Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. New Living Translation Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! English Standard Version and 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 bonds were unfastened. Berean Standard Bible Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. Berean Literal Bible And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that foundations of the prison house were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and the chains of all were loosed. King James Bible And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible and 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 unfastened. NASB 1995 and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. NASB 1977 and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Legacy Standard Bible And suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the jailhouse were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Amplified Bible suddenly there was a great earthquake, so [powerful] that the very foundations of the prison were shaken and at once all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Christian Standard Bible Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. Holman Christian Standard Bible Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. American Standard Version and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison-house were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened: and every one's bands were loosed. Contemporary English Version Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners. English Revised Version and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison-house were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened; and every one's bands were loosed. GOD'S WORD® Translation Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and all the prisoners' chains came loose. Good News Translation Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, which shook the prison to its foundations. At once all the doors opened, and the chains fell off all the prisoners. International Standard Version Suddenly, there was an earthquake so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken. All the doors immediately flew open, and everyone's chains were unfastened. Majority Standard Bible Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone?s chains came loose. NET Bible Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Immediately all the doors flew open, and the bonds of all the prisoners came loose. New Heart English Bible 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 bonds were loosened. Webster's Bible Translation And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. Weymouth New Testament when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner. World English Bible 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 bonds were loosened. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand suddenly a great earthquake came, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, also all the doors were immediately opened, and of all—the bands were loosed; Berean Literal Bible And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that foundations of the prison house were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and the chains of all were loosed. Young's Literal Translation and suddenly a great earthquake came, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, opened also presently were all the doors, and of all -- the bands were loosed; Smith's Literal Translation And suddenly was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and the bonds of all were let loose. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bands of all were loosed. Catholic Public Domain Version Yet truly, there was a sudden earthquake, so great that the foundations of the prison were moved. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bindings of everyone were released. New American Bible there was suddenly such a severe earthquake that the foundations of the jail shook; all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose. New Revised Standard Version Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and the bands of all were loosed. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And suddenly there was a great earthquake and the foundation of the prison was shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened and their chains were all released. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bonds were loosed. Godbey New Testament And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and all the doors were immediately opened, and the bonds of all were loosed. Haweis New Testament And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken: and instantly all the doors flew open, and every man?s chains were loosed. Mace New Testament when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners. Weymouth New Testament when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner. Worrell New Testament And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and the bonds of all were loosed. Worsley New Testament And on a sudden there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bonds were loosed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Conversion of the Jailer25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. 27When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped.… Cross References Acts 5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, Acts 12:7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. Matthew 28:2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. Luke 22:43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. Psalm 107:14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. Isaiah 42:7 to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. Psalm 146:7 He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, 2 Corinthians 1:10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, Psalm 68:6 God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. Daniel 3:25-28 “Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!” / Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace and called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, / and when the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers had gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men. Not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them. ... Daniel 6:22-23 My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” / The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Exodus 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. Treasury of Scripture And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. suddenly. Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 5:19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Acts 12:7,10 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands… and every. Psalm 79:11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; Psalm 102:20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; Psalm 146:7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: Jump to Previous Bands Bonds Chains Doors Earthquake Earth-Shock Everyone's Fell Fetters Flew Foundations Great Immediately Instantly Loosened Once One's Open Opened Presently Prison Prison-House Shaken Shock Shook Suddenly ViolentJump to Next Bands Bonds Chains Doors Earthquake Earth-Shock Everyone's Fell Fetters Flew Foundations Great Immediately Instantly Loosened Once One's Open Opened Presently Prison Prison-House Shaken Shock Shook Suddenly ViolentActs 16 1. Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,7. and being called by the Spirit from one country to another, 14. convert Lydia, 16. and cast out a spirit of divination; 19. for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned. 25. The prison doors are opened. 31. The jailor is converted, 35. and they are delivered. Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. The suddenness of the earthquake emphasizes the divine intervention at work. Earthquakes in biblical times were often seen as acts of God, demonstrating His power and presence (Exodus 19:18; 1 Kings 19:11). The location is Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia, known for its strategic position and Roman influence. The shaking of the prison's foundations symbolizes the breaking of spiritual and physical bondage, reflecting God's ability to disrupt human institutions and plans. This event parallels the shaking of the earth at Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection (Matthew 27:51-54; 28:2), highlighting God's authority over creation. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul and SilasTwo apostles of Jesus Christ who were imprisoned for casting out a spirit from a slave girl, which angered her owners. 2. Philippi A Roman colony in Macedonia where Paul and Silas were imprisoned. 3. The Prison The location where Paul and Silas were held, and where the miraculous earthquake occurred. 4. The Earthquake A divine intervention that shook the prison, opened the doors, and loosened the chains of all prisoners. 5. The Jailer The person responsible for guarding Paul and Silas, who later becomes a believer after witnessing the miracle. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerThe earthquake demonstrates God's control over nature and His ability to intervene in human affairs. Faithfulness in Trials Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns despite their circumstances, showing the importance of maintaining faith and worship in difficult times. Spiritual Freedom The physical release from chains symbolizes the spiritual freedom available through Christ, reminding believers of the liberation from sin and bondage. Witness Through Adversity The event led to the conversion of the jailer and his household, illustrating how God can use our trials as a testimony to others. Community and Support The collective experience of the prisoners highlights the importance of community and mutual support in the faith journey.(26) And suddenly there was a great earth quake.--Both the region and the time were, it will be remembered, conspicuous for convulsions of this kind. Cities in Asia, such as Sardis, Apamea and Laodicea, and in Campania, suffered severely under Tiberius. (See Note on Matthew 24:7.) St. Luke apparently reads the fact not as in itself miraculous, but as leading to a display of supernatural calmness and courage on the part of the Apostles, and so to the conversion of the gaoler. Every one's bands were loosed.--This seems, at first, beyond the range of the usual effects of an earthquake, but the chains of the prisoners were fastened, we must remember, to rings or staples in the wall, and the effect of a great shock would be to loosen the stones and so make it easy to escape. The fact that the "foundations of the prison were shaken" agrees with what has been said above (Note on Acts 16:24), as to the dungeon into which the prisoners had been thrust. Verse 26. - Prison-house for prison, A.V., as Acts 5:21, 23. All the doors were opened. This would be the natural effect of the earthquake. Bands (δεσμά). St. Luke always follows the Attic usage of δεσμόν, in the neuter (romp. Acts 20:23; Luke 8:29). St. Paul follows the Hellenistic usage of δεσμός, in the masculine (Philippians 1:13; see Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 5:5; Habakkuk 3:13). In many instances (genitive and dative) it is, of course, impossible to determine whether the word is masculine or neuter.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Suddenlyἄφνω (aphnō) Adverb Strong's 869: Suddenly. Adverb from aphanes; unawares, i.e. Unexpectedly. a strong μέγας (megas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense. earthquake σεισμὸς (seismos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4578: A shaking (as an earthquake); a storm. From seio; a commotion, i.e. a gale, an earthquake. shook σαλευθῆναι (saleuthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive Strong's 4531: From salos; to waver, i.e. Agitate, rock, topple or destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. foundations θεμέλια (themelia) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 2310: From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prison. δεσμωτηρίου (desmōtēriou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 1201: A prison. From a derivative of desmon; a place of bondage, i.e. A dungeon. At once παραχρῆμα (parachrēma) Adverb Strong's 3916: Instantly, immediately, on the spot. From para and chrema; at the thing itself, i.e. Instantly. all πᾶσαι (pasai) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. the αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. doors θύραι (thyrai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 2374: (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance. flew open, ἠνεῴχθησαν (ēneōchthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. everyone’s πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. chains δεσμὰ (desma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 1199: Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability. came loose. ἀνέθη (anethē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 447: From ana and hiemi; to let up, i.e. slacken or desert, desist from. Links Acts 16:26 NIVActs 16:26 NLT Acts 16:26 ESV Acts 16:26 NASB Acts 16:26 KJV Acts 16:26 BibleApps.com Acts 16:26 Biblia Paralela Acts 16:26 Chinese Bible Acts 16:26 French Bible Acts 16:26 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 16:26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake so (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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