Acts 16:22-25

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:24

The inner prison - Probably what we would call the dungeon; the darkest and most secure cell. Made their feet fast in the stocks - The το ξυλον , which we here translate stocks, is supposed to mean two large pieces of wood, pierced with holes like our stocks, and fitted to each other, that, when the legs were in, they could not be drawn out. The holes being pierced at different distances, the legs might be separated or divaricated to a great extent, which must produce extreme pain. It... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:25

At midnight Paul and Silas - sang praises - Though these holy men felt much, and had reason to fear more, yet they are undismayed, and even happy in their sufferings: they were so fully satisfied that they were right, and had done their duty, that there was no room for regret or self-reproach. At the same times they had such consolations from God as could render any circumstances not only tolerable, but delightful. They prayed, first, for grace to support them, and for pardon and salvation... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:22

Verse 22− 22.The multitude came together. When Luke declareth that there was great encourses of the people made, after that a few men of no reputation, to wit, such as did juggle and cozen to get gain, and whose filthiness was well known, had made some stir; he reacheth with what fury the world rageth against Christ. Foolishness and inconstancy are indeed common vices among all people, and almost continual, but the wonderful force of Satan doth therein betray itself, in that those who are in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:23

Verse 23− 23.That he should keep them safe. Whereas the magistrates command that Paul and Silas should be kept so diligently, it was done to this end, that they might know more of the matter. For they had already beaten them with rods to appease the tumult. And this is that which I said of late, that the world doth rage with such blind fury against the ministers of the gospel, that it doth keep no mean in severity. But as it is very profitable for us, for example’s sake, to know how... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:14-40

The day that looked like the day of small things. It may be said, indeed, that "the kingdom came not with observation" into Europe. To the silence, modesty, and unostentatiousness of its first steps, nothing seems wanting. The notoriety came, again, not from the studied purpose of its heralds, who did their bidding in so pacific a manner, but from the vain attempt to crush them. Let us notice in some detail what we know from the present passage of Christianity's very first rooting of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-25

Five truths from Philippi. We learn— I. THAT SACRED TRUTH IS SOMETIMES FOUND ON IRREVERENT LIPS . (Verse 17.) 1. Sometimes in mockery, as with this poor Philippian slave. She probably caught up the words she heard Paul use, and in the spirit of ribaldry uttered them again. So men have sometimes preached or sung in the spirit of mere raillery and indecent mirth. 2. Sometimes in insincerity; when those who have no care to secure a livelihood by honorable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-39

An illustrious triple triumph of Christianity. Soft as the step with which Christianity entered the fair fields of Europe, and kindly as the welcome given to it then, its uniform lot was not long in making its appearance. It soon wakens close attention, it rouses strong opposition, it vindicates its genius and rights, and the luster of its moral victory must often have been felt by the faithful apostles enough of itself to compensate for the persecutions and sufferings they encountered.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-40

Truth and falsehood. The domains of truth and falsehood are in their own nature entirely distinct. This cannot be more emphatically expressed than in the inspired words which speak of God as the God of truth, and of Satan as the father of lies. The two realms are not only distinct, but contrary the one to the other. No greater injury has been done to the cause of truth than by the employment of weapons of falsehood in its defense. And, on the other hand, the most effective weapons used in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:19-34

Joy in tribulation. "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution." "We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom." The truth of these Pauline sayings had often been tested by experiences, of which this at Philippi was one of the most significant. Here, too, was one of the places where he learned to say, "Thanks be to God, who always maketh us to triumph! I. SELF - INTEREST IN ARMS AGAINST THE TRUTH . So often—especially in our day—are men's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:19-40

The first European persecution. I. It was in no way instigated by Jews, hut it proceeded from RULERS AND MAGISTRATES , under the instigation of HEATHENISH ERROR . An important distinction. Christianity, when it enlarged its sphere of operations, had to encounter the opposition of: 1. The state. 2. False philosophy regarding it as folly. 3. Heathen priestcraft, fearing the loss of their profitable superstitions. II. The method of persecution was generally... read more

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