New Testament
Acts 16:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved — you and your household."
Compare translations
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
What Acts 16:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the response to a desperate question about salvation is clear and powerful. The message is simple: to believe in Jesus Christ is the key to being saved. This belief is not just for the individual but extends to their entire household. It emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the foundation for salvation. When you trust in Him, you open the door to a new life filled with hope and purpose. This promise of salvation is inclusive, suggesting that faith can impact those around you. It invites everyone to consider the transformative power of believing in Jesus, not just for themselves but for their loved ones as well. This verse encourages us to share our faith, knowing it can lead to a ripple effect of salvation within families and communities. It’s a reminder that faith is a journey that can start with one person and touch many lives, creating a legacy of belief and hope for generations to come. Embrace this promise and share it with those you care about.
How to apply Acts 16:31 to your life
Consider how your faith can influence those around you. Share your belief in Jesus with your family and friends. Encourage them to explore their own faith journey. Remember, your belief can create a positive impact on your loved ones' lives. Be a source of hope and inspiration for others as you live out your faith daily.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary · Acts 16:31 Meaning
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Earthquake and the Jailer (Acts 16:25–40)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 16:31
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
Paul and Silas answer the jailer's question directly. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. That is the one condition, with one promise attached. The phrase "and thy house" extends the same promise to his family. If they also believe, they will also be saved.
Read It in Context
The jailer had just asked what he must do to be saved. An earthquake had opened the prison doors. He was about to kill himself, thinking the prisoners had escaped. Paul stopped him. Shaken, the jailer fell before them and asked his question.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Acts 16:31 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 16:31
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 16:31 mean?
Acts 16:31 emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus Christ for salvation. It states that faith in Him not only leads to personal salvation but can also extend to one's entire household.
What is the meaning of 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ' in Acts 16:31?
The phrase 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ' means to have faith and trust in Jesus as the Savior. This belief is foundational for receiving salvation and is a call to acknowledge His authority and role in one's life.
How does Acts 16:31 relate to family salvation?
Acts 16:31 suggests that faith in Jesus can have a ripple effect, impacting not only the believer but also their household. It encourages believers to share their faith, as it can lead to the salvation of family members.
What can I learn from Acts 16:31?
From Acts 16:31, you can learn the significance of faith in Jesus for salvation and the potential influence your belief can have on your loved ones. It encourages sharing your faith to inspire others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.