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Acts 16:26
ESV and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone 's bonds were unfastened.
NIV Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.
NASB and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.
CSB Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose.
NLT Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
KJV And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
NKJV Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

What does Acts 16:26 mean?

In Philippi, it was not a crime to expel a fortune-telling demon from a slave girl. When Paul does so, the girl's owners lose a steady source of income, but they have no legal recourse. Instead, they accurately accuse Paul and Silas of encouraging the worship of a deity—Jesus—which is not authorized by the Roman government. In response, a crowd attacks them, and the city magistrates beat them with rods and send them to jail. Paul and Silas respond by singing praises to God and praying while the other prisoners listen (Acts 16:16–25).

Macedonia is known for its earthquakes, but this tremor is unique. The building doesn't collapse, and none of the prisoners are harmed, but all the doors and chains come loose. Strangely enough, the prisoners stay.

When Herod Agrippa I imprisoned Peter, an angel came to his aid and led him out. As was the custom, Agrippa ordered the guards executed (Acts 12:3–19). The jailer owns this jail. If his prisoners escape, he will forfeit his life. The text doesn't say, but likely the prisoners know this. Whether through the influence of the Holy Spirit or the leadership of Paul, the prisoners wait patiently. By doing so, they save the jailer's life. Soon after, Paul and Silas will lead him and his family to eternal life (Acts 16:27–33).
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