Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
About midnight
The phrase "about midnight" sets the scene in a time of darkness, both literally and metaphorically. Midnight often symbolizes a time of trial or spiritual warfare in the Bible. In the Greek, "mesonyktios" refers to the middle of the night, a time when most are asleep, highlighting the vigilance and spiritual alertness of Paul and Silas. This moment underscores the idea that God is present even in our darkest hours, offering hope and deliverance.

Paul and Silas
Paul and Silas are central figures in this narrative, representing the early Christian missionaries who spread the Gospel despite facing severe persecution. Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee who converted to Christianity after a dramatic encounter with Christ. Silas, also known as Silvanus, was a leader in the early church and a companion of Paul. Their partnership exemplifies the strength found in Christian fellowship and the power of shared faith in overcoming adversity.

were praying
The act of praying in this context is significant. The Greek word "proseuchomai" indicates a form of worship and supplication. Despite their dire circumstances, Paul and Silas turn to God in prayer, demonstrating their unwavering faith and reliance on divine intervention. This act of prayer serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a prayerful attitude in times of trouble.

and singing hymns to God
"Singing hymns" translates from the Greek "hymneo," which means to sing praises. This act of worship in the midst of suffering is a powerful testament to their faith. Hymns in the early church were often expressions of theological truths and communal beliefs. By singing, Paul and Silas not only uplift their spirits but also proclaim the glory of God, turning their prison into a place of worship.

and the other prisoners were listening to them
The presence of "other prisoners" who were "listening" highlights the impact of Paul and Silas's faith on those around them. The Greek word "epakroaomai" suggests attentive listening, indicating that the prisoners were deeply moved or intrigued by the hymns and prayers. This scenario illustrates the evangelistic power of worship and testimony, as the faith of Paul and Silas becomes a witness to others, even in captivity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
A former Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, Paul became a devoted apostle of Jesus Christ after his conversion on the road to Damascus. He is a central figure in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

2. Silas
A leader in the early church and a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. He was a prophet and played a significant role in the early Christian community.

3. Philippi
A Roman colony in Macedonia where Paul and Silas were imprisoned. It was the first European city where Paul preached the Gospel.

4. Prison
Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi after casting a spirit out of a slave girl, which angered her owners. Their imprisonment sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow.

5. Midnight
The time when Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns, symbolizing a period of darkness and trial, yet also a time of spiritual breakthrough.
Teaching Points
Joy in Trials
Paul and Silas exemplify how believers can find joy and strength in God even during difficult circumstances. Their response to imprisonment challenges us to maintain a posture of worship and trust in God regardless of our situation.

Power of Worship
Worship has the power to transform our environment and influence those around us. The other prisoners were listening, indicating that our worship can be a testimony to others.

Faithful Witness
Our actions and attitudes during trials can serve as a powerful witness to others. Paul and Silas’s faithfulness in adversity led to the conversion of the jailer and his household.

Community in Suffering
The presence of Paul and Silas together highlights the importance of community and support in times of suffering. We are encouraged to seek and provide support within the body of Christ.

Divine Intervention
The subsequent events in Acts 16 demonstrate that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, often working in unexpected ways to bring about His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the response of Paul and Silas to their imprisonment challenge your own response to difficult situations?

2. In what ways can worship and prayer transform your perspective during trials?

3. How can you be a witness to others through your actions and attitudes in challenging times?

4. What role does community play in helping you endure and grow through trials?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s intervention in a difficult situation. How did it strengthen your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Philippians 4:4-7
Paul later writes to the church in Philippi about rejoicing in the Lord always, which echoes his actions in prison.

James 1:2-4
Encourages believers to consider it pure joy when facing trials, similar to how Paul and Silas responded to their imprisonment.

