Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 16:25

"But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns unto God, and the prisoners were listening to them;" — Acts 16:25 (ASV)

And at midnight. Probably their painful posture and the sufferings of their recent scourging prevented their sleeping. Yet, though they had no rest, they had a quiet conscience and the supports of religion.

Prayed. Though they had suffered much, they still had reason to fear more. They therefore sought the sustaining grace of God.

And sang praises. Nothing but religion would have enabled them to do this. They had endured much, but they still had cause for gratitude. A Christian can find more true joy in a prison than a monarch on his throne.

And the prisoners heard them, and doubtless with astonishment. Prayer and praise were not common in a prison. The song of rejoicing and the language of praise are not usual among men lying bound in a dungeon. From this narrative we may learn:

1. That the Christian has the sources of his happiness within himself. External circumstances cannot destroy his peace and joy. In a dungeon he can find as real happiness as on a throne. On the cold earth, beaten and bruised, he can be as truly happy as on a bed of down.
2. The enemies of Christians cannot destroy their peace. They may incarcerate the body, but they cannot bind the spirit. They may exclude them from earthly comforts, but they cannot shut them out from the presence and sustaining grace of God.
3. We see the value of a good conscience. Nothing else can give peace; and amidst the wakeful hours of the night, whether in a dungeon or on a bed of sickness, it is of more value than all the wealth of the world.
4. We see the inestimable worth of the religion of Christ. It is suitable for all situations; supports in all conditions; upholds by day or by night; inspires the soul with confidence in God; and puts on the lips the songs of praise and thanksgiving.
5. We have here a sublime and holy scene, which sin and infidelity could never provide. What more sublime spectacle has the earth witnessed than that of scourged and incarcerated men, suffering from unjust and cruel inflictions, and anticipating still greater sorrows; yet, with a calm mind, a pure conscience, a holy joy, pouring forth their desires and praises at midnight into the ear of God, who always hears prayer! The darkness, the stillness, the loneliness, all give sublimity to the scene and teach us how invaluable is the privilege of access to the throne of mercy in this suffering world.