Acts 16 28

Acts 16:28 kjv

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Acts 16:28 nkjv

But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here."

Acts 16:28 niv

But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"

Acts 16:28 esv

But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."

Acts 16:28 nlt

But Paul shouted to him, "Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!"

Acts 16 verses

Acts 16 28 Meaning

The jailer, on the brink of self-destruction, was halted by Paul’s loud declaration to stop, because "I am here." This prevented his suicide and immediately opened the door for him to inquire about salvation.

Acts 16 28 Context

This verse occurs within the narrative of Paul and Silas' imprisonment in Philippi. They had cast a demon out of a sorceress, which led to their arrest and severe beating, culminating in their being thrown into the inner prison. The dramatic earthquake that followed freed them and other prisoners, but Paul prevented the jailer from committing suicide, thus presenting the opportunity for the jailer’s salvation.

Acts 16 28 Word Analysis

• "Paul" (Παῦλος - Paulos): The name of the apostle.
• "to" (πρὸς - pros): Toward; with the aim of; facing.
• "him" (αὐτὸν - auton): Him (accusative case, direct object).
• "with" (μεγαλῇ - megale): Great; loud (adverbial form referring to the voice).
• "a" (φωνῇ - phone): Voice; sound.
• "voice" (τῇ - te): A definite article; referring to his own voice.
• "Saying" (λέγων - legōn): Present participle; actively speaking at that moment.
• "Do not" (Μή - Me): Negative particle used with imperatives to forbid.
• "harm" (σεαυτῷ - seautō): Thyself (dative case, reflexive pronoun, indicating self-inflicted action).
• "thyself" (μηδὲν - mēden): Nothing; no harm.

Group of words analysis:

• "Do thyself no harm": A direct prohibition against the intended suicide, spoken with authority and conviction, indicating Paul’s concern for the jailer's life.
• "for all are here": A factual statement explaining the reason why the jailer should not kill himself.

Acts 16 28 Bonus Section

The jailer’s despair is understandable given the Roman legal and social context. Failure to prevent a prison break was often met with severe punishment, including death for the jailer. Suicide was seen by some in Roman society as a means to avoid dishonor or the consequences of failure. Paul’s intervention not only defied this logic but offered a higher calling and a deeper meaning through faith in Jesus Christ, leading to the entire household’s conversion.

Acts 16 28 Commentary

Paul's immediate, loud declaration to the jailer, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here," is a profound demonstration of Christ-like compassion. Instead of retaliating or fleeing, Paul sees the jailer's panic as an opportunity for gospel ministry. The phrase "we are all here" is crucial; it signifies that no prisoner had escaped, removing the jailer's primary fear. This bold act of faith and love not only saved the jailer’s physical life but, more importantly, paved the way for his eternal salvation by addressing his desperate need. This showcases that the message of Christ is about life, not death, and it’s delivered even in the midst of severe persecution.