16:27 Why was the keeper of the prison prepared to kill himself?
16:27 Why was the keeper of the prison prepared to kill himself?
Because he thought that Paul and Silas may have escaped.
In those days jailers were responsible for their prisoners, and he knew that if Paul and Silas had escaped he would be executed. King Herod had the jailers executed when the Angel of the Lord set Peter free in Ac 12 (CP 12:1-11, 18-19).
The Philippian jailer was prepared to kill himself rather than face execution if Paul and Silas had escaped. Instead of dying though he received everlasting life (CP 16:28-34). It should be noted here that it was not the Philippian jailer's faith that got his household saved.
Those who comprised his household also believed for their salvation as V34 clearly teaches.
This also teaches that immediately they believed they were baptized (CP V32-34).