Acts 16:24

24 He, having received an order like that, lodged them in the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks.

Acts 16:24 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 16:24

Who having received such a charge
So strict an one from the magistrates, was doubly careful and diligent: thrust them into the inner prison:
the innermost part of it, the lowest or furthest part of the prison; so that there were the more doors, bolts, and bars, to break open, and pass through, should they attempt to make their escape: and made their feet fast in the stocks;
or "wood", a wooden machine, in which the feet of prisoners were put for security, and which we call "the stocks"; some say it was such an one, in which the neck as well as the feet were put, and so might be the same with our "pillory".

Acts 16:24 In-Context

22 The crowd, too, joined in the outcry against them, till at length the praetors ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods;

23 and, after severely flogging them, they threw them into jail and bade the jailer keep them safely.

24 He, having received an order like that, lodged them in the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks.

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

26 when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner.