Acts 5:23

“We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The temple officers report to the chief priests and the captain of the temple guard after completing their search for the imprisoned apostles. They deliver their findings directly to the ruling council that ordered the confinement.

The words — δεσμωτὴριον (desmōtērion) means “prison house,” and κεκλεισμένον (kekleismenon) translates to “shut” or “locked.” These terms emphasize the physical security measures that were in place.

The thread — This event follows the biblical pattern of God frustrating human schemes, as seen in Psalms 2:4, Psalms 33:10, and Proverbs 21:30. Each passage confirms that human counsel cannot override divine sovereignty.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge that human security and authority are subordinate to God’s actions. It demands a sober recognition that plans opposed to divine purposes will not stand.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Saying, 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.

Cross-references

Psalms 2:4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
Psalms 33:10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.
Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
Lamentations 3:37 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?
Lamentations 3:55 I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the depths of the Pit.
Daniel 3:11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.
Daniel 6:22 My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”
Matthew 27:63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’
Matthew 28:12 And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money
John 8:59 At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.