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Jailer

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What is the meaning of Jailer in the Bible?

A Roman official in Philippi responsible for the custody of prisoners. He is mentioned in the New Testament account of Paul and Silas's imprisonment.

SIGNIFICANCE

This figure represents the intersection of Roman legal authority and the early spread of Christianity among non-Jewish populations. His narrative illustrates the social dynamics between Roman administrators and early religious movements.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Jailer reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Jailer in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Jailer clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Jailer." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jailer/
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