example encourage a public declaration of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why was the jailer baptized so quickly?**

Answer: The jailer was baptized "straightway" (G3916, _parachrēma_, meaning "immediately" or "instantly") because his conversion was genuine and immediate, and in the New Testament, baptism was the immediate and natural public expression of a new believer's faith. There was no prescribed waiting period between belief and baptism in the early church. Once the jailer believed Paul and Silas's message about Jesus Christ, he and his household were ready to publicly identify with Him. This rapid sequence underscores the urgency and decisive nature of salvation and discipleship in the book of Acts, as seen in other accounts like the baptism of the [Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8](/acts/8 "Acts 8 - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch").

**What does 'all his' imply about household baptism?**

Answer: The phrase "he and all his" (G3956, _pâs_ G846, _autós_) implies that the entire household, which in the Greco-Roman context included not only immediate family but also servants and possibly extended relatives living under the same roof, was baptized. This does not necessarily mean that every single individual, including infants, was baptized without personal faith. Rather, it indicates that the head of the household's decision to believe in Christ often led to the entire household embracing the new faith, with those capable of understanding and believing doing so. The narrative suggests that Paul and Silas "spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house" ([Acts 16:32](/acts/16-32 "Acts 16:32 - The Word Spoken to the Household")), implying that the Gospel was shared with everyone present, and their collective response led to their collective baptism. This pattern is consistent with other household conversions in Acts, such as [Lydia's family in Acts 16:15](/acts/16-15 "Acts 16:15 - Lydia and Her Household") and [Cornelius's household in Acts 10:48](/acts/10-48 "Acts 10:48 - Cornelius's Household Baptized").

**What is the significance of the jailer washing their stripes?**

Answer: The jailer washing Paul and Silas's "stripes" (G4127, _plēgḗ_, meaning "wounds" from a beating) is profoundly significant. First, it demonstrates a radical transformation of his heart. Moments before, he was their captor, responsible for their suffering; now, he is their compassionate caregiver. This act of service, using the Greek word _loúō_ (G3068) which implies a thorough cleansing, shows genuine humility and love, serving as a tangible "fruit" of his newfound faith. It highlights that true conversion leads to practical acts of mercy and a reversal of previous attitudes or actions. This act of physical cleansing also serves as a symbolic prelude to the spiritual cleansing and new life he and his household would experience through baptism.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic transformation of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:33 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The jailer's initial despair and contemplation of suicide reflect humanity's lost condition, alienated from God and without hope, a state from which only Christ can deliver, as [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love") reminds us. His question, "[Sirs, what must I do to be saved?](/acts/16-30 "Acts 16:30 - The Jailer's Question")" echoes the universal cry for redemption, answered definitively by Paul's declaration to "[Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved](/acts/16-31 "Acts 16:31 - The Path to Salvation")." The jailer's act of washing the stripes of Paul and Silas, the very ones he had imprisoned, beautifully foreshadows Christ's own ministry of healing and reconciliation, where He, the innocent one, bore the "stripes" of our sin for our healing ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Stripes We Are Healed")). His compassion for the suffering reflects the new nature bestowed by Christ, who commanded His followers to love one another as He loved them ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment")). Finally, the immediate baptism of the jailer and his household signifies their identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptized into Christ's Death")), entering into a new covenant relationship with God through the cleansing power of His blood ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the jailer's story is a microcosm of the Gospel's power to transform lives, bring light into darkness, and unite individuals and households into the body of Christ, demonstrating the complete and immediate salvation offered through faith in Him.

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

1 Corinthians 1:16

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

Acts 16:15

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.

Luke 10:33

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion [on him],

Luke 10:34

And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Acts 16:25

¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Matthew 25:35

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: