Acts 16:28

KJV

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Paul {G3972} cried {G5455} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, saying {G3004}, Do {G4238} thyself {G4572} no {G3367} harm {G2556}: for {G1063} we are {G2070} all {G537} here {G1759}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Sha’ul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here!”

Berean Standard Bible

But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!”

American Standard Version

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:28 captures Paul's urgent and compassionate intervention to prevent the Philippian jailer from committing suicide. Following a miraculous earthquake that opened the prison doors and loosened all chains, the jailer, fearing the escape of his prisoners and the severe Roman penalties for such a failure, was about to take his own life. Paul's loud cry, assuring him that all prisoners were still present, stopped the tragedy and paved the way for the jailer's profound spiritual conversion and the establishment of the church in Philippi.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of a series of divinely orchestrated events in Philippi. Paul and Silas, having been unjustly beaten and imprisoned for casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, are miraculously freed by an earthquake while singing hymns and praying at midnight. The preceding verse, [Acts 16:27](/acts/16-27 "Acts 16:27 - The Jailer's Despair"), describes the jailer's immediate reaction to the chaos: waking, seeing the open doors, and drawing his sword to commit suicide. Paul's cry in [Acts 16:28](/acts/16-28 "Acts 16:28 - Paul's Urgent Cry") directly interrupts this desperate act, shifting the narrative from physical liberation to spiritual opportunity. The verses immediately following detail the jailer's response, his inquiry about salvation, and the subsequent conversion of his entire household, culminating in their baptism and a celebratory meal, as seen in [Acts 16:29-34](/acts/16-29-34 "Acts 16:29-34 - The Conversion of the Philippian Jailer"). This moment is pivotal, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in transforming a dire situation into a powerful evangelistic outreach.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens, including the jailer, would have been deeply ingrained in Roman law and honor codes. A Roman jailer was personally responsible for his prisoners; if they escaped, he would face the same punishment they were due, often death, and certainly severe dishonor. Suicide was considered an honorable way for a Roman to avoid such disgrace or a painful execution, particularly if one's reputation or life was irrevocably ruined. The jailer's immediate impulse to kill himself, rather than attempt to recapture the prisoners, underscores the gravity of his perceived failure and the societal pressure he faced. The earthquake, while supernatural, would have been interpreted by him as a catastrophic natural disaster that directly led to his professional ruin. Paul's understanding of this Roman cultural context is evident in his swift and precise intervention, addressing the jailer's immediate fear of consequences rather than merely celebrating his own freedom.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal moment in [Acts 16](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul and Silas in Philippi") highlights several profound themes. **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention** are clearly at play, as the earthquake is not a random event but a direct act of God designed to open doors not just physically, but spiritually, creating an unprecedented opportunity for the gospel, as seen in [Acts 16:26](/acts/16-26 "Acts 16:26 - The Earthquake"). The theme of **Compassion and Selflessness** is powerfully demonstrated by Paul, who, despite being a prisoner, prioritizes the life of his captor over his own escape, embodying the radical love taught by Christ in passages like [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). Furthermore, the **Integrity of Believers** is showcased by Paul and Silas, who, along with the other prisoners, remain in the prison, confirming Paul's statement and astonishing the jailer. This integrity, born out of their faith and trust in God's plan, becomes a powerful witness, directly leading to the jailer's inquiry about salvation in [Acts 16:30](/acts/16-30 "Acts 16:30 - The Jailer's Question") and the subsequent **Opportunity for Evangelism** that transforms his entire household.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **harm (Greek, _kakós'_):** This term, derived from G2556, signifies something "worthless," "depraved," or "injurious." In this context, Paul's command "Do thyself no harm" directly addresses the jailer's intention to inflict self-injury, specifically suicide. It emphasizes the intrinsic evil and destructiveness of such an act, not merely as a physical injury but as a morally and spiritually "bad" or "wicked" deed. Paul's urgent plea is a direct prohibition against a self-destructive act that is fundamentally contrary to the value of human life.
* **cried (Greek, _phōnéō'_):** From G5455, this verb means "to emit a sound," "to call," or "to cry." The use of "cried with a loud voice" (G5456, _phōnḗ_, "voice," combined with G3173, _mégas_, "loud") indicates the urgency, intensity, and volume of Paul's utterance. It was not a casual remark but a desperate, attention-grabbing shout designed to pierce through the jailer's despair and the chaos of the moment, ensuring his message was heard and acted upon immediately. This "cry" is a decisive intervention, demonstrating Paul's quick thinking and deep concern for the jailer's life.
* **here (Greek, _entháde'_):** This adverb (G1759) means "within," "here," or "hither." Paul's simple declaration, "for we are all here," is profoundly impactful. It directly refutes the jailer's assumption that the prisoners had fled, which was the basis for his suicidal despair. The word "here" confirms the unexpected presence of all prisoners, creating a moment of profound surprise and relief for the jailer. It is the factual basis for Paul's intervention, demonstrating the integrity of the prisoners and setting the stage for the jailer's spiritual inquiry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying":** This opening clause highlights Paul's immediate and forceful response to the jailer's desperate act. The "loud voice" (Greek: `φωνῇ μεγάλῃ`, _phōnē megalē_) underscores the urgency and intensity of his intervention, ensuring his words cut through the chaos and the jailer's despair. It's an active, compassionate interjection, not a passive observation.
* **"Do thyself no harm":** This is Paul's direct, imperative command to the jailer. The Greek `μηδὲν πράσσῃς σεαυτῷ κακόν` (literally "do nothing evil to yourself") is a strong prohibition against self-destruction. It reveals Paul's immediate concern for the jailer's physical well-being and life, prioritizing it even over his own freedom. This phrase is a powerful testament to the sanctity of human life, even the life of an oppressor.
* **"for we are all here":** This explanatory clause provides the crucial reason for Paul's command and the basis for the jailer's relief. The fact that none of the prisoners, including Paul and Silas, had escaped despite the open doors and loosened chains, directly contradicts the jailer's fearful assumption. This statement of integrity and unexpected presence is what halts the jailer's suicide attempt and opens his heart to hear the gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 16:28 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the jailer, believing his situation to be hopeless and his prisoners gone, is unaware that the very people he sought to harm are now saving his life. The audience, however, knows the prisoners are still present. There is also significant **Contrast** between the jailer's despair and Paul's calm, authoritative intervention; between the physical chaos of the earthquake and the spiritual order of the prisoners remaining; and between the expected flight of prisoners and their unexpected presence. The earthquake itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's powerful intervention not just to free His servants physically, but to shake the foundations of human despair and open hearts to the Gospel. Paul's "loud voice" is a form of **Exclamation**, conveying the urgency and life-saving nature of his message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:28 profoundly illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel, not only in converting souls but in shaping the character of believers to reflect divine compassion. Paul's selfless act of preventing the jailer's suicide demonstrates a radical, Christ-like love that transcends personal suffering and animosity. This moment highlights God's sovereign ability to use even chaotic and painful circumstances—like imprisonment and an earthquake—to bring about His redemptive purposes. It underscores the sanctity of human life and the call for believers to be agents of hope and preservation, even towards those who might be considered adversaries. This divine intervention and human integrity create the perfect spiritual opening, demonstrating that God's ultimate goal is not merely physical liberation but spiritual salvation and the expansion of His kingdom.