Psalm 42:8
Speaks of God’s song being with the psalmist at night, paralleling the hymns sung by Paul and Silas.
Christian Triumph Over CircumstancesR. Tuck Acts 16:25
Light in the DarknessR.A. Redford Acts 16:25
The Day that Looked Like the Day of Small ThingsP.C. Barker Acts 16:14, 15, 40
Five Truths from PhilippiW. Clarkson Acts 16:16-25
Paul and the Damsel of PhilippiJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 16:16-25
The Devil of AvariceD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 16:16-25
The PythonessDean Plumptre.Acts 16:16-25
The Rescue of a SlaveH. J. Martyn.Acts 16:16-25
The Soothsaying Damsel At PhilippiJohn Elstob.Acts 16:16-25
An Illustrious Triple Triumph of ChristianityP.C. Barker Acts 16:16-39
A Wonderful Nocturnal ServiceK. Gerok.Acts 16:19-26
Antagonism to Religion: How ArousedH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
Apostolic Duty and VicissitudesR. A. Bertram.Acts 16:19-26
Christian Preachers in PrisonActs 16:19-26
Devotion Under DifficultiesActs 16:19-26
Disadvantages Made UsefulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
God's Heroes and Man'sProf. Eadie.Acts 16:19-26
Good Men in PrisonW. Burrows, B. A.Acts 16:19-26
Good People in PrisonActs 16:19-26
Indirect Means of Doing GoodW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
Joy in Trouble, its Influence Upon OthersW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
Paul and Silas in PrisonM. C. Hazard.Acts 16:19-26
Paul and Silas in PrisonN. W. Taylor, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
Paul and Silas Sing Praises At MidnightActs 16:19-26
Paul At PhilippiD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
Paul Imprisoned At PhilippiActs 16:19-26
Preachers in PrisonT. Kelly.Acts 16:19-26
Sorrow Producing SongJ. FB. Tinling, B. A.Acts 16:19-26
The Consequences of Doing GoodS. S. TimesActs 16:19-26
The Effects of Christianity on Ancient SuperstitionsJ. J. Blunt, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
The Miracle in the PrisonLisco.Acts 16:19-26
The Power of SongH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 16:19-26
The Prayer Meeting in the Philippian JailC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
The Punishment of the MissionariesDean Plumptre.Acts 16:19-26
The Supreme Power of True PietyJ. S. Exell, M. A.Acts 16:19-26
The Surpassing Power of Personal ChristianityD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 16:19-26
What the Lord Can Make of a PrisonK. Gerok.Acts 16:19-26
Joy in TribulationE. Johnson Acts 16:19-34
The First European PersecutionR.A. Redford Acts 16:19-40
People
Lydia, Paul, Silas, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Derbe, Galatia, Iconium, Jerusalem, Lystra, Macedonia, Mysia, Neapolis, Philippi, Phrygia, Samothrace, Thyatira, Troas
Topics
Hearing, Hymns, Listened, Listening, Making, Middle, Midnight, Paul, Praise, Praises, Praising, Prayed, Prayers, Praying, Prisoners, Sang, Silas, Singing, Songs
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 16:25

     3020   Holy Spirit, joy of
     4019   life, believers' experience
     4948   hour
     4957   night
     5165   listening
     5844   emotions
     7927   hymn
     7960   singing
     7963   song
     8253   faithfulness, examples
     8463   priority, of faith, hope and love
     8610   prayer, asking God
     8618   prayerfulness
     8629   worship, times
     8666   praise, manner and methods
     8667   praise, examples
     8792   oppression, God's attitude

Acts 16:19-40

     1651   numbers, 1-2

Acts 16:22-25

     6705   peace, experience
     8619   prayer, in church

Acts 16:25-26

     1320   God, as Saviour
     1416   miracles, nature of
     8630   worship, results

Acts 16:25-34

     6029   sin, forgiveness

Library
Paul at Philippi
'And on the sabbath day we went forth without the gate, by a river side, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which were come together.' --ACTS xvi. 13 (R.V.). This is the first record of the preaching of the Gospel in Europe, and probably the first instance of it. The fact that the vision of the man of Macedonia was needed in order to draw the Apostle across the straits into Macedonia, and the great length at which the incidents at Philippi are
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

