Acts 16:27

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

And {G1161} the keeper of the prison {G1200} awaking {G1096} out of his sleep {G1853}, and {G2532} seeing {G1492} the prison {G5438} doors {G2374} open {G455}, he drew out {G4685} his sword {G3162}, and would {G3195} have killed {G337} himself {G1438}, supposing {G3543} that the prisoners {G1198} had been fled {G1628}.

The jailer awoke, and when he saw the doors open he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, for he assumed that the prisoners had escaped.

When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped.

And the jailor, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.

Acts 16:27 describes the immediate, desperate reaction of the Philippian jailer following a miraculous earthquake that shook the prison where Paul and Silas were held. This verse sets the stage for one of the New Testament's most dramatic conversions.

Context

After being severely beaten and unjustly imprisoned in Philippi, Paul and Silas were chained in the inner dungeon. At midnight, as they prayed and sang hymns, a powerful earthquake miraculously opened all the prison doors and loosened everyone's chains (Acts 16:26). The jailer, responsible for the prisoners, was asleep and awoke to this chaotic scene.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Desperation and Fear of Roman Law: The jailer's immediate impulse to commit suicide highlights the extreme pressure and fear under Roman law. Under the strict Roman penal system, a prison keeper was often held personally accountable for the escape of prisoners, facing the same penalty the escaped prisoners would have received, which could be death. His action underscores his profound despair and the perceived utter ruin of his life.
  • The Power of Divine Intervention: The earthquake, though terrifying, was a divinely orchestrated event that disrupted human order and prepared the jailer's heart for the Gospel. It was not a random occurrence but a purposeful act of God to demonstrate His power and facilitate the spread of His word.
  • Human Response to Crisis: This verse starkly contrasts the jailer's panic and suicidal intent with the serene faith of Paul and Silas, who were praying and singing even in their suffering. The jailer's reaction reveals the depths of human despair when faced with overwhelming circumstances and a lack of spiritual hope.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "would have killed himself" translates a Greek verb that conveys a strong, immediate intention to act. It's not merely a thought but a decisive move towards self-destruction, emphasizing the intensity of his desperation. The word for "prison doors open" indicates they were wide open, visible proof of the perceived escape.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Acts 16:27 reminds us of the profound impact of fear and perceived failure. The jailer's story illustrates how God can use even traumatic events to bring individuals to a point of spiritual awakening. It highlights that true hope is found not in avoiding earthly consequences but in spiritual salvation offered through faith in Jesus Christ. His despair, though extreme, became the catalyst for him and his entire household to find new life in Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 12:19

    And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that [they] should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and [there] abode.

  • 2 Samuel 17:23

    And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

  • Matthew 27:5

    And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

  • 1 Samuel 31:4

    Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

  • 1 Samuel 31:5

    And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.

  • Judges 9:54

    Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

  • 1 Kings 16:18

    And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died,

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