Acts 16:24
Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τοιαύτην
such
G5108
τοιαύτην
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
3 of 18
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
εἰληφως
having received
G2983
εἰληφως
having received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
4 of 18
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ἔβαλεν
thrust
G906
ἔβαλεν
thrust
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
5 of 18
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυλακὴν
prison
G5438
φυλακὴν
prison
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
10 of 18
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Job 33:11He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.Job 13:27Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.Jeremiah 29:26The LORD hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the LORD, for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks.Jeremiah 38:26Then thou shalt say unto them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.
Historical Context
Roman inner prisons were underground cells, dark and often used for condemned criminals awaiting execution. The jailor's thoroughness in confining Paul and Silas shows he took his responsibility seriously.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God often work greatest deliverances in darkest circumstances?
- What does it mean to trust God when everything seems hopeless?
- How can our responses to suffering witness to watching unbelievers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.' The 'inner prison' was the most secure, dark, and uncomfortable section. Stocks (Greek 'xylon' - wood) held feet in painful positions, preventing movement or rest. Maximum discomfort accompanied maximum security. Yet this darkest hour preceded the jailor's conversion.