How to Secure a Prosperous Voyage
'And after [Paul] had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 11. Therefore ... we came with a straight course.'--ACTS xvi. 10, 11. This book of the Acts is careful to point out how each fresh step in the extension of the Church's work was directed and commanded by Jesus Christ Himself. Thus Philip was sent by specific injunction to 'join himself' to the chariot of the Ethiopian statesman.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Riot at Philippi
'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 laid many
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Great Question and the Plain Answer
'He brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved.'--ACTS xvi. 30, 31. The keeper of a Macedonian jail was not likely to be a very nervous or susceptible person. And so the extraordinary state of agitation and panic into which this rough jailer was cast needs some kind of explanation. There had been, as you will all remember, an earthquake of a strange kind, for it not only opened the prison doors, but shook
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Household Salvation
To allure and encourage you to long for family religion, I have selected this text this morning. God grant it may answer the purpose designed. May many here have a spiritual hunger and thirst, that they may receive the blessing which so largely rested upon the Philippian jailer. Note in our text five things. We have a whole household hearing the word, a whole household believing it, a whole household baptized, a whole household working for God, and then, a whole household rejoicing. I. Observe, first,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Lydia, the First European Convert
WE MAY LAUDABLY EXERCISE CURIOSITY with regard to the first proclamation of the gospel in our own quarter of the globe. We are happy that history so accurately tells us, by the pen of Luke, when first the gospel was preached in Europe, and by whom, and who was the first convert brought by that preaching to the Savior's feet. I half envy Lydia that she should be the leader of the European band; yet I feel right glad that a woman led the van, and that her household followed so closely in the rear.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Cry of the Heathen
And now, beloved, having thus prefaced our discourse, we have another observation to make before we proceed to a full discussion of the text. What an instance of Divine sovereignty we have in our text! He who is wise can see sovereignty everywhere in the work of salvation, but how clearly is it present here. Bithynia must not hear the gospel; the apostle desires to go and preach it there; but as yet, it seems, God does not intend that Bithynia should be evangelised. He desires to tarry in Asia, and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Heavenly Father
ACTS xvi. 24-28. God that made the world, and all that therein is, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands . . . For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. I told you last Sunday of the meaning of the days of the week; but one day I left out--namely, Tuesday. I did so on purpose. I wish to speak of that day by itself in this sermon. I told you how our forefathers worshipped
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Note
THERE is a passage in an old writer which throws so much light on some points mentioned in this paper, that I make no excuse for giving it to the reader in its entirety. It comes from a work which is little known and less read. It has done me good, and I think it may do good to others. "When a man is awakened, and brought to that, that all must be brought to, or to worse,' What shall I do to be saved!' (Acts 16:30-31), we have the apostolic answer to it: ' Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Saving Faith.
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.--ACTS xvi. 30,31. This is one of the most abused texts in the Bible, and one which, perhaps, has been made to do quite as much work for the devil as for God. Let every saint present, ask in faith for the light of the Holy Ghost, while we try rightly to apply it. Let us enquire:-- 1. Who are to believe? 2. When are they to believe? 3. How are
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Directions to Sinners.
Text--What shall I do to be saved.--Acts xvi. 30. THESE are the words of the jailor at Philippi, the question which he put to Paul and Silas, who were then under his care as prisoners. Satan had, in many ways, opposed these servants of God in their work of preaching the Gospel, and had been as often defeated and disgraced. But here, at Philippi, he devised a new and peculiar project for frustrating their labors. There was a certain woman at Philippi, who was possessed with a spirit of divination,
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

Measures to Promote Revivals.
Text.--These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city and teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.--Acts xvi. 20, 21. "THESE men," here spoken of, were Paul and Silas, who went to Philippi to preach the Gospel, and very much disturbed the people of that city, because they supposed the preaching would interfere with their worldly gains. And so they arranged the preachers of the Gospel before the magistrates of the city, as culprits, and charged
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

The Missionary on the Sea Shore.
"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us."--Acts 16:9. "Wei schaumt so feierlich zu unsern Fuessen." [65]F. de la Motte Fouque. transl., Jane Borthwick, 1858 Dark mighty Ocean, rolling to our feet! In thy low murmur many voices meet, The sound of distant lands brought strangely near To Fancy's ear. From shores unknown comes the sweet Sabbath bell, New languages the old glad tidings tell, We hear the
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

