King James Version

What Does Acts 16:24 Mean?

Acts 16:24 in the King James Version says “Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Acts 16:24 · KJV


Context

22

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

23

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

24

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

25

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God often work greatest deliverances in darkest circumstances?
  2. What does it mean to trust God when everything seems hopeless?
  3. How can our responses to suffering witness to watching unbelievers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὃς1 of 18

Who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παραγγελίαν2 of 18

a charge

G3852

a mandate

τοιαύτην3 of 18

such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

εἰληφως4 of 18

having received

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἔβαλεν5 of 18

thrust

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

αὐτῶν6 of 18

their

G846

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

εἰς7 of 18

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν8 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐσωτέραν9 of 18

the inner

G2082

interior

φυλακὴν10 of 18

prison

G5438

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

καὶ11 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς12 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόδας13 of 18

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτῶν14 of 18

their

G846

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

ἠσφαλίσατο15 of 18

fast

G805

to render secure

εἰς16 of 18

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ17 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ξύλον18 of 18

the stocks

G3586

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 16:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 16:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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