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◄ Acts 16:29►

New International Version
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.

New Living Translation
The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

English Standard Version
And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.

Berean Standard Bible
Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.

Berean Literal Bible
And having called for lights, he rushed in, and having become terrified, he fell down before Paul and Silas.

King James Bible
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

New King James Version
Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

New American Standard Bible
Andthe jailer asked for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas;

NASB 1995
And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas,

NASB 1977
And he called for lights and rushed in and, trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas,

Legacy Standard Bible
And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas,

Amplified Bible
Then the jailer called for torches and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas,

Christian Standard Bible
The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

American Standard Version
And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,

Contemporary English Version
The jailer asked for a torch and went into the jail. He was shaking all over as he knelt down in front of Paul and Silas.

English Revised Version
And he called for lights, and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The jailer asked for torches and rushed into the jail. He was trembling as he knelt in front of Paul and Silas.

Good News Translation
The jailer called for a light, rushed in, and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas.

International Standard Version
The jailer asked for torches and rushed inside. Trembling as he knelt in front of Paul and Silas,

NET Bible
Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell down trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas.

New Heart English Bible
He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas,

Webster's Bible Translation
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas;

Weymouth New Testament
Then, calling for lights, he sprang in and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas;

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.

World English Bible
He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And having asked for a light, he sprang in, and he fell down before Paul and Silas trembling,

Berean Literal Bible
And having called for lights, he rushed in, and having become terrified, he fell down before Paul and Silas.

Young's Literal Translation
And, having asked for a light, he sprang in, and trembling he fell down before Paul and Silas,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having asked for a light, he rushed in, and being trembling, fell before Paul and Silas,

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then calling for a light, he went in, and trembling, fell down at the feet of Paul and Silas.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then calling for a light, he entered. And trembling, he fell before the feet of Paul and Silas.

New American Bible
He asked for a light and rushed in and, trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas.

New Revised Standard Version
The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then he lighted a lamp, and sprang in, trembling, and threw himself at the feet of Paul and Silas.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he lit a lamp and he leaped and entered, trembling, and he fell before the feet of Paulus and of Shila,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and trembling, he fell down before Paul and Silas;

Godbey New Testament
And having asked for a light, he sprang in, and being alarmed, he fell down before Paul and Silas,

Haweis New Testament
Thereupon calling for a light, he rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas;

Mace New Testament
then having called for a light, he ran in, and with trembling fell down before Paul and Silas;

Weymouth New Testament
Then, calling for lights, he sprang in and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas;

Worrell New Testament
And, calling for a light, he sprang in, and, being in fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas;

Worsley New Testament
Then he called for lights, and sprang in, and being in a tremor fell down before Paul and Silas:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Conversion of the Jailer
…28But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!”29 Calling for lights,the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.30Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Acts 2:37
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Acts 9:6
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Luke 3:10
The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”

John 16:8-11
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: / in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; / in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; ...

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. / For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. / For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

Hebrews 10:31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Revelation 6:15-17
Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. / And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”

Matthew 27:54
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Luke 23:47
When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

John 3:16-18
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. / For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. / Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Isaiah 66:2
Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.

Treasury of Scripture

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

and came.

Acts 9:5,6
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks…

Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Psalm 99:1
The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sittethbetween the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

and fell.

Isaiah 60:14
The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Revelation 3:9
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

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Acts 16

1.Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,
7.and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,
14.convert Lydia,
16.and cast out a spirit of divination;
19.for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.
25.The prison doors are opened.
31.The jailor is converted,
35.and they are delivered.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Calling for lights
In the ancient world, prisons were often dark and poorly lit, especially at night. The jailer’s call for lights indicates the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This moment follows a miraculous earthquake that opened the prison doors and loosened the prisoners' chains (Acts 16:26). The request for lights symbolizes the jailer's desire to see clearly, both physically and spiritually, as he is about to encounter the truth of the Gospel. Light is often used in Scripture as a metaphor for understanding and revelation (John 1:5,Psalm 119:105).

the jailer rushed in
The jailer's immediate response to the earthquake and the potential escape of prisoners shows his desperation and fear. In Roman times, a jailer was responsible for the prisoners with his life, and any escape could result in severe punishment or death (Acts 12:19). His rushing in signifies a moment of crisis and impending doom, which sets the stage for his subsequent conversion. This act of rushing in parallels the urgency with which one should seek salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

and fell trembling before Paul and Silas
The jailer's trembling indicates a profound fear and recognition of a divine intervention. Falling before Paul and Silas is an act of humility and submission, acknowledging their connection to the divine power that caused the earthquake. This mirrors other biblical instances where individuals fall in fear or reverence before God's messengers (Daniel 10:9-11,Revelation 1:17). The jailer's physical posture reflects his spiritual state, ready to receive the message of salvation. This moment foreshadows his conversion and baptism, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel (Acts 16:31-33).

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Jailer
A Roman official responsible for overseeing the prison in Philippi. His encounter with Paul and Silas leads to a significant transformation in his life.

2.Paul
An apostle and missionary, Paul is a central figure in the early Christian church. He is imprisoned in Philippi for casting out a spirit from a slave girl.

3.Silas
A leader in the early church and companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. He shares in the imprisonment and subsequent events in Philippi.

4.Philippi
A Roman colony in Macedonia, where Paul and Silas are imprisoned. It is the setting for the miraculous events that lead to the jailer's conversion.

