Acts 16:28

28 and Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, `Thou mayest not do thyself any harm, for 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 and suddenly a great earthquake came, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, opened also presently were all the doors, and of all -- the bands were loosed;

27 and the jailor having come out of sleep, and having seen the doors of the prison open, having drawn a sword, was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners to be fled,

28 and Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, `Thou mayest not do thyself any harm, for we are all here.'

29 And, having asked for a light, he sprang in, and trembling he fell down before Paul and Silas,

30 and having brought them forth, said, `Sirs, what must I do -- that I may be saved?'