Acts 16:23

KJV

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast [them] into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} when they had laid {G2007} many {G4183} stripes {G4127} upon them {G846}, they cast {G906} them into {G1519} prison {G5438}, charging {G3853} the jailor {G1200} to keep {G5083} them {G846} safely {G806}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After giving them a severe beating, they threw them in prison, charging the jailer to guard them securely.

Berean Standard Bible

And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.

American Standard Version

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:23 vividly portrays the severe and unjust treatment of Paul and Silas in Philippi, following their evangelistic work. After being brutally beaten with many stripes by order of the magistrates, they were summarily cast into prison. The verse underscores the heightened security measures surrounding their confinement, as the jailer was specifically charged to keep them safely, setting the stage for the dramatic divine intervention and the subsequent conversion of the jailer's household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the unjust arrest and brutal flogging of Paul and Silas. In [Acts 16:16-18](/acts/16-16-18 "Acts 16:16-16 - Paul Casts Out a Spirit of Divination"), Paul had delivered a slave girl from a spirit of divination, which had been a lucrative source of income for her masters. Enraged by their financial loss, these masters incited a mob, seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them before the city magistrates, accusing them of disturbing public order and advocating unlawful customs for Romans ([Acts 16:19-21](/acts/16-19-21 "Acts 16:19-21 - Paul and Silas Accused")). Without a proper trial, the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and severely beaten ([Acts 16:22](/acts/16-22 "Acts 16:22 - Paul and Silas Flogged")). Acts 16:23 describes the immediate aftermath of this brutal punishment, as they are incarcerated under strict orders, leading directly into the miraculous earthquake, the jailer's despair, and his subsequent conversion in [Acts 16:25-34](/acts/16-25-34 "Acts 16:25-34 - The Philippian Jailer's Conversion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, meaning its citizens enjoyed certain rights and its legal system was modeled after Rome's. Roman law strictly prohibited the scourging of Roman citizens without trial, a right Paul would later invoke ([Acts 16:37](/acts/16-37 "Acts 16:37 - Paul Reveals His Roman Citizenship")). The "many stripes" refer to a severe beating with rods (Latin: *virgae*), typically administered by lictors (attendants of the magistrates). This was a brutal form of punishment, often resulting in severe injury or even death. The charge to "keep them safely" highlights the Roman authorities' concern about potential unrest or escape, especially given the public nature of the accusation and the perceived threat to public order. Prisons in this era were often grim and unsanitary, and the jailer's responsibility was paramount, with severe penalties for any prisoner's escape.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 16:23 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **unjust persecution** faced by early Christians for their faithful proclamation of the Gospel, echoing the suffering of Christ Himself. It highlights the **steadfastness and endurance of believers** in the face of severe physical abuse and imprisonment, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Christ's mission. Furthermore, this seemingly dire setback is a testament to **divine sovereignty in adversity**, as God orchestrates these difficult circumstances to bring about the unexpected conversion of the jailer and his household, ultimately advancing the Gospel in a profound way, as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stripes (Greek, _plēgḗ_):** From G4127, meaning a stroke, by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity. This word emphasizes the physical trauma inflicted upon Paul and Silas. The use of "many" (G4183, _polýs_) further underscores the severity and multitude of the blows, indicating a brutal and exhaustive beating designed not just to punish but to inflict maximum pain and deter future activity.
* **jailor (Greek, _desmophýlax_):** From G1200, meaning a guard of prisoners or keeper of the prison. This term highlights the specific role and authority of the individual responsible for the custody of Paul and Silas. His charge was not merely to house them, but actively to guard them, emphasizing the perceived danger or importance of these prisoners.
* **to keep (Greek, _tēréō_) them safely (Greek, _asphalōs_):** G5083 (_tēréō_) means to guard (from loss or injury, by keeping the eye upon), to detain in custody. G806 (_asphalōs_) is an adverb meaning securely, certainly, or without danger of escape. The combination of these words conveys the extreme strictness and vigilance demanded of the jailer. It implies that Paul and Silas were considered high-risk prisoners, requiring maximum security to prevent any possibility of escape or further disturbance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had laid many stripes upon them":** This phrase describes the culmination of the magistrates' order to flog Paul and Silas. The term "many stripes" indicates a severe and repeated beating, likely with rods, a common and brutal Roman punishment. This act was not only physically devastating but also deeply humiliating and illegal for a Roman citizen like Paul, highlighting the gross injustice of the situation.
* **"they cast [them] into prison":** Following the flogging, Paul and Silas were immediately thrown into prison. This signifies a complete loss of freedom and a further escalation of their suffering. Prison in the ancient world was often a holding place before trial or execution, characterized by harsh conditions, darkness, and isolation.
* **"charging the jailor to keep them safely":** This final clause reveals the specific and stringent command given to the jailer. The authorities were not content with mere imprisonment; they demanded secure custody. This charge underscores the perceived threat Paul and Silas posed to public order and the authorities' determination to prevent their escape, setting the stage for the miraculous events that would soon unfold within the prison walls.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 16:23 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. There is a strong sense of **Foreshadowing**, as the extreme measures taken to secure Paul and Silas paradoxically set the stage for God's dramatic intervention. The very attempt to contain the Gospel message through violence and imprisonment ultimately leads to its powerful expansion within the prison itself. **Irony** is also present: the authorities' efforts to suppress the apostles and their message, by inflicting "many stripes" and ensuring their "safe" keeping, inadvertently create the precise conditions for a profound display of divine power and the conversion of the jailer and his household. Finally, the verse establishes a stark **Contrast** between the human intention of inflicting suffering and confinement, and God's divine purpose to use such adversity for redemptive ends, transforming a place of darkness and despair into a scene of salvation and joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:23 powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that suffering for righteousness is often an integral part of God's plan for His people and the advancement of His kingdom. The unjust persecution of Paul and Silas mirrors the experiences of many prophets and, supremely, Christ Himself, demonstrating that faithfulness to the Gospel can provoke severe opposition. Yet, even in the depths of physical pain and confinement, God's presence and sovereign purpose remain unhindered. This episode serves as a profound reminder that what appears to be a setback from a human perspective is often a divinely orchestrated opportunity for the Gospel to penetrate new hearts and places, revealing God's power to work through, and even transform, adversity. The suffering endured by the apostles became a catalyst for a pivotal moment in the early church's mission, showcasing God's ability to turn human malice into divine triumph.

