Acts 16:28

28 But Paul shouted in a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."

Acts 16:28 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 16:28

But Paul cried with a loud voice
Knowing by divine revelation, what the jailer was about to do; though being in the innermost prison, in a dark dungeon, he could not see him, unless it can be thought, that the opening of the doors had let in light sufficient; and it may be also, that he knew in the same way, what designs of grace God had towards this man and his family: saying, do thyself no harm;
which is an instance of great tenderness, humanity, and love, to one that had used him and his companion with so much severity and cruelty: for we are all here;
not only Paul and Silas, but the rest of the prisoners also; who either being so intent upon hearing the prayers and praises of the apostles, or so terrified with the earthquake, that they took no notice of their bands being loosed, and so never thought or attempted to make their escape; and as for Paul and Silas, all this happened to them, not for their deliverance in this way, as in the case of Peter, but to show the power of God, what he could do, and his presence with his servants.

Acts 16:28 In-Context

26 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.

27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped.

28 But Paul shouted in a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."

29 The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

30 Then he brought them outside and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"