Acts 16:24

24 Upon receiving this order, the jailer threw them into the inner cell and fastened their feet between heavy blocks of wood.

Acts 16:24 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 16:24

Who having received such a charge
So strict an one from the magistrates, was doubly careful and diligent: thrust them into the inner prison:
the innermost part of it, the lowest or furthest part of the prison; so that there were the more doors, bolts, and bars, to break open, and pass through, should they attempt to make their escape: and made their feet fast in the stocks;
or "wood", a wooden machine, in which the feet of prisoners were put for security, and which we call "the stocks"; some say it was such an one, in which the neck as well as the feet were put, and so might be the same with our "pillory".

Acts 16:24 In-Context

22 And the crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas. Then the officials tore the clothes off Paul and Silas and ordered them to be whipped.

23 After a severe beating, they were thrown into jail, and the jailer was ordered to lock them up tight.

24 Upon receiving this order, the jailer threw them into the inner cell and fastened their feet between heavy blocks of wood.

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

26 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.