ACTS 16:26 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“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 there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose — the earthquake (seismos) is described as violent (ikaos, sufficient) to damage foundations and open doors. The breaking of chains (lepō, to loosen) is total and immediate, suggesting divine action rather than structural accident. This parallels Peter's prison escape in 5:19 and signals God's vindication of the imprisoned apostles.
Church Fathers on Acts 16:26
What could equal these souls? These men had been scourged, had received many stripes, they had been misused, were in peril of their lives, were thrust into the inner prison, and set fast in the stocks: and for all this they did not suffer themselves to sleep, but kept vigil all the night. Do you mark what a blessing tribulation is? But we, in our soft beds, with none to be afraid of, pass the whole night in sleep. But belike this is why they kept vigil, because they were in…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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