Acts 16:28

28 But Paul cried with a great voice, and said [saying], Do thou no harm to thyself, for all we be 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 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.
27 And the keeper of the prison was awaked, and saw the gates of the prison opened [and seeing the gates of the prison opened], and with a sword drawn out he would have slain himself, and guessed that the men that were bound had fled [weening the bound men to have fled].
28 But Paul cried with a great voice, and said [saying], Do thou no harm to thyself, for all we be here.
29 And he asked light, and entered [in], and trembled, and fell down to Paul and to Silas at their feet [and trembling he fell down to Paul and Silas at the feet].
30 And he brought them withoutforth, and said, Lords, what behooveth me to do, that I be made safe?
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.