Acts 16:25-28

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.

28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

praying and singing (v.25) — tense indicates both activities were ongoing and prolonged

listening (v.25) = listening attentively

keeper (v.27) — His house must have been very close to the prison.

kill himself (v.27) — He was responsible if the prisoners escaped and would likely be disgraced and executed.

Paul and Silas’ praying and singing was so compelling that all (v.28) the prisoners chose not to escape.

Paul demonstrates here the attitude he instructs the Philippians to have later — Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4-9).

This entry was posted in Acts. Bookmark the permalink.