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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 16:23 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/16-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/44_Act_16_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 16:23 - Paul and Silas Imprisoned" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/16-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/16-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/16-22.htm" title="Acts 16:22">◄</a> Acts 16:23 <a href="/acts/16-24.htm" title="Acts 16:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/16.htm">New International Version</a> After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. <a href="/nlt/acts/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. <a href="/esv/acts/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. <a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having laid many blows on them, they cast them into prison, having charged the jailer to keep them securely, <a href="/kjv/acts/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: <a href="/nkjv/acts/16.htm">New King James Version</a> And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. <a href="/nasb_/acts/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; <a href="/nasb/acts/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; <a href="/nasb77/acts/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; <a href="/lsb/acts/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And when they had inflicted them with many wounds, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely, <a href="/amp/acts/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> After striking them many times [with the rods], they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely. <a href="/csb/acts/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> After they had severely flogged them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to guard them carefully. <a href="/hcsb/acts/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> After they had inflicted many blows on them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to keep them securely guarded. <a href="/asv/acts/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: <a href="/cev/acts/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After they had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully. <a href="/erv/acts/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: <a href="/gwt/acts/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After they had hit Paul and Silas many times, they threw them in jail and ordered the jailer to keep them under tight security. <a href="/gnt/acts/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> After a severe beating, they were thrown into jail, and the jailer was ordered to lock them up tight. <a href="/isv/acts/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> After giving them a severe beating, they threw them in jail and ordered the jailer to keep them under tight security. <a href="/msb/acts/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. <a href="/net/acts/16.htm">NET Bible</a> After they had beaten them severely, they threw them into prison and commanded the jailer to guard them securely. <a href="/nheb/acts/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely, <a href="/wbt/acts/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and, after severely flogging them, they threw them into jail and bade the jailer keep them safely. <a href="/web/acts/16.htm">World English Bible</a> When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> having also laid on them many blows, they cast them into prison, having given charge to the jailor to keep them safely, <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having laid many blows on them, they cast them into prison, having charged the jailer to keep them securely, <a href="/ylt/acts/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> many blows also having laid upon them, they cast them to prison, having given charge to the jailor to keep them safely, <a href="/slt/acts/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And many blows having been put upon them, they cast into prison, having commanded the jailor to keep them safely:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the gaoler to keep them diligently. <a href="/cpdv/acts/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when they had inflicted many scourges on them, they cast them into prison, instructing the guard to watch them diligently. <a href="/nabre/acts/16.htm">New American Bible</a> After inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison and instructed the jailer to guard them securely. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when they had flogged them severely, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to watch them carefully. Paul and Silas in prison. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when they had scourged them much, they cast them into the prison and commanded the Keeper of the prison to keep them securely.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, and charged the jailer to keep them securely. <a href="/godbey/acts/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And having laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them safely: <a href="/haweis/acts/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And laying on them many stripes, cast them into prison, commanding the jailor to keep them in safe custody: <a href="/mace/acts/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and, after severely flogging them, they threw them into jail and bade the jailer keep them safely. <a href="/worrell/acts/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and, having laid upon them many stripes, they thrust them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely; <a href="/worsley/acts/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when they had given them many stripes, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely. <a href="/parallel/acts/16-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5397" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Paul and Silas Imprisoned</a> …22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. 23<a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.">And</a> <a href="/greek/2007.htm" title="2007: epithentes (V-APA-NMP) -- To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.">after striking</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollas (Adj-AFP) -- Much, many; often. ">with many</a> <a href="/greek/4127.htm" title="4127: plēgas (N-AFP) -- A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity.">blows,</a> <a href="/greek/906.htm" title="906: ebalon (V-AIA-3P) -- (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.">they threw them</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakēn (N-AFS) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">prison</a> <a href="/greek/3853.htm" title="3853: parangeilantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.">and ordered</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1200.htm" title="1200: desmophylaki (N-DMS) -- A keeper of a prison, a jailer. From desmon and phulax; a jailer.">jailer</a> <a href="/greek/5083.htm" title="5083: tērein (V-PNA) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">to guard</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/806.htm" title="806: asphalōs (Adv) -- Safely, securely, assuredly, certainly. Adverb from asphales; securely.">securely.</a> 24On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">2 Corinthians 11:25</a> Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. <a href="/philippians/1-30.htm">Philippians 1:30</a> since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:2</a> As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God. <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">2 Timothy 2:9</a> for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! <a href="/hebrews/11-36.htm">Hebrews 11:36</a> Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a> Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/1_peter/4-14.htm">1 Peter 4:14-16</a> If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. / Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. / But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name. <a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-37</a> Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-10</a> We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4-5</a> Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">1 Corinthians 4:11-13</a> To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. / We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3-5</a> He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. <a href="/jeremiah/20-2.htm">Jeremiah 20:2</a> he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD. <a href="/jeremiah/37-15.htm">Jeremiah 37:15-16</a> The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. / So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when they had laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:they cast.<a href="/acts/5-18.htm">Acts 5:18</a> And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.<a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a> As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.<a href="/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2</a> And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.to keep.<a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Acts 5:23</a> Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.<a href="/acts/12-18.htm">Acts 12:18</a> Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.<a href="/1_samuel/23-22.htm">1 Samuel 23:22,23</a> Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/11-12.htm">Bade</a> <a href="/acts/12-16.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/acts/12-8.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/acts/16-18.