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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 16:26 Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone's chains came loose.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/16-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/44_Act_16_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 16:26 - The Conversion of the Jailer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. 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At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone&#8217s chains came loose. <a href="/nlt/acts/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! <a href="/esv/acts/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. <a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that foundations of the prison house were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and the chains of all were loosed. <a href="/kjv/acts/16.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. <a href="/nasb_/acts/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened. <a href="/nasb/acts/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone&#8217s chains were unfastened. <a href="/nasb77/acts/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened. <a href="/lsb/acts/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the jailhouse were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. <a href="/amp/acts/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> suddenly there was a great earthquake, so [powerful] that the very foundations of the prison were shaken and at once all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. <a href="/csb/acts/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. <a href="/hcsb/acts/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone&#8217s chains came loose. <a href="/asv/acts/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/acts/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners. <a href="/erv/acts/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/acts/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and all the prisoners' chains came loose. <a href="/gnt/acts/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, which shook the prison to its foundations. At once all the doors opened, and the chains fell off all the prisoners. <a href="/isv/acts/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Suddenly, there was an earthquake so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken. All the doors immediately flew open, and everyone's chains were unfastened. <a href="/msb/acts/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone?s chains came loose. <a href="/net/acts/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Immediately all the doors flew open, and the bonds of all the prisoners came loose. <a href="/nheb/acts/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were loosened. <a href="/wbt/acts/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner. <a href="/web/acts/16.htm">World English Bible</a> Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and suddenly a great earthquake came, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, also all the doors were immediately opened, and of all—the bands were loosed; <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that foundations of the prison house were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and the chains of all were loosed. <a href="/ylt/acts/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and suddenly a great earthquake came, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, opened also presently were all the doors, and of all -- the bands were loosed; <a href="/slt/acts/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And suddenly was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and the bonds of all were let loose.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bands of all were loosed. <a href="/cpdv/acts/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Yet truly, there was a sudden earthquake, so great that the foundations of the prison were moved. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bindings of everyone were released. <a href="/nabre/acts/16.htm">New American Bible</a> there was suddenly such a severe earthquake that the foundations of the jail shook; all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and the bands of all were loosed. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake and the foundation of the prison was shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened and their chains were all released.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> 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 bonds were loosed. <a href="/godbey/acts/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and all the doors were immediately opened, and the bonds of all were loosed. <a href="/haweis/acts/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken: and instantly all the doors flew open, and every man?s chains were loosed. <a href="/mace/acts/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner. <a href="/worrell/acts/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and the bonds of all were loosed. <a href="/worsley/acts/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And on a sudden 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 bonds were loosed. <a href="/parallel/acts/16-26.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=5421" 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">The Conversion of the Jailer</a> 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/869.htm" title="869: aphnō (Adv) -- Suddenly. Adverb from aphanes; unawares, i.e. Unexpectedly.">Suddenly</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egeneto (V-AIM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: megas (Adj-NMS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">a strong</a> <a href="/greek/4578.htm" title="4578: seismos (N-NMS) -- A shaking (as an earthquake); a storm. From seio; a commotion, i.e. a gale, an earthquake.">earthquake</a> <a href="/greek/5620.htm" title="5620: hōste (Conj) -- So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore."></a> <a href="/greek/4531.htm" title="4531: saleuthēnai (V-ANP) -- From salos; to waver, i.e. Agitate, rock, topple or destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite.">shook</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- 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/2310.htm" title="2310: themelia (N-ANP) -- From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.">foundations</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/1201.htm" title="1201: desmōtēriou (N-GNS) -- A prison. From a derivative of desmon; a place of bondage, i.e. A dungeon.">prison.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3916.htm" title="3916: parachrēma (Adv) -- Instantly, immediately, on the spot. From para and chrema; at the thing itself, i.e. Instantly.">At once</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasai (Adj-NFP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- 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/2374.htm" title="2374: thyrai (N-NFP) -- (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.">doors</a> <a href="/greek/455.htm" title="455: ēneōchthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.">flew open</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everyone’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1199.htm" title="1199: desma (N-NNP) -- Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.">chains</a> <a href="/greek/447.htm" title="447: anethē (V-AIP-3S) -- From ana and hiemi; to let up, i.e. slacken or desert, desist from.">came loose.