Acts 16:19-40

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Acts 16:19-40

19When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace.
20They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil
21by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”
22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods.
23And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.
24On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
26Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.
27When 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.
28But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!”
29Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
30Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house.
33At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized.
34Then he brought them into his home and set a meal before them. So he and all his household rejoiced that they had come to believe in God.
35When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order: “Release those men.”
36The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.”
37But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”
38So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.
39They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city.
40After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house to see the brothers and encourage them. Then they left the city.
— Acts 16:19-40

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Cross References for Acts 16:19-40

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.