Acts 16:24

24 And when he had taken such a precept, he put them into the inner prison [Which, when he had taken such a precept, sent them into the inner prison], and restrained the feet of them in a tree.

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 people and magistrates ran against them [And the people ran against them, and the magistrates], and when they had rent (to pieces) the coats of them, they commanded them to be beaten with rods.
23 And when they had given to them many wounds, they sent them into prison, and commanded to the keeper, that he should keep them diligently [commanding to the keeper, that he diligently should keep them].
24 And when he had taken such a precept, he put them into the inner prison [Which, when he had taken such a precept, sent them into the inner prison], and restrained the feet of them in a tree.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas worshipped, and praised God; and they that were in [the] keeping heard them.
26 And suddenly a great earth-moving was made, so that the foundaments of the prison were moved. And at once [And anon] all the doors were opened, and the bonds of all were loosed.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.