In the book of Acts, we read of three different people at three different times asking a version of the same question: “What must I do to be saved?” Interestingly, each one received a different answer.
- The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) And he was told, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31)
- The Jews on the day of Pentecost asked the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Peter responded, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38)
- When Saul of Tarsus encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he asked, “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10) He was told to go into the city, and later, the Lord sent Ananias to him with this command: “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
At first glance, this may seem inconsistent. Why would the same basic question receive three different answers? The answer lies in the spiritual condition of the person asking the question. Each one was at a different point on the road to salvation.
A Simple Illustration
Imagine a friend asking for directions to your house in Springfield, Missouri. One day, he calls from Columbus, Ohio, and you tell him he’s 630 miles away. The next day, he’s in Indianapolis, Indiana, so you tell him it’s 450 miles. Later that day, he calls again from St. Louis, and now he’s only 215 miles away.
Three different answers—but each one is completely accurate, depending on his location.
In the same way, the Bible records three different responses to the question of salvation—each correct, based on where the person stood spiritually.
The Philippian Jailer – A Step One Believer
The jailer in Acts 16 had no prior knowledge of the Gospel. He didn’t know Jesus. Paul and Silas didn’t immediately tell him to repent and be baptized. First, they told him to believe—because he hadn’t heard or believed yet. Teaching him about Jesus came before calling him to repentance or baptism. Once he believed, he and his household were baptized later that same night (Acts 16:33).
If someone today—say, a Muslim or a person from a secular background—asks how to be saved, we should begin as Paul did: teach them about Christ. Without belief, no other steps matter.
The Jews on Pentecost – Believers Who Needed to Act
The Jews in Acts 2 had already heard Peter’s sermon about Jesus. They were “pricked in the heart” (Acts 2:37)—meaning they believed. Peter didn’t tell them to believe; they already did. Instead, he said: “Repent and be baptized… for the remission of sins.” (Acts 2:38) Their next step wasn’t belief—it was repentance and baptism.
Saul of Tarsus – A Penitent Believer in Need of Baptism
Saul, later known as Paul, met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He believed, acknowledged Jesus as Lord, and even prayed and fasted for three days (Acts 9:9–11). By the time Ananias reached him, Saul was already a penitent believer. So Ananias simply told him: “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins…” (Acts 22:16) His belief and repentance were evident. What he lacked was obedience through baptism—the moment when his sins would be washed away by Christ’s blood.
The Answers Are Different—But Perfectly United
So why were three different answers given to the same question?
Because each person was at a different stage of their journey to salvation:
- The unbeliever was told to believe.
- The believers were told to repent and be baptized.
- The penitent believer was told to be baptized.
Rather than conflicting, these answers show the full and beautiful process of coming to salvation in Christ. Each command is part of the same Gospel message.
What Should You Do?
If you want to become a Christian, don’t stop at just one of these steps.
Follow the whole plan:
- Hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Believe that He is the risen Son of God.
- Repent of your sins.
- Confess Jesus as Lord.
- Be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.
- Live faithfully, walking in His light.
The Hebrew writer says of Jesus: “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:9) Let the truth of Jesus Christ—in all its fullness and simplicity—set you free from sin and give you eternal life.
