20
Bringing them to the judges, they said, "These men are causing a lot of trouble in our city, since they are Jews.
21
What they are doing is advocating customs that are against the law for us to accept or practice, since we are Romans."
22
The mob joined in the attack against them, and the judges tore their clothes off them and ordered that they be flogged.
23
After giving them a severe beating, they threw them in prison, charging the jailer to guard them securely.
24
Upon receiving such an order, he threw them into the inner cell and clamped their feet securely between heavy blocks of wood.
25
Around midnight, Sha'ul and Sila were praying and singing hymns to God, while the other prisoners listened attentively.
26
Suddenly there was a violent earthquake which shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and everyone's chains came loose.
27
The jailer awoke, and when he saw the doors open he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, for he assumed that the prisoners had escaped.
28
But Sha'ul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We're all here!"
29
Calling for lights, the jailer ran in, began to tremble and fell down in front of Sha'ul and Sila.
30
Then, leading them outside, he said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?"