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/luke/9-21.htm">Charging</a> <a href="/acts/16-22.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/john/18-12.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/acts/5-40.htm">Flogged</a> <a href="/acts/5-40.htm">Flogging</a> <a href="/acts/16-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/12-10.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-10.htm">Inflicted</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Jail</a> <a href="/genesis/39-23.htm">Jailer</a> <a href="/john/12-6.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/acts/16-18.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/acts/12-17.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Safely</a> <a href="/mark/5-4.htm">Securely</a> <a href="/acts/4-17.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/luke/12-48.htm">Stripes</a> <a href="/acts/13-12.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/acts/13-50.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/acts/7-21.htm">Thrown</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/18-21.htm">Bade</a> <a href="/acts/16-33.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/acts/23-22.htm">Charging</a> <a href="/acts/18-2.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/acts/22-24.htm">Flogged</a> <a href="/acts/22-19.htm">Flogging</a> <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-6.htm">Inflicted</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Jail</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Jailer</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/acts/16-34.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/23-24.htm">Safely</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">Securely</a> <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/acts/16-33.htm">Stripes</a> <a href="/acts/23-3.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Thrown</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 16</div>1. <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,</a> 7. <a href="/acts/16-7.htm">and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,</a> 14. <a href="/acts/16-14.htm">convert Lydia,</a> 16. <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">and cast out a spirit of divination;</a> 19. <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.</a> 25. <a href="/acts/16-25.htm">The prison doors are opened.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/16-31.htm">The jailor is converted,</a> 35. <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">and they are delivered.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And after striking them with many blows This phrase refers to the physical punishment inflicted on Paul and Silas. In the Roman world, flogging was a common form of punishment, often administered with rods. This act of violence was not only a means of punishment but also a public humiliation. The apostles' suffering echoes the experiences of Jesus, who was also beaten before His crucifixion (<a href="/matthew/27-26.htm">Matthew 27:26</a>). This suffering for the sake of the Gospel is a recurring theme in the New Testament, highlighting the cost of discipleship (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23-25</a>).they threw them into prison The act of imprisoning Paul and Silas demonstrates the hostility they faced for preaching the Gospel. Roman prisons were harsh environments, often overcrowded and unsanitary. This imprisonment is significant as it sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow, including the conversion of the jailer and his household (<a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Acts 16:25-34</a>). The apostles' willingness to endure imprisonment for their faith is a testament to their commitment to Christ's mission (<a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">Philippians 1:12-14</a>).and ordered the jailer to guard them securely The jailer was given strict instructions to ensure that Paul and Silas did not escape, reflecting the seriousness with which the authorities viewed their message. This order underscores the perceived threat that the spread of Christianity posed to the established order. The role of the jailer is pivotal, as his eventual conversion becomes a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. This event also illustrates the theme of divine providence, as God uses the situation to further His purposes (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_and_silas.htm">Paul and Silas</a> Two key figures in the early Christian church, missionaries spreading the Gospel. They were unjustly beaten and imprisoned for casting out a spirit from a slave girl, which angered her owners. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A Roman colony in Macedonia where this event took place. It was a significant city for early Christian missions. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_magistrates.htm">The Magistrates</a> Roman officials who ordered the beating and imprisonment of Paul and Silas without a trial, reflecting the legal and social challenges faced by early Christians. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_jailer.htm">The Jailer</a> A Roman official tasked with securing Paul and Silas in prison. His later conversion is a pivotal moment in the account. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_prison.htm">The Prison</a> Represents both a physical and spiritual setting where God’s power is demonstrated through miraculous events.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_persecution.htm">Endurance in Persecution</a> Paul and Silas exemplify steadfast faith in the face of unjust suffering. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful and trust in God’s purposes during trials. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_worship.htm">The Power of Worship</a> Despite their circumstances, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God (<a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Acts 16:25</a>). Worship can be a powerful response to adversity, bringing peace and opening doors for God’s intervention. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_trials.htm">God’s Sovereignty in Trials</a> The imprisonment of Paul and Silas led to the conversion of the jailer and his household. God can use difficult situations for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. <a href="/topical/l/legal_and_social_challenges.htm">Legal and Social Challenges</a> The experience of Paul and Silas highlights the potential for legal and social opposition to the Gospel. Christians are called to navigate these challenges with wisdom and integrity. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_witness.htm">Community and Witness</a> The response of Paul and Silas in prison serves as a powerful witness to those around them, including the jailer. Our conduct in trials can impact others and lead them to Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 16</a> <a href="/q/why_were_paul_and_silas_jailed.htm">Why were Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_universal_church_of_god.htm">What is the timeline of Paul's life events?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_jailing.htm">What does the Bible say about incarceration?</a> <a href="/q/do_i_remember_you_fondly_every_time.htm">Do I remember you fondly every time?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) And when they had laid many stripes upon them.--The words imply a punishment of more than usual severity, such as would leave their backs lacerated and bleeding. So in <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm" title="But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much contention.">1Thessalonians 2:2</a>, St. Paul speaks of having been "shamefully entreated" at Philippi. <a href="/commentaries/acts/16-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And τε (te) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5037.htm">Strong's 5037: </a> And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also. after striking ἐπιθέντες (epithentes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2007.htm">Strong's 2007: </a> To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose. them αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. with many πολλάς (pollas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. blows, πληγὰς (plēgas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4127.htm">Strong's 4127: </a> A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity. they threw [them] ἔβαλον (ebalon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_906.htm">Strong's 906: </a> (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. prison φυλακήν (phylakēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. [and] ordered παραγγείλαντες (parangeilantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3853.htm">Strong's 3853: </a> To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. jailer δεσμοφύλακι (desmophylaki) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1200.htm">Strong's 1200: </a> A keeper of a prison, a jailer. From desmon and phulax; a jailer. to guard τηρεῖν (tērein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold. them αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. securely. ἀσφαλῶς (asphalōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_806.htm">Strong's 806: </a> Safely, securely, assuredly, certainly. Adverb from asphales; securely. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 16:23 When they had laid many stripes (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/16-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 16:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 16:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/16-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 16:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 16:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>