Cherry Picking Christianity: What Is It and Why Should We Avoid Doing It?
Part 3: Acts 16:31.
We are in the midst of a series in which we are discussing verses from the Bible that have been “cherry-picked” to fit one’s belief.
We have pointed out in this study the importance of looking at God’s Word as a whole and understanding passages in their context to arrive at truth, as well as the danger of failing to do so.
In this article, we want to examine a passage that has certainly been “cherry-picked” and used to defend the false position that salvation comes by faith alone.
The Philippian Jailer’s Question
Paul and Silas were thrown into prison after Paul cast out an unclean spirit from a girl in Philippi (Acts 16:16-24).
At midnight, Paul and Silas, instead of becoming bitter about the situation, prayed and sang praises to God (Acts 16:25). This made a profound impact on the prisoners with them as they listened.
Suddenly, there was a great earthquake. All the doors were opened, and all of the chains were loosed. The keeper of the prison, thinking that all of the prisoners had escaped, took his sword and was about to take his own life. Paul called out to him, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here” (Acts 16:28).
The jailor called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. He then asked them an eternally important question:
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).
Paul and Silas’ Answer
The answer that Paul and Silas gave him was this:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).
Many in the religious world, who hold the view that salvation comes by faith alone, love to “cherry-pick” this verse and say, “See, all you have to do is believe and you will be saved.”
Much like Romans 10:9-10 (see last week’s article), we do have an essential condition mentioned: Belief. If one does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, he or she cannot be saved (John 3:16; 8:24). Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6); therefore, belief is an essential component of salvation.
The question must be asked: Is this all that the jailor was told to do to be saved? Does the context/conversation end with vs. 31?
Before closing your Bible and your mind, note the very next phrase in the context:
“Then they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house” (Acts 16:32).
What is the “Word of the Lord?” It reminds us of what we read in Acts 8. Philip preached “Christ” in Samaria (Acts 8:5). He preached the “the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:12). He preached “Jesus” (Acts 8:35). He effectively preached the Word of the Lord, i.e, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What did the Lord say about salvation? He said one must hear (John 6:44-45), believe (John 8:24), repent (Luke 13:3), confess (Matt. 10:32), be baptized (Mark 16:16), and be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10).
That’s the “Word of the Lord!”
The Philippian Jailer’s Response
What was the result of speaking the Word of the Lord? Notice Acts 16:33-34:
“And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.”
First, we notice the urgency: “he took them the same hour of the night.”
Second, we notice the repentance: “and washed their stripes.” Remember, they had been beaten and thrown into prison.
Third, we notice the baptism. It was immediate, because it is that important! If baptism were not essential, why do it right away? Why not wait?
A very important statement is made at the conclusion of the event: “having believed in God with all his household.”
How is it the case that the jailor and those in his house “believed” in God? Is this just speaking of belief alone? The word here for “having believed” is the word “pistueo” which is a verb form meaning to put faith into action.
Belief is a comprehensive term. They heard the truth, believed it, then obeyed it, which is what biblical faith is all about. Can it ever be said that someone truly believes if they refuse to do what the Lord says for them to do (Luke 6:46)?
We must examine the Scriptures in their context and see the whole picture, not stop at one verse or one phrase to try and justify a belief system.
Next week, we will examine the golden text of the Bible: John 3:16.
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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