It is expressly said in the 32nd verse, that Paul and Silas “spake the word of the Lord to _all that were in the jailor’s house_.” This was _before_ they were baptized. All that were in his house were capable therefore of instruction; and thus their “faith came by hearing.” And to show more decidedly the existence of faith in _the __family_, not only is _the fact_ itself stated, but also _the fruit_ which it produced: namely, its adding to the jailor’s joy. He rejoiced—of course _the more_—because that _his house believed_, as well as himself.
The baptism of a believer is like the coronation of a lawful Sovereign. The latter at his coronation publicly enters upon his Office. He is then anointed, and invested with the robes and other ensigns of royalty. The crown is then solemnly put upon his head—the sceptre into his hand—and he swears in the presence of the nobles and chief of the people to rule according to law: and any subsequent dereliction of duty would be called _a breaking of his coronation-oath_. But he was _in reality_ king before his coronation. Thus when a man repents, he forsakes sin; (and what is the forsaking of it but the dying to it?) and when he believes, he is born of God; (and what is this but his spiritual resurrection?) and this repentance and this faith are both required of every one _before_, _and in order to_, _his baptism_. But at his baptism he is publicly invested with his privileges as a Christian, and he then solemnly swears to live according to Christ’s laws for the future. And thus every departure from duty may well be called _a violation of his baptismal engagements_. But _in reality_ his death unto sin and his new birth unto righteousness commenced when he repented and believed; that is, at a period prior to (and under some circumstances the interval of time might be very considerable) his baptism. His claim to baptism is founded upon his having already renounced sin and being possessed of a lively faith;—as a claim to be crowned is founded upon this, that the person who makes it is the rightful sovereign already. In both cases, there is _the confirmation_ of the relationship with all its rights and duties, but not _the commencement_ of it. _This_ had taken place _before_.