* [Matthew 5:10](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are the Persecuted")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering and Believing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:23 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world that may be hostile to the Gospel. It reminds us that following Christ does not guarantee an easy path but may, in fact, lead to unjust suffering, opposition, and hardship. Paul and Silas's endurance in the face of brutal flogging and imprisonment serves as a powerful example of steadfastness and faith. Their response—singing hymns in prison—demonstrates a profound trust in God's presence and purpose even in the darkest circumstances. This passage encourages us to embrace a theology of suffering, understanding that our trials can be fertile ground for God's work, not just in our own lives, but also as a witness to those around us. It challenges us to look beyond immediate pain and discomfort to discern God's sovereign hand, trusting that He can use our adversity to advance His kingdom and bring about unexpected breakthroughs, just as He did for the Philippian jailer. Our willingness to endure for Christ's sake can become a powerful testimony to His transforming power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when faced with unjust criticism or suffering for your faith?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak or unfair?**
* **How might your endurance and joyful response in adversity serve as a powerful witness to others about the hope you have in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why were Paul and Silas treated so harshly without a proper trial, especially if Paul was a Roman citizen?**

Answer: The harsh treatment of Paul and Silas, culminating in "many stripes" and imprisonment without a formal trial, was a clear violation of Roman legal procedure, especially for a Roman citizen. The immediate cause was the instigation of the slave girl's masters, who were enraged by their financial loss after Paul cast out the spirit of divination ([Acts 16:19-20](/acts/16-19-20 "Acts 16:19-20 - Masters Incite a Mob")). They stirred up the crowd, accusing Paul and Silas of disturbing the city and advocating unlawful customs ([Acts 16:20-21](/acts/16-20-21 "Acts 16:20-21 - Accusations Against Paul and Silas")). The magistrates, likely swayed by the mob's fervor and perhaps eager to maintain public order and appease the influential citizens, acted rashly. They ordered the flogging and imprisonment without investigating the charges or allowing the accused to present a defense. Paul later reveals his Roman citizenship, which made their actions even more egregious and forced the magistrates to apologize and escort them out of the city ([Acts 16:37-39](/acts/16-37-39 "Acts 16:37-39 - Paul Reveals His Roman Citizenship")).

**What does "many stripes" imply about the severity of their beating?**

Answer: The phrase "many stripes" (Greek: *plēgḗ* G4127, with *polýs* G4183 for "many") indicates a brutal and severe flogging. In the Roman context, this punishment, known as *virgae* (beating with rods), was carried out by lictors and was notoriously painful and damaging. Unlike the Jewish practice, which limited beatings to 39 lashes ([2 Corinthians 11:24](/2_corinthians/11-24 "2 Corinthians 11:24 - Paul's Sufferings")), Roman scourging had no such numerical limit and could be administered with extreme force, often leaving victims severely wounded, disfigured, or even dead. Paul himself recounts enduring such beatings multiple times ([2 Corinthians 11:25](/2_corinthians/11-25 "2 Corinthians 11:25 - Paul's Sufferings and Hardships")). The description in Acts 16:23 suggests that Paul and Silas were left in a state of extreme physical distress and injury before being thrown into the inner prison.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unjust suffering of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:23 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Their experience of being brutally beaten and unjustly imprisoned for proclaiming the truth deeply echoes the passion of Christ, who was likewise falsely accused, severely scourged, and led away to suffer a cruel and unjust death ([Matthew 27:26-31](/matthew/27-26-31 "Matthew 27:26-31 - Jesus is Scourged and Mocked")). Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, bore "many stripes" not for His own sin, but for the transgressions of humanity, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions"). Paul and Silas's willingness to endure such suffering for the Gospel demonstrates their participation in Christ's sufferings and their commitment to following His example ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example in Suffering")). Ultimately, their suffering, like Christ's, was not an end but a means to a greater redemptive purpose. Just as Christ's crucifixion led to the salvation of the world, the unjust imprisonment of Paul and Silas directly led to the miraculous conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household ([Acts 16:30-34](/acts/16-30-34 "Acts 16:30-34 - The Philippian Jailer's Conversion")), powerfully illustrating how God uses the suffering of His servants to advance His kingdom and bring about new life, reflecting the very heart of the Gospel message.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

2 Timothy 2:9

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

1 Samuel 23:22

Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, [and] who hath seen him there: for it is told me [that] he dealeth very subtilly.

1 Samuel 23:23

See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.

Acts 16:36

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

Acts 9:2

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Acts 12:18

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.