* [Proverbs 24:11-12](/proverbs/24-11-12 "Proverbs 24:11-12 - Rescuing the Perishing")
* [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17-21 "Romans 12:17-21 - Overcoming Evil with Good")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:28 challenges believers to cultivate a radical compassion that extends beyond personal comfort and even towards those who may have caused us harm. Paul, despite being unjustly imprisoned and beaten, saw the jailer not as his captor but as a soul in desperate need of intervention. This prompts us to consider: how do we respond to the despair and crisis in the lives of others, especially when it might be inconvenient or even risky for us? Do we prioritize our own well-being or are we willing to step into uncomfortable situations to offer life, hope, and the truth of the Gospel? This verse also reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic or catastrophic. He can use our integrity, our presence, and our willingness to speak truth in love to open doors for the Gospel in the most unexpected places. Our lives, lived consistently with Christ's teachings, can be a powerful testimony that leads others to salvation, just as the integrity of the prisoners astonished the jailer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be calling me to show compassion to someone I perceive as an "enemy" or someone who has wronged me?**
* **How does Paul's immediate, selfless action challenge my own tendencies to prioritize personal safety or comfort over the needs of others in crisis?**
* **Can I identify a "chaotic" or "difficult" circumstance in my life where God might be at work to open a spiritual door for the Gospel?**
* **How does my daily life and integrity serve as a witness to those around me, potentially leading them to inquire about my faith?**

### FAQ

**Why was the jailer about to commit suicide?**

Answer: The jailer was about to commit suicide because, according to Roman law and custom, he was personally responsible for his prisoners. If they escaped, he would face the same punishment they were due, which for Paul and Silas, could have been death. Committing suicide was a common Roman practice to avoid the public shame, dishonor, or a more painful execution that would follow such a dereliction of duty. He woke up, saw the prison doors open, and assumed all the prisoners had fled, leading him to believe his life was over and his honor lost. Paul's intervention in [Acts 16:28](/acts/16-28 "Acts 16:28 - Paul's Urgent Cry") directly addresses this fear and despair.

**Why did the prisoners not escape when the doors were open?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state the reasons for every prisoner's decision, but it strongly implies that their presence was a result of divine influence and the integrity of Paul and Silas. Paul's immediate cry, "for we are all here," indicates that the prisoners remained. For Paul and Silas, their mission was not merely physical freedom but the advancement of the Gospel. Their continued presence demonstrated their trust in God's plan and their commitment to His purposes, which ultimately led to the jailer's conversion. This act of integrity and self-control, particularly after a miraculous earthquake, served as a powerful testimony to the jailer, paving the way for his question about salvation in [Acts 16:30](/acts/16-30 "Acts 16:30 - The Jailer's Question") and the subsequent spread of the Christian faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:28, while a powerful display of Paul's Christ-like compassion, ultimately points to the greater redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Paul's urgent cry, "Do thyself no harm," echoes the divine concern for humanity's self-destructive tendencies, a theme powerfully addressed by Christ's mission. Humanity, enslaved by sin, was on a path to eternal harm, a spiritual suicide. Just as Paul intervened to save the jailer's physical life, Jesus intervened to save humanity's spiritual life, offering a way out of the ultimate prison of sin and death. Christ's self-sacrificial love, demonstrated on the cross, is the ultimate act of preventing harm, offering forgiveness and new life to those who were spiritually "about to take their own lives" through their rebellion against God. His cry from the cross, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words")), secured the freedom that no earthquake could provide—freedom from the penalty and power of sin. The jailer's subsequent question, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" ([Acts 16:30](/acts/16-30 "Acts 16:30 - The Jailer's Question")), is the very question Christ's life, death, and resurrection answers, leading to the transformative declaration, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" ([Acts 16:31](/acts/16-31 "Acts 16:31 - The Way to Salvation")). Thus, Paul's compassionate intervention in Philippi serves as a vivid microcosm of Christ's greater, saving work for all humanity, calling us from self-destruction to eternal life in Him.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

Luke 6:27

¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Luke 6:28

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Ecclesiastes 7:17

Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

Luke 10:32

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked [on him], and passed by on the other side.

Luke 10:37

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.