Acts 16:34

KJV

And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} when he had brought {G321} them {G846} into {G1519} his house {G3624}, he set {G3908} meat {G5132} before them {G3908}, and {G2532} rejoiced {G21}, believing {G4100} in God {G2316} with all {G3832} his {G846} house {G3832}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After that, he brought them up to his house and set food in front of them; and he and his entire household celebrated their having come to trust in God.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he brought them into his home and set a meal before them. So he and all his household rejoiced that they had come to believe in God.

American Standard Version

And he brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his house, having believed in God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:34 vividly portrays the immediate and profound transformation experienced by the Philippian jailer and his entire household upon their conversion to Christ. It captures the essence of new life in faith, marked by acts of generous hospitality, exuberant joy, and a unified belief in God that permeated the entire family unit, demonstrating the holistic impact of the Gospel on individuals and their domestic spheres.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant culmination of a dramatic sequence in Philippi. Paul and Silas, unjustly flogged and imprisoned, experience a miraculous earthquake that opens the prison doors and loosens their chains. The terrified jailer, fearing the escape of his prisoners and facing certain death, is about to commit suicide when Paul intervenes, assuring him that no one has fled. This leads to the jailer's desperate cry, "[Sirs, what must I do to be saved?](/acts/16-30 "Acts 16:30 - The Jailer's Question") Paul and Silas respond with the foundational declaration, "[Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house](/acts/16-31 "Acts 16:31 - The Path to Salvation"). Following this, they preach the word of the Lord to him and all in his house. The jailer then washes their wounds and, along with his entire household, is immediately baptized during the night, as described in [Acts 16:33](/acts/16-33 "Acts 16:33 - The Jailer's Household Baptized"). Verse 34, therefore, depicts the joyful and practical outflow of this newfound faith and salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, granting its citizens certain privileges and adhering to Roman law and customs. The concept of the "household" (Latin: *familia*, Greek: *oikos*) in the Roman world was expansive, encompassing not only immediate family but also servants, slaves, and dependents. The conversion of a household head often led to the conversion of the entire household, reflecting the patriarchal structure where the head's decisions carried significant weight. The act of "setting meat before them" (providing a meal) was a profound gesture of hospitality, especially coming from a jailer who, hours before, was their captor. This act would have been a public demonstration of his transformed allegiance and a stark contrast to the harsh treatment Paul and Silas had received.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 16:34 powerfully illustrates several recurring themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Household Salvation**, emphasizing that the Gospel's transformative power extends beyond individuals to encompass entire families, as seen in the conversions of Lydia's household in [Acts 16:15](/acts/16-15 "Acts 16:15 - Lydia's Conversion and Hospitality") and later Crispus's household in [Acts 18:8](/acts/18-8 "Acts 18:8 - Crispus and His Household Believe"). Another prominent theme is **Immediate Joy in New Faith**; the jailer's "rejoiced" (Gk. *agalliáō*) signifies the profound spiritual delight and liberation that accompanies genuine conversion, a joy that is often immediate and overflowing, as described by Peter in [1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Joy Inexpressible"). Finally, the verse highlights **Radical Transformation and Christian Hospitality**. The jailer's shift from brutal captor to compassionate host, caring for Paul and Silas's physical needs, is a tangible demonstration that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but leads to a complete reorientation of character, priorities, and actions, embodying the love and service characteristic of the Christian life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoiced (Greek, _agalliáō'_):** This word signifies an exuberant, leaping for joy, or exultant gladness. It describes a profound, often spiritual, delight that is expressed outwardly. In the context of the jailer, it conveys the overwhelming joy and peace that flooded his heart and home upon receiving salvation and believing in God.
* **meat (Greek, _trápeza'_):** While "meat" in KJV often suggests animal flesh, the Greek word *trápeza* literally means "table" or "board." By extension, it refers to a meal or food served on a table. Thus, the jailer "set a table" or "served a meal" before them, emphasizing an act of generous hospitality and fellowship rather than specifically providing animal protein.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** This term denotes a dwelling or residence, but significantly, it also refers to a family or household, including all its members and dependents. In this verse, it is used in both senses: the physical building ("into his house") and the collective group of people ("with all his house"), underscoring the communal nature of the conversion and the family's unified response to the Gospel.
* **with all his house (Greek, _panoikí'_):** This adverbial phrase explicitly emphasizes the entirety of the household, meaning "with the whole family" or "all together with his household." It reinforces the idea that the salvation and subsequent rejoicing were not limited to the jailer alone but encompassed every individual living under his roof, highlighting the powerful impact of one person's faith on their immediate sphere of influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had brought them into his house":** This clause marks a dramatic shift in the jailer's demeanor and relationship with Paul and Silas. Previously their captor, he now assumes the role of a host, demonstrating a complete reversal of their positions. This action signifies a profound change in his heart and priorities, moving from fear and duty to care and welcome.
* **"he set meat before them":** This describes a practical act of hospitality and service. The jailer, who had just washed their wounds, now provides sustenance. The "meat" (meal) symbolizes not just physical nourishment but also fellowship and reconciliation, a sharing of life that stands in stark contrast to their earlier imprisonment.
* **"and rejoiced":** This conveys the jailer's overwhelming emotional response to his newfound faith. The joy is not merely relief from the earthquake or fear of punishment but a deep, spiritual exultation resulting from salvation and the presence of God. It is an immediate and visible fruit of his conversion.
* **"believing in God":** This is the core theological statement explaining the source of his joy and transformation. His rejoicing is rooted in a genuine, active faith (present participle "believing") in God, specifically in the Lord Jesus Christ as preached by Paul and Silas. This highlights the intellectual and spiritual assent that undergirds his changed behavior.
* **"with all his house":** This crucial phrase emphasizes the collective nature of the experience. The faith and subsequent joy were not solitary but shared by every member of his household. It underscores the communal impact of the Gospel and the pattern of household conversions seen throughout the book of Acts, where the head of the household's faith often led to the spiritual transformation of those under their care.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 16:34 is rich with literary devices that underscore its profound message. The most striking is **Irony**, as the jailer, initially a figure of authority and oppression, becomes a compassionate host, tending to his former prisoners' needs and providing a meal. This dramatic role reversal highlights the transformative power of the Gospel. **Transformation** is a central theme, visually represented by the jailer's actions: from fear and despair to joy and service, from captor to caregiver. The act of "setting meat before them" serves as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical sustenance but also fellowship, reconciliation, and the breaking down of barriers, indicative of the new community formed in Christ. The **Repetition** of "his house" ("into his house" and "with all his house") emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the conversion, extending beyond the individual to encompass the entire domestic unit, reinforcing the theme of household salvation. The verse concludes a narrative arc, providing a satisfying **Resolution** to the drama in the prison and showcasing the immediate and tangible fruits of genuine faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:34 beautifully encapsulates the holistic and communal nature of salvation. The jailer's immediate and radical transformation, from a man contemplating suicide to a joyful and hospitable believer, underscores that genuine faith in Christ brings not only spiritual salvation but also a profound reorientation of one's entire life and relationships. The inclusion of "all his house" highlights the biblical pattern of household conversions, where the faith of one family member, particularly the head, often impacts the entire domestic unit. This suggests God's desire for families to experience His grace together, fostering a shared spiritual journey. The overflowing joy described is a common and powerful indicator of true conversion, a spiritual delight that transcends circumstances and flows from the peace of reconciliation with God. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the Gospel's power to redeem, reconcile, and re-create individuals and their communities.

