Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 16:15

Albert Barnes Commentary

Acts 16:15

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Acts 16:15

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us." — Acts 16:15 (ASV)

And when she was baptized. Apparently without any delay. (Acts 8:38). It was usual to be baptized immediately on believing.

And her household. Greek: Her house (o oikov authv). Her family. No mention is made of their having believed. And the case is one that affords a strong presumptive proof that this was an instance of household or infant baptism. For:

  1. Her believing is particularly mentioned.
  2. It is not intimated that they believed. On the contrary, it is strongly implied that they did not.
  3. It is manifestly implied that they were baptized because she believed. It was the offering of her family to the Lord. It is just such an account as would now be given of a household or family that were baptized on the faith of the parent.

If ye have judged me to be faithful. If you deem me a Christian, or a believer.

And she constrained us. She urged us. This was an instance of great hospitality, and also an evidence of her desire for further instruction in the doctrines of religion.