Acts 16:28

28 But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, "Don't harm yourself! 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 a violent earthquake, which shook the prison to its foundations. At once all the doors opened, and the chains fell off all the prisoners.
27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped; so he pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself.
28 But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
29 The jailer called for a light, rushed in, and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas.
30 Then he led them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.