5.The Earthquake
A divine intervention that shakes the prison, opens the doors, and loosens the chains of the prisoners, setting the stage for the jailer's encounter with Paul and Silas.

Teaching Points

The Power of Worship in Trials
Paul and Silas demonstrate that worship and prayer can transform dire circumstances, leading to divine intervention and opportunities for witness.

Divine Appointments
The earthquake and subsequent events illustrate how God orchestrates circumstances to bring people to faith, as seen in the jailer's conversion.

The Role of Fear and Reverence
The jailer's trembling response highlights the appropriate reverence and fear of God that leads to repentance and salvation.

The Impact of Christian Witness
Paul and Silas' conduct in prison serves as a powerful testimony, showing that our actions in difficult times can lead others to Christ.

Transformation through Encounter
The jailer's life is radically changed through his encounter with Paul and Silas, reminding us of the transformative power of the gospel.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Acts 16:29?

2.How does Acts 16:29 demonstrate the jailer's response to God's intervention?

3.What can we learn about humility from the jailer's actions in Acts 16:29?

4.How does Acts 16:29 connect to the theme of salvation in the Bible?

5.How can we apply the jailer's urgency in seeking truth to our lives?

6.What does the jailer's reaction teach us about recognizing God's presence in crises?

7.What does Acts 16:29 reveal about the power of faith in dire situations?

8.How does Acts 16:29 demonstrate the impact of divine intervention?

9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 16:29?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 16?

11.What are the key events in Silas's biblical life?

12.What were the key events of Paul's second missionary journey?

13.In 2 Corinthians 8:1–2, how can we trust Paul’s claim that the impoverished Macedonians gave beyond their means if there’s no external historical data corroborating their extreme poverty?

14.What is Preparationism?

What Does Acts 16:29 Mean

Calling for lights

“Calling for lights” (Acts 16:29) is more than a request for torches in a darkened prison:

• Physical darkness has fallen after the earthquake (Acts 16:26), but a deeper spiritual darkness is lifting. AsPsalm 18:28 says, “You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

• The jailer instinctively seeks illumination because God is already illuminating his heart.John 1:5 reminds us, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

• What began with Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns at midnight (Acts 16:25) now draws even their jailer toward the Light of Christ.

The jailer rushed in

His sprint into the cell shows an urgency born of conviction.

• The shaken walls have not collapsed, but his old security has. Just as those at Pentecost were “pierced to the heart” and cried, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37), the jailer senses he must act immediately.

• Hebrews 4:12 speaks of the word of God judging “the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The earthquake and the prisoners’ miraculous freedom function like God’s living word, exposing the jailer’s need.

• Like the father who “ran” to embrace his prodigal son (Luke 15:20), the jailer’s rush hints at the readiness of repentance.

And fell trembling

Trembling is the fitting response when a sinner meets holy power.

• Peter, confronted by Jesus’ authority, cried, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). The jailer’s shaking mirrors that awe.

• Scripture ties true worship to reverent fear: “Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11).

• This fear is not crippling dread but the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) that prepares the heart for salvation’s joy (Philippians 2:12–13).

Before Paul and Silas

The posture is humble, yet the jailer bows before men because he recognizes the God they serve.

• Cornelius likewise “fell at Peter’s feet” (Acts 10:25–26) out of respect for the gospel messenger. Paul and Silas will quickly point him beyond themselves to Christ, echoing Peter’s correction, “Stand up; I am only a man.”

• In honoring God’s servants he honors God Himself (Matthew 25:40). First Thessalonians 2:13 celebrates those who receive apostolic preaching “not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.”

• This humility opens the door for the famous question in the next verse: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).

summary

Acts 16:29 shows a jailer groping in literal darkness who suddenly finds himself caught in God’s blazing mercy. He calls for physical light, rushes toward God’s messengers, trembles under conviction, and bows in humility. The verse embodies the journey from darkness to light, from panic to worship, and prepares the way for the gospel to break into yet another household.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(29)Then he called for a light.--More accurately,'for lights. As St. Luke does not use, as inActs 20:8, the word for "lamps," it is probable that the lights were torches, and that the gaoler, with one in his hand, leapt into the darkness of the subterranean dungeon.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 29. -Andhe called for lights forthen he called for a light, A.V. (φῶτα is the accusative plural, though not a very common form;φῶς is often used in the sense of "a lamp," or, as we say, "a light");trembling for fear forcame trembling and, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Calling for
Αἰτήσας(Aitēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 154:To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.

lights,
φῶτα(phōta)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5457:Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.

[the jailer] rushed in
εἰσεπήδησεν(eisepēdēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1530:To leap into, rush into. From eis and pedao; to rush in.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

fell
προσέπεσεν(prosepesen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4363:From pros and pipto; to fall towards, i.e. prostrate oneself, or to rush upon.

trembling {before}
ἔντρομος(entromos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1790:Trembling with fear, terrified. From en and tromos; terrified.

Paul
Παύλῳ(Paulō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972:Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

Silas.
Σιλᾷ(Sila)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4609:Silas, a pet-form of the name Silvanus; a Roman citizen and a helper of Paul. Contraction for Silouanos; Silas, a Christian.

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NT Apostles: Acts 16:29 He called for lights and sprang (Acts of the Apostles Ac)