Acts 16:24

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Acts 16:24

(24) Thrust them into the inner prison.—Those who have seen anything of the prisons of the Roman empire, as, e.g., the Mamertine dungeon at Rome itself, can picture to themselves the darkness and foulness of the den into which Paul and his friend were now thrust: the dark cavern-like cell, below the ground, the damp and reeking walls, the companionship of the vilest outcasts. And, as if this were not enough, they were fastened in the “stocks.” St. Luke uses the Greek term xylon, the same as is... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Acts 16:1-40

The Baffling of the Spirit Acts 16:7 Paul was on his second missionary journey when he was hindered thus by the Spirit of his Lord. He had made up his mind to go northward to Bithynia, when somehow he was Divinely checked. How the door was thus shut on him we are not told: it is one of the wise reticences of Scripture. Perhaps he was warned by some prophetic voice, or visited by irresistible conviction. On the other hand, if one prefer it so, we may think of the pressure of circumstance or... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Acts 16:1-40

CHAPTER 16 1. In Derbe and Lystra again. Timotheus (Acts 16:1-5 ). 2. The Preaching forbidden in Asia (Acts 16:6-8 ). 3. The Vision of the Man from Macedonia (Acts 16:9-12 ). 4. The Gospel in Europe (Acts 16:13-40 ). Read in connection with the first verses of this chapter 1 Timothy 1:18 ; 1Ti 4:14 ; 2 Timothy 1:5-6 ; 2 Timothy 3:15 . The circumcision of Timothy, the offspring of a mixed marriage, was not demanded by the law. Paul in circumcising Timothy manifested his liberty; he acted... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Acts 16:24

16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet {h} fast in the stocks.(h) Because he wanted to be more sure that they did not escape, he set them fast in the stocks. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:1-40

Coming to Derbe and Lystra, where he and Barnabas had been persecuted before, Paul was favorably impressed with the young man, Timothy, who had evidently been converted through Paul on his first visit (Cf. 1 Timothy 1:2). Though of a timid nature (2 Timothy 1:6-8), he was evidently considered by Paul as a dependable worker, having a good report of the brethren. This is always an important matter if one is concerned about doing the work of the Lord. But Paul also considered the consciences of... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Acts 16:1-40

SECOND JOURNEY Though the text of this lesson is long, it will be interesting to read it through at a single sitting, and get the whole journey at one view. The events are clear cut, easily remembered and apparent in their spiritual teaching. STARTING FORTH It begins with the contention between Paul and Barnabas men “of like passions” with ourselves, which was providentially overruled so that two missionary journeys grew out of it instead of one (Acts 15:36-41 ). Note that there were... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Acts 16:16-24

Chapter 56 Prayer Almighty God, thou hast shown us that there is an open way from earth to heaven, from darkness to light, from death to life. We find all this liberty and advancement in Christ Jesus, Son of God, God the Son. Once our foundations were in the dust, but now we see heavenly places and heavenly liberties beyond, so that all things are ours, and all spaces, and our souls have come into a great inheritance, and are rich with an infinite estate. This is the Lord's doing, and it is... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Acts 16:19-24

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... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Acts 16:24

Made their feet fast in the stocks. By the Latin and Greek text, they made them fast with wood. (Witham) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:16-24

16-24 Satan, though the father of lies, will declare the most important truths, when he can thereby serve his purposes. But much mischief is done to the real servants of Christ, by unholy and false preachers of the gospel, who are confounded with them by careless observers. Those who do good by drawing men from sin, may expect to be reviled as troublers of the city. While they teach men to fear God, to believe in Christ, to forsake sin, and to live godly lives, they will be accused of teaching... read more

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