Acts 16:29

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

And he sent for lights and came rushing in and, shaking with fear, went down on his face before Paul and Silas,

Douay-Rheims 1899

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

Free Bible Version

The jailer asked for lights to be brought and rushed in. Shaking with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.

Geneva Bible 1599

Then he called for a light, and leaped in, and came trembling, and fell downe before Paul and Silas,

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Plain English Version

The jail boss told somebody to bring some lights, then he ran into the jail and got down in front of Paul and Silas, to show them respect. He was so frightened that he was shaking.

Translation for Translators

The jailer shouted to someone to bring torches/lanterns, and after they brought them, he rushed into the jail and knelt down in front of Paul and Silas. He was very afraid, so much so that he was trembling/shaking.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The jailer called for lights and rushed in and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling 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,

Context

The Conversion of the Jailer

²⁸But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!”²⁹Calling 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?”

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Summary

In Acts 16:29, we see the jailer in Philippi trembling before Paul and Silas after a powerful earthquake shook the prison doors open. This event led the jailer to recognize the divine presence and power at work, prompting him to ask the crucial question, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' This inquiry reflects a heart ready to receive the message of salvation and highlights the transformative impact of witnessing God's miraculous deeds. The jailer's response sets the stage for Paul and Silas to share the Gospel with him and his household, leading to their baptism and newfound faith in Christ.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

He called for a light - That he might see how things stood, and whether the words of Paul were true; for on this his personal safety depended. Came trembling - Terrified by the earthquake, and feeling the danger to which his own life was exposed. Fell down before Paul and Silas - The persons whom a few hours before he, according to his office, treated with so much asperity, if not cruelty, as some have supposed; though, by the way, it does not appear that he exceeded his orders in his treatment of the apostles.