</a> 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.…<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="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19</a> But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, <a href="/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7</a> Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. <a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Matthew 28:2</a> Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. <a href="/luke/22-43.htm">Luke 22:43</a> Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. <a href="/psalms/107-14.htm">Psalm 107:14</a> He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. <a href="/isaiah/42-7.htm">Isaiah 42:7</a> to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. <a href="/psalms/146-7.htm">Psalm 146:7</a> He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, <a href="/2_corinthians/1-10.htm">2 Corinthians 1:10</a> He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, <a href="/psalms/68-6.htm">Psalm 68:6</a> God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. <a href="/john/8-36.htm">John 8:36</a> So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</a> But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. <a href="/daniel/3-25.htm">Daniel 3:25-28</a> “Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!” / Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace and called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, / and when the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers had gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men. Not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them. ... <a href="/daniel/6-22.htm">Daniel 6:22-23</a> My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” / The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God. <a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21-22</a> Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.suddenly.<a href="/acts/4-31.htm">Acts 4:31</a> 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.<a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19</a> But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,<a href="/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7,10</a> 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… and every.<a href="/psalms/79-11.htm">Psalm 79:11</a> Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;<a href="/psalms/102-20.htm">Psalm 102:20</a> To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;<a href="/psalms/146-7.htm">Psalm 146:7</a> Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/nahum/1-13.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/acts/12-7.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Earthquake</a> <a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Earth-Shock</a> <a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Everyone's</a> <a href="/acts/13-36.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/luke/8-29.htm">Fetters</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-6.htm">Flew</a> <a href="/micah/6-2.htm">Foundations</a> <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/16-18.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/acts/13-11.htm">Instantly</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Loosened</a> <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Once</a> <a href="/acts/13-23.htm">One's</a> <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/16-14.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Presently</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Prison-House</a> <a href="/acts/13-51.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/ezekiel/26-9.htm">Shock</a> <a href="/acts/13-51.htm">Shook</a> <a href="/acts/12-10.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/acts/21-13.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Earthquake</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Earth-Shock</a> <a href="/genesis/16-12.htm">Everyone's</a> <a href="/acts/16-29.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/colossians/4-18.htm">Fetters</a> <a href="/revelation/8-13.htm">Flew</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Foundations</a> <a href="/acts/17-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/16-33.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/acts/21-32.htm">Instantly</a> <a href="/job/39-5.htm">Loosened</a> <a href="/acts/16-33.htm">Once</a> <a href="/acts/20-33.htm">One's</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/acts/16-33.htm">Presently</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">Prison-House</a> <a href="/acts/28-5.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-8.htm">Shock</a> <a href="/acts/18-6.htm">Shook</a> <a href="/acts/22-6.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/acts/23-10.htm">Violent</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>Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. The suddenness of the earthquake emphasizes the divine intervention at work. Earthquakes in biblical times were often seen as acts of God, demonstrating His power and presence (<a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a>; <a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">1 Kings 19:11</a>). The location is Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia, known for its strategic position and Roman influence. The shaking of the prison's foundations symbolizes the breaking of spiritual and physical bondage, reflecting God's ability to disrupt human institutions and plans. This event parallels the shaking of the earth at Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection (<a href="/matthew/27-51.htm">Matthew 27:51-54</a>; 28:2), highlighting God's authority over creation.At once all the doors flew open The immediate opening of the prison doors signifies liberation and the breaking of barriers. In a spiritual sense, it represents the opening of hearts and minds to the Gospel. This miraculous event echoes the deliverance of Peter from prison in <a href="/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7-10</a>, where an angel of the Lord facilitated his escape. The open doors also symbolize the new opportunities for the spread of the Gospel, as physical barriers cannot hinder God's mission.and everyone’s chains came loose. The loosening of chains is a powerful image of freedom from bondage, both physically and spiritually. It signifies the release from sin and the power of the Gospel to transform lives (<a href="/john/8-36.htm">John 8:36</a>; <a href="/romans/6-18.htm">Romans 6:18</a>). This act of liberation is reminiscent of the prophecy in <a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>, which speaks of proclaiming freedom for the captives, a mission fulfilled by Jesus Christ. The breaking of chains also prefigures the ultimate victory over sin and death through Christ's resurrection, offering believers the hope of eternal freedom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_and_silas.htm">Paul and Silas</a> Two apostles of Jesus Christ who were 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 Paul and Silas were imprisoned. