Acts 16:28
What does Acts 16:28 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:28 means
Paul shouts, “Do yourself no harm; for we are all here.” Instead of running, he chooses to save his persecutor’s life. This is Christlike love in action—concern for an enemy. Leadership and credibility keep the other prisoners from fleeing, a marvel in itself. The miracle is not only open doors but restrained hearts. Paul reads the moment: the greater victory is not escape but redemption. His loud cry counters the jailor’s silent despair, introducing hope. The gospel teaches that life is sacred and that God’s grace can turn calamity into calling. Paul’s presence is the bridge between God’s power and a man’s salvation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Paul said in a loud voice, Do yourself no damage, for we are all here.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, `Thou mayest not do thyself any harm, for we are all here.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying: Do thyself no harm, for we all are here.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here.
Context
After the quake in verse 26 and the jailor’s despair in verse 27, verse 28 marks the crucial intervention that averts suicide. This compassionate act prompts the jailor to seek out Paul and Silas personally in verse 29, trembling before them. The next verse will carry his heartfelt question about salvation (verse 30), leading directly to the gospel answer and household faith (verses 31–34).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Leviticus 19:18
Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people; but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am Jehovah.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
- Psalms 7:4
If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me (Yea, I have delivered him that without cause was mine adversary);
- Proverbs 8:36
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: All they that hate me love death.
- Proverbs 24:11
Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back.
- Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
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