Acts 16:32
What does Acts 16:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:32 means
They speak the word of the Lord to the jailor and to all in his house. The gospel call to believe is clarified by instruction about Jesus—who He is, what He has done, and what it means to follow Him. Evangelism is more than a slogan; it is the unfolding of God’s saving message so that hearers can make an informed, Spirit-wrought response. The whole household hears, honoring the earlier promise. The timing—still night—shows the urgency of grace. No delay is needed when God awakens a soul. Doctrine and decision meet as the word brings light into a home once marked by iron and keys.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they spake the word of the Lord unto him, with all that were in his house.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they spake the word of the Lord unto him, with all that were in his house.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they gave the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they spake to him the word of the Lord, and to all those in his household;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they preached the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, with all that were in his house.
Context
Following the concise promise of verse 31, verse 32 provides the necessary content of faith: the word of the Lord is taught to everyone present. This paves the way for the immediate and comprehensive response in verse 33, where the jailor tends to their wounds and all are baptized. The sequence demonstrates that saving faith listens, learns, and acts.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:27
to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
- Romans 1:14
I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
- Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
- Ephesians 3:8
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
- Acts 10:33
Forthwith therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.
- 1 Timothy 1:13
though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 16
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 16.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…