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_prison.htm">The Prison</a> The location where Paul and Silas were held, and where the miraculous earthquake occurred. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_earthquake.htm">The Earthquake</a> A divine intervention that shook the prison, opened the doors, and loosened the chains of all prisoners. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_jailer.htm">The Jailer</a> The person responsible for guarding Paul and Silas, who later becomes a believer after witnessing the miracle.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_power.htm">God's Sovereignty and Power</a> The earthquake demonstrates God's control over nature and His ability to intervene in human affairs. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_trials.htm">Faithfulness in Trials</a> Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns despite their circumstances, showing the importance of maintaining faith and worship in difficult times. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_freedom.htm">Spiritual Freedom</a> The physical release from chains symbolizes the spiritual freedom available through Christ, reminding believers of the liberation from sin and bondage. <a href="/topical/w/witness_through_adversity.htm">Witness Through Adversity</a> The event led to the conversion of the jailer and his household, illustrating how God can use our trials as a testimony to others. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a> The collective experience of the prisoners highlights the importance of community and mutual support in the faith journey.<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/key_events_in_silas's_biblical_life.htm">What are the key events in Silas's biblical life?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_the_quake_free_prisoners_unharmed.htm">In Acts 16:22–26, how could an earthquake open all the prison doors and unfasten everyone’s chains without inflicting any apparent damage or injury?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_shake_temple_thresholds.htm">Amos 9:1 – How can God physically shake temple thresholds in a way that targets specific people without natural explanations?</a> <a href="/q/what_caused_the_place_to_shake_in_acts_4_31.htm">(Acts 4:31) What natural or historical explanation could account for the physical shaking of the place where they prayed? </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>(26) And suddenly there was a great earth quake.--Both the region and the time were, it will be remembered, conspicuous for convulsions of this kind. Cities in Asia, such as Sardis, Apamea and Laodicea, and in Campania, suffered severely under Tiberius. (See Note on <a href="/matthew/24-7.htm" title="For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.">Matthew 24:7</a>.) St. Luke apparently reads the fact not as in itself miraculous, but as leading to a display of supernatural calmness and courage on the part of the Apostles, and so to the conversion of the gaoler.Every one's bands were loosed.--This seems, at first, beyond the range of the usual effects of an earthquake, but the chains of the prisoners were fastened, we must remember, to rings or staples in the wall, and the effect of a great shock would be to loosen the stones and so make it easy to escape. The fact that the "foundations of the prison were shaken" agrees with what has been said above (Note on <a href="/acts/16-24.htm" title="Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.">Acts 16:24</a>), as to the dungeon into which the prisoners had been thrust.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 26. - Prison-house for prison, A.V., as <a href="/acts/5-21.htm">Acts 5:21, 23</a>. All the doors were opened. This would be the natural effect of the earthquake. Bands (δεσμά). St. Luke always follows the Attic usage of δεσμόν, in the neuter (romp. <a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23</a>; <a href="/luke/8-29.htm">Luke 8:29</a>). St. Paul follows the Hellenistic usage of δεσμός, in the masculine (<a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Philippians 1:13</a>; see <a href="/jeremiah/2-20.htm">Jeremiah 2:20</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/5-5.htm">Jeremiah 5:5</a>; <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Habakkuk 3:13</a>). In many instances (genitive and dative) it is, of course, impossible to determine whether the word is masculine or neuter. <a href="/commentaries/acts/16-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Suddenly ἄφνω (aphnō) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_869.htm">Strong's 869: </a> Suddenly. Adverb from aphanes; unawares, i.e. Unexpectedly. a strong μέγας (megas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. earthquake σεισμὸς (seismos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4578.htm">Strong's 4578: </a> A shaking (as an earthquake); a storm. From seio; a commotion, i.e. a gale, an earthquake. shook σαλευθῆναι (saleuthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_4531.htm">Strong's 4531: </a> From salos; to waver, i.e. Agitate, rock, topple or destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <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. foundations θεμέλια (themelia) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2310.htm">Strong's 2310: </a> From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter 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. prison. δεσμωτηρίου (desmōtēriou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1201.htm">Strong's 1201: </a> A prison. From a derivative of desmon; a place of bondage, i.e. A dungeon. At once παραχρῆμα (parachrēma) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3916.htm">Strong's 3916: </a> Instantly, immediately, on the spot. From para and chrema; at the thing itself, i.e. Instantly. all πᾶσαι (pasai) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. the αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural <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. doors θύραι (thyrai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2374.htm">Strong's 2374: </a> (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance. flew open, ἠνεῴχθησαν (ēneōchthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_455.htm">Strong's 455: </a> To open. From ana and oigo; to open up. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. everyone’s πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. chains δεσμὰ (desma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1199.htm">Strong's 1199: </a> Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability. came loose. ἀνέθη (anethē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_447.htm">Strong's 447: </a> From ana and hiemi; to let up, i.e. slacken or desert, desist from. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 16:26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake so (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/16-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 16:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 16:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/16-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 16:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 16:27" /></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>