Chrysostom Evades Election to a Bishopric, and Writes his Work on the Priesthood.
About this time several bishoprics were vacant in Syria, and frequent depositions took place with the changing fortunes of orthodoxy and Arianism, and the interference of the court. The attention of the clergy and the people turned to Chrysostom and his friend Basil as suitable candidates for the episcopal office, although they had not the canonical age of thirty. Chrysostom shrunk from the responsibilities and avoided an election by a pious fraud. He apparently assented to an agreement with Basil
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
PHILIPPIANS i. 21-30 He will be spared to them--Spiritual wealth of the paragraph--Adolphe Monod's exposition--Charles Simeon's testimony--The equilibrium and its secret--The intermediate bliss--He longs for their full consistency--The "gift" of suffering Ver. 21. +For to me, to live is Christ+; the consciousness and experiences of living, in the body, are so full of Christ, my supreme Interest, that CHRIST sums them all up; +and to die+, the act of dying,[1] +is gain+, for it will usher me in
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

The Martyrs of Lyons and vienne (Ad 177)
Many other martyrs suffered in various parts of the empire under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Among the most famous of these are the martyrs of Lyons and Vienne, in the south of France (or Gaul, as it was then called), where a company of missionaries from Asia Minor had settled with a bishop named Pothinus at their head. The persecution at Lyons and Vienne was begun by the mob of those towns, who insulted the Christians in the streets, broke into their houses, and committed other such outrages against
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Scotland and Ireland
The only thing which seems to be settled as to the religious history of Scotland in these times, is that a bishop named Ninian preached among the Southern Picts between the years 412 and 432, and established a see at Whithorn, in Galloway. But in the Year of St. Ninian's death, a far more famous missionary, St. Patrick, who is called "the Apostle of Ireland," began his labours in that island. It is a question whether Patrick was born in Scotland, at a place called Kirkpatrick, near the river Clyde,
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Whether Since Christ's Passion the Legal Ceremonies Can be Observed Without Committing Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that since Christ's Passion the legal ceremonies can be observed without committing mortal sin. For we must not believe that the apostles committed mortal sin after receiving the Holy Ghost: since by His fulness they were "endued with power from on high" (Lk. 24:49). But the apostles observed the legal ceremonies after the coming of the Holy Ghost: for it is stated (Acts 16:3) that Paul circumcised Timothy: and (Acts 21:26) that Paul, at the advice of James, "took the men,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Pædobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and the Nature of the Sign.
1. Pædobaptism. The consideration of the question necessary and useful. Pædobaptism of divine origin. 2. This demonstrated from a consideration of the promises. These explain the nature and validity of Pædobaptism. 3. Promises annexed to the symbol of water cannot be better seen than in the institution of circumcision. 4. The promise and thing figured in circumcision and baptism one and the same. The only difference in the external ceremony. 5. Hence the baptism of the children
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Children Devoted to God. Gen. 17:7,10; Acts 16:14,15,33.
Children devoted to God. Gen. 17:7,10; Acts 16:14,15,33. [For those who practise infant Baptism.] Thus saith the mercy of the Lord, "I'll be a God to thee; I'll bless thy num'rous race, and they Shall be a seed for me." Abram believed the promised grace, And gave his sons to God; But water seals the blessing now, That once was sealed with blood. Thus Lydia sanctified her house, When she received the word; Thus the believing jailer gave His household to the Lord. Thus later saints, eternal King!
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

Acts 17:16-17. Athens.
[9] "Now, while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him." --Acts 17:16-17. PERHAPS the reader of this paper lives in a town or city, and sees more of bricks and mortar than of green fields. Perhaps you have some relative or friend living in a town, about whom you naturally feel a deep interest.
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Conversion, Its Nature and Necessity.
Closely related to the doctrine of the power, or efficacy, of the divine Word--as considered in the last chapter--is the doctrine of conversion. It is the subject of conversion, therefore, that we now purpose to examine. It is an important subject. It deserves a prominent place in treating of the Way of Salvation. It is also an intensely personal subject. Each one who desires to be in the Way of Salvation is personally interested in it. The eternal destiny of every one who reads these pages is closely
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

The Law Established through Faith
Discourse I "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: Yea, we establish the law." Romans 3:31. 1. St. Paul, having the beginning of this Epistle laid down his general proposition, namely, that "the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;" -- the powerful means, whereby God makes every believer a partaker of present and eternal salvation; -- goes on to show, that there is no other way under heaven whereby men can be saved. He speaks particularly
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

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