20
They brought them before the Roman officials and said, "These men are Jews, and they are causing trouble in our city.
21
They are teaching customs that are against our law; we are Roman citizens, and we cannot accept these customs or practice them."
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.
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?"