What phrase captures the essence of Paul's message in Acts 16 about salvation?

The phrase that captures the essence of Paul's message in Acts 16 is that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. When Paul and Silas were asked by the Philippian jailer what he must do to be saved, their response was unequivocal: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." This emphasizes the core Christian belief that salvation is not something to be earned through works, adherence to the law, or the accumulation of knowledge, but rather it is a gift received through faith.

This message highlights the central theme of grace in Christian theology, where faith in Jesus as Lord is the means by which individuals enter into a right relationship with God, rather than relying on their own efforts or understanding. The simplicity and profound nature of this declaration underscore the doctrine of salvation by faith, making it a foundational element of Pauline theology and Christian belief overall.