* [Acts 2:39](/acts/2-39 "Acts 2:39 - The Promise for You and Your Children")
* [Luke 1:47](/luke/1-47 "Luke 1:47 - Mary's Song of Joy")
* [1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Inexpressible and Glorious Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:34 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider the comprehensive impact of our faith. The jailer's immediate response—bringing Paul and Silas into his home, tending to their wounds, providing a meal, and rejoicing—demonstrates that genuine conversion is not merely an intellectual assent but a transformative experience that impacts every aspect of life. It calls us to embody hospitality and service, mirroring the jailer's radical shift from captor to caregiver. This verse also powerfully encourages us regarding the spiritual well-being of our own households. Just as the jailer's faith brought salvation and joy to "all his house," we are reminded of God's desire for entire families to come to know Him. This should inspire us to pray fervently, share the Gospel intentionally, and live out our faith authentically within our homes, trusting that God can work powerfully to draw our loved ones to Himself. Ultimately, the jailer's story is a testament to the immediate and overflowing joy that accompanies true belief in God, a joy that should characterize the life of every follower of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the jailer's immediate change in behavior challenge my understanding of what genuine faith looks like in practice?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate radical hospitality and care to others, especially those I might previously have viewed as "outsiders" or even "adversaries"?**
* **What steps can I take to intentionally share the Gospel and live out my faith within my own household, trusting God for their salvation?**
* **How does the jailer's "rejoicing" resonate with my own experience of faith, and how can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent joy in my walk with God?**

