Bible Dictionary
Jailer
The Philippian jailer guarded Paul and Silas in prison. After an earthquake opened the prison, he believed the gospel and was baptized with his household.
Definition
The Philippian jailer was the official responsible for guarding Paul and Silas in prison. After an earthquake opened the prison doors, he feared the prisoners had escaped, but Paul reassured him. He then heard the gospel, believed, and was baptized with his household.
Biblical Usage
The jailer’s conversion illustrates the reach and power of the gospel, including its effect on a hardened official associated with Roman imprisonment and initially disposed to despise Jews.
Historical Background
The jailer served at Philippi. The supplied material describes his social setting as one commonly hardened by habit and associated with contempt for the Jewish messengers of the gospel.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(of Philippi), Acts 16:23. The conversion of the Roman jailer, a man belonging to a class “insensible as a rule and hardened by habit, and also disposed to despise the Jews, who were the bearers of the message of the gospel,” is one of those cases which illustrate its universality and power.