Acts 16:26-29 Suddenly there was a terrible earthquake which violently shook the foundation of the jail. Immediately all the cell doors swung open and everyone's chains fell off.

AUV⁽ⁱ⁾ ²⁶ Suddenly there was a terrible earthquake which violently shook the foundation of the jail. Immediately all the [cell] doors swung open and everyone's chains fell off. ²⁷ The jailor, who was awakened from sleep [by the commotion] saw the jail doors open so drew his [short] sword and prepared to kill himself, assuming that all the prisoners had escaped. [Note: He would have faced a humiliating execution himself if he had allowed capital offense criminals to escape. With that prospect in view, it was considered honorable by the Romans for a person to commit suicide]. ²⁸ But Paul shouted out, "Do not hurt yourself, for everyone is [still] here." ²⁹ The jailor called for torches [to be brought], then rushed in [to the cell block], shaking with fear, and fell down [on his knees] before Paul and Silas.