### FAQ

**What does "meat" mean in Acts 16:34?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the word "meat" (Greek: *trápeza*, G5132) does not refer exclusively to animal flesh, as it often does in modern English. Instead, it broadly means "food" or "a meal," derived from the Greek word for "table." The phrase "he set meat before them" literally means "he set a table before them" or "he served them a meal." This emphasizes the jailer's act of hospitality, providing sustenance and fellowship for Paul and Silas, rather than specifying the type of food. This is a common archaic usage of "meat" in the KJV, similar to how it's used in [Matthew 3:4](/matthew/3-4 "Matthew 3:4 - John the Baptist's Diet") or [Luke 24:41](/luke/24-41 "Luke 24:41 - Jesus Eats with Disciples").

**Why is the conversion of "all his house" significant?**

Answer: The phrase "with all his house" (Greek: *panoikí*, G3832) is highly significant because it highlights the concept of "household salvation," a recurring theme in the book of Acts. In the ancient Roman world, the "house" (*oîkos*) encompassed the extended family, including servants, slaves, and dependents, all under the authority of the head of the household. When the jailer believed, his entire household followed suit, either through direct evangelism and personal belief or by aligning with the decision of the paterfamilias. This pattern is also seen with Lydia's household in [Acts 16:15](/acts/16-15 "Acts 16:15 - Lydia's Conversion") and Crispus's household in [Acts 18:8](/acts/18-8 "Acts 18:8 - Crispus and His Household Believe"). It underscores the communal impact of the Gospel and God's desire for entire family units to come to faith, reflecting the holistic nature of biblical salvation.

**What is the significance of the jailer "rejoicing" in this context?**

Answer: The jailer's "rejoicing" (Greek: *agalliáō*, G21) is a profound and immediate expression of the spiritual joy that accompanies genuine conversion. This word denotes an exuberant, leaping for joy, or exultant gladness, often associated with divine blessing and salvation. His joy is not merely relief from the earthquake or fear of punishment, but a deep, spiritual delight stemming from his newfound faith in God. It signifies the peace, forgiveness, and new life that he and his household received through believing in Jesus Christ. This immediate and overflowing joy is a common fruit of the Holy Spirit and a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, as seen in other New Testament passages like [Luke 1:47](/luke/1-47 "Luke 1:47 - Mary's Magnificat") and [1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Joy Inexpressible").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic transformation of the Philippian jailer and his household in Acts 16:34 serves as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The jailer's fear and despair, leading him to the brink of suicide, are overcome by the life-giving message of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that Christ alone is the source of true salvation and hope, as declared in [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name"). His immediate acts of hospitality and the profound joy that permeated his entire household are direct outpourings of the new life found in Christ. This echoes the very nature of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")) and who offers a joy that no one can take away ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No One Will Take Away")). The conversion of "all his house" foreshadows the expansive reach of Christ's kingdom, where through His sacrifice, He gathers a people for Himself from every tribe and nation, forming a new spiritual family ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The jailer's story is a vivid illustration of how belief in Jesus Christ brings not only individual redemption but also transforms entire communities into places of worship, joy, and Christ-like service, anticipating the great feast in the kingdom of God where Christ Himself serves His redeemed ([Luke 12:37](/luke/12-37 "Luke 12:37 - Blessed Are Those Servants")).

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 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:46

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Philemon 1:7

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Romans 5:11

And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Acts 16:27

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

Acts 16:29

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

Acts 11:14

Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.