Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 16, verses 22-34
19 for which cause he and Silas are whipped and imprisoned. The prison doors are opened, 31 The jailer is convertedJohn, Chapter 16, verses 5-11
1 Christ comforteth his disciples against tribulation by the promise of the holy Ghost, and by his resurrection and ascension16
16:5 None of you asketh me - Now when it is most seasonable.Peter did ask this before, Joh 13:36.
16:7 It is expedient for you - In respect of the Comforter, Joh 16:7, etc, and of me, Joh 16:16, etc, and of the Father, Joh 16:23, etc
16:8 He - Observe his twofold office; toward the world, Joh 16:8, etc; toward believers, Joh 16:12, etc : will convince - All of the world - Who do not obstinately resist, by your preaching and miracles, of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment - He who is convinced of sin either accepts the righteousness of Christ, or is judged with Satan. An abundant accomplishment of this we find in the Acts of the Apostles.
16:9 Of sin - Particularly of unbelief, which is the confluence of all sins, and binds them all down upon us.
16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father - Which the Spirit will testify, though ye do not then see me. But I could not go to him if I were not righteous.
16:11 The prince of this world is judged - And in consequence thereof dethroned, deprived of the power he had so long usurped over men. Yet those who reject the deliverance offered them will remain slaves of Satan still.
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16:23 They laid many stripes upon them - Either they did not immediately say they were Romans, or in the tumult it was not regarded. Charging the jailer - Perhaps rather to quiet the people than because they thought them criminal.
16:24 Secured their feet in the stocks - These were probably those large pieces of wood, in use among the Romans, which not only loaded the legs of the prisoner, but also kept them extended in a very painful manner.
16:25 Paul and Silas sung a hymn to God - Notwithstanding weariness, hunger stripes, and blood. And the prisoners heard - A song to which they were not accustomed.
16:28 But Paul cried - As they were all then in the dark, it is not easy to say, how Paul knew of the jailer's purpose; unless it were by some immediate notice from God, which is by no means incredible. With a loud voice - Through earnestness, and because he was at some distance. Do thyself no harm - Although the Christian faith opens the prospect into another life, yet it absolutely forbids and effectually prevents a man's discharging himself from this.
16:30 Sirs - He did not style them so the day before. What must I do to be saved? - From the guilt I feel and the vengeance I fear?Undoubtedly God then set his sins in array before him, and convinced him in the clearest and strongest manner that the wrath of God abode upon him.
16:31 Thou shalt be saved and thy household - If ye believe.They did so, and were saved.
16:33 He washed their stripes - It should not be forgot, that the apostles had not the power of working miraculous cures when they pleased, either on themselves, or their dearest friends. Nor was it expedient they should, since it would have frustrated many wise designs of God, which were answered by their sufferings.
16:34 He set a table before them and rejoiced - Faith makes a man joyful, prudent, liberal.