Acts 16:28

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Acts 16:28 captures a pivotal moment in the ministry of Paul and Silas in Philippi, demonstrating divine intervention and remarkable human compassion. Following a miraculous earthquake that shook the prison and opened all the doors, the Philippian jailer, fearing the escape of his prisoners and facing severe consequences, was about to take his own life. At this critical juncture, Paul's urgent cry intervenes, preventing a tragedy and setting the stage for a profound spiritual transformation.

Context

This verse is part of the broader narrative of Paul's second missionary journey. After a vision of a man of Macedonia calling for help, Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi. There, they cast out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, which angered her masters, leading to their arrest, severe beating, and imprisonment. Despite their suffering, Paul and Silas were singing hymns and praying at midnight when a violent earthquake occurred, shaking the prison to its foundations and miraculously opening all the doors and loosening everyone's chains (Acts 16:26). The jailer, waking to this chaos and assuming the prisoners had fled, drew his sword to commit suicide, a common Roman practice to avoid dishonor or punishment for dereliction of duty. Paul's immediate, loud cry in verse 28 is a direct response to this desperate act.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Selflessness: Paul's immediate concern is for the jailer's life, not his own freedom. He prioritizes the well-being of his captor, embodying Christ's command to love one's enemies. This act of compassion is a powerful witness.
  • Divine Providence and Intervention: The earthquake was not random but a supernatural act of God, designed to open doors not just physically, but spiritually. It created a unique opportunity for the Gospel to be heard and received.
  • Integrity of Believers: The fact that none of the prisoners, including Paul and Silas, attempted to escape despite open doors, highlights the integrity and obedience of the believers. Their presence confirmed Paul's statement, astonishing the jailer.
  • Opportunity for Evangelism: This dramatic event, fueled by Paul's compassion and the prisoners' integrity, immediately led to the jailer's inquiry about salvation, paving the way for his and his household's conversion (Acts 16:31-34).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Do thyself no harm" translates the Greek `μηδὲν πράσσῃς σεαυτῷ κακόν` (mēden prassēs seautō kakon), which literally means "do nothing evil to yourself." The use of the negative imperative `μηδὲν` (mēden, "nothing") reinforces the absolute prohibition against self-destruction. Paul's "loud voice" (Greek: `φωνῇ μεγάλῃ`, phōnē megalē) indicates the urgency and intensity of his plea, ensuring the jailer heard him above the commotion and his own despair.

Practical Application

  • Value of Human Life: This verse underscores the sacredness of human life. Paul's intervention highlights God's concern for every individual, even those who oppose His servants.
  • Compassion in Crisis: Believers are called to be attentive to the distress of others, especially in moments of crisis, and to respond with compassion and practical help. Paul's swift action saved a life.
  • God's Sovereignty: God can use even the most difficult and chaotic circumstances—like an earthquake and imprisonment—to bring about His purposes and open doors for the Gospel.
  • Witness Through Integrity: The integrity of Paul and Silas, along with the other prisoners, spoke volumes. Living a life consistent with one's faith, even under duress, can be a powerful testimony that draws others to Christ.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (9 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Luke 6:28 (4 votes)

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

  • Luke 23:34 (4 votes)

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

  • Ecclesiastes 7:17 (3 votes)

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

  • Luke 10:32 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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