In biblical times, the use of stocks as a form of punishment was a common practice, particularly for the purpose of public humiliation and physical discomfort. Stocks were wooden devices with holes to secure the feet, and sometimes the hands and neck, of a prisoner. This method of restraint was not only intended to immobilize the individual but also to serve as a deterrent to others by exposing the punished person to public view.

The use of stocks is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the account of Paul and Silas in the Book of Acts. After being falsely accused and beaten, Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi. The jailer, following orders, placed them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in stocks. Acts 16:24 states, "On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks." Despite their dire situation, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God, demonstrating their unwavering faith and trust in divine deliverance.

The use of stocks in this context highlights the harsh realities faced by early Christians who were often persecuted for their faith. It also underscores the resilience and steadfastness of believers who, even in the face of severe punishment, continued to worship and glorify God. The miraculous events that followed—an earthquake that opened the prison doors and loosened the chains of all the prisoners—further illustrate the power of God to intervene in the lives of His faithful servants.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah also experienced the punishment of stocks. Jeremiah 20:2 recounts, "he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the house of the LORD." This incident occurred during a time when Jeremiah was prophesying against the sins of Judah and warning of impending judgment. The use of stocks in this instance was an attempt to silence the prophet and discredit his message. However, Jeremiah's resolve remained unshaken, and he continued to proclaim God's word despite the opposition and suffering he faced.

The practice of using stocks as a form of punishment reflects the broader theme of suffering for righteousness' sake found throughout Scripture. Believers are often called to endure hardship and persecution, yet they are encouraged to remain faithful, trusting in God's ultimate justice and deliverance. The accounts of Paul, Silas, and Jeremiah serve as powerful reminders of the cost of discipleship and the enduring hope found in God's promises.Job 13:27
You put my feet also in the stocks, and look narrowly to all my paths; you set a print on the heels of my feet.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 33:11
He puts my feet in the stocks, he marks all my paths.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 7:22
He goes after her straightway, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
Nave's Topical Index

Martyrdom of the Holy Confessors Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, from ...
... At dawn of day, their feet were loosened from the confinement of the stocks; but
their ... on one side [3284] and that an iron chain should be fastened on his ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents martyrdom of 2.htm

Acts XVI
... post, and when first thrust within the dungeon and fastened in the stocks, have
driven ... preaching; and that he trembled, and fell at their feet, shows that ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

Ephesians iv. 1, 2
... Marvellest thou at Paul, when the viper fastened on his ... I bound by affection, than
was he then in the stocks. ... come before teachers: he fell down at their feet. ...
/.../homily viii ephesians iv 1.htm

Pseud-Iren??us.
... prison, the stretching of the feet on the stocks, [3842] even ... him in every way with
their hands and feet, showing no ... "Blandina [3852] was hung up fastened to a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pseud-irenaeus.htm

The Number of those who Fought for Religion in Gaul under Verus ...
... that they could do to him, they finally fastened red-hot ... loathsome parts of the prison,
stretching of the feet to the fifth hole in the stocks, [1375] and ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the number of those.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679 ... all sin must incur the
intensity of punishment; and the ... him," says John, "I fell at his feet as dead ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... for Christ's sake we here undergo; it is the body that feels the stocks, the whip ...
to be taken always for the flesh that is upon our hands, and feet, and other ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... truth against it,17 we should lay down our souls at the feet of God to ... A malefactor
that suffereth for his evil deeds the due punishment thereof, suffereth, as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

What are hymns? What is the value of hymns in worship? | GotQuestions.org

What is the joy of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Stocks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus