Acts 16:26

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

And {G1161} suddenly {G869} there was {G1096} a great {G3173} earthquake {G4578}, so that {G5620} the foundations {G2310} of the prison {G1201} were shaken {G4531}: and {G5037} immediately {G3916} all {G3956} the doors {G2374} were opened {G455}, and {G2532} every one's {G3956} bands {G1199} were loosed {G447}.

Suddenly there was a violent earthquake which shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison-house were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened; and every one’s bands were loosed.

Commentary

Acts 16:26 recounts a dramatic and miraculous event during the missionary journey of Paul and Silas in Philippi, highlighting God's powerful intervention on behalf of His servants.

Context

This verse is a direct consequence of the unjust imprisonment of Paul and Silas. After being severely beaten and unjustly thrown into the inner prison with their feet fastened in stocks (Acts 16:24), they responded not with despair but with worship. At midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. The sudden earthquake described here is God's direct and powerful response to their faith and praise.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention: The "great earthquake" was clearly an act of God, not a random natural occurrence, demonstrating His omnipotence and His attentiveness to the prayers of His faithful. It was a supernatural sign designed to achieve His purposes.
  • Miraculous Liberation: The shaking of the prison's foundations, the immediate opening of all doors, and the loosening of "every one's bands" point to a comprehensive and miraculous release. This was not merely a structural collapse, but a targeted act of liberation, freeing not only Paul and Silas but all the prisoners.
  • God's Sovereignty and Power: This event powerfully illustrates that no human barrier, physical or spiritual, can withstand God's will. He has the ultimate power to break chains and open doors, asserting His dominion over all circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "earthquake" is seismos, which denotes a violent shaking and is often used in the New Testament to signify a significant divine intervention or judgment. The term "suddenly" (Greek: aphno) emphasizes the immediate and unexpected nature of God's action, underscoring its miraculous character. The phrase "bands were loosed" (Greek: desma eluthe) highlights that the prisoners' literal chains and restraints were supernaturally unfastened, not just that the prison walls collapsed.

Related Scriptures

This dramatic release echoes other instances of God delivering His servants from impossible situations, such as Peter's miraculous escape from prison in Acts 12. The immediate aftermath of this earthquake in Philippi led to the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his entire household, showcasing how God uses extraordinary events to draw people to Himself. This physical liberation serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual freedom that Christ offers to all who believe, a freedom often spoken of in the New Testament.

Practical Application

Acts 16:26 offers profound encouragement to believers today. It reminds us that even when we face unjust suffering or feel trapped by circumstances, God is present and powerful. Our prayers and praise, even in adversity, are heard by God and can unleash His miraculous power. This verse calls us to trust in God's ability to deliver us from any "prison" – whether literal, emotional, or spiritual – and to witness how He can use our difficult situations to bring glory to His name and advance His kingdom.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 4:31 (14 votes)

    And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

  • Acts 5:19 (12 votes)

    But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

  • Acts 12:10 (9 votes)

    When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

  • Acts 12:7 (8 votes)

    And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.

  • Psalms 146:7 (7 votes)

    Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

  • Matthew 28:2 (6 votes)

    And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

  • Isaiah 42:7 (4 votes)

    To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.