Good morning,
In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome.
Acts 16:19-28 Paul and Silas cast into prison
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 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.27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
Paul and Silas are beaten and cast into prison in Philippi. The jailer thrusts them into the inner prison, securing their feet in stocks. At midnight, Paul and Silas sing praises to God in prison. A great earthquake shakes the prison, opening doors and loosening bonds. The keeper wakes and sees the prison doors open.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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