And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

ACTS 16:23KJV
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Acts 16:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:23 mean?

Acts 16:23 describes how Paul and Silas were severely beaten and then thrown into prison, with strict instructions given to the jailer to keep them securely locked up. The verse highlights the harsh treatment they received and the seriousness with which the authorities wanted them guarded.

In this scene, Paul and Silas have just been punished by local officials in Philippi after causing a disturbance by casting a spirit out of a slave girl. The verse shows the physical suffering they endured ("many stripes") and the official order to the jailer, setting up the dramatic events that follow in the prison. This detail emphasizes both the injustice they faced and the tense situation that will unfold in the next verses.

The Greek behind Acts 16:23

  • The word for "stripes" is πληγὰς (plēgas), which means wounds or blows. This word shows that the punishment was not just a symbolic act but involved real, painful injuries.
  • The word for "charging" is παραγγείλαντες (parangeilantes), which means to command or give an order. This highlights that the jailer was not acting on his own but was following a direct, official command to keep Paul and Silas secure.
  • The word for "safely" is ἀσφαλῶς (asphalōs), meaning securely or safely. In this context, it means the jailer was told to make absolutely sure the prisoners could not escape, underlining the seriousness of the situation.

Why Acts 16:23 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Paul and Silas were not just casually imprisoned; they were treated as dangerous criminals, which adds weight to the miracle and faith shown later in the chapter.
  • The official command to the jailer sets up the tension for the coming events, especially the earthquake and the jailer's eventual conversion.
  • Understanding the severity of their punishment helps the reader appreciate the courage and faith Paul and Silas display as they pray and sing hymns in prison, despite their suffering.

Where else these words appear

“jailor” Greek G1200 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
  • Acts 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

“safely” Greek G806 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
  • Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

“stripes” Greek G4127 · used in 20 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
  • Revelation 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

“charging” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;