Acts 5:23
What does Acts 5:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:23 means
The officers report that the prison was securely locked and the guards were at their posts, but the cell was empty. The details emphasize that this was no human escape; it points to a miraculous deliverance. The leaders face an undeniable sign that their power is limited. The report strengthens the credibility of the coming claim that the apostles are teaching publicly. It also shows that God’s interventions can be both subtle and undeniable—no broken locks, no overpowered guards, yet the prisoners are gone. The verse underscores the distinction between outward control and inward divine authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000saying, The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901saying, The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Saying, The doors of the prison were safely shut, and the keepers were at the doors, but when they were open, there was nobody inside.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862saying--`The prison indeed we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors, and having opened--within we found no one.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Saying: The prison indeed we found shut with all diligence, and the keepers standing before the door: but opening it, we found no man within.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890saying, We found the prison shut with all security, and the keepers standing at the doors; but when we had opened [them], within we found no one.
Context
This verse elaborates the unexpected absence described previously, heightening perplexity among the authorities. The narrative piles up details to close natural loopholes, setting the scene for the officials’ reaction. Next, the captain and chief priests will be confused and concerned about how far this situation might go. Then a messenger will announce that the apostles are in the temple teaching. The flow moves from mystery to mounting anxiety to a revelation that forces the authorities into cautious action, mindful of public sentiment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Lamentations 3:37
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
- John 8:59
They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
- Matthew 27:63
saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again.
- Acts 5:19
But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,
- Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.
- Daniel 3:11
and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
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