Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Acts 16:24

εἰς τὴν ἐσωτέραν φυλακήν, into the inner prison. Necessarily a place dark and without ventilation, and hence foul and loathsome, perhaps underground, like the Tullianum at Rome (Varr. L. L. 5. § 161; Liv. 29:22).

καὶ τοὺς πόδας ἠσφαλίσατο αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ ξύλον, and made their feet fast in the stocks. The ξύλον (literally wood) was a means of additional security and additional torture. The feet passed through holes and held secure made rest almost impossible. The instrument was of early use (cf. Job 33:11 (LXX.) ἔθετο δὲ ἐν ξύλῳ μου τὸν πόδα); and the Greeks, as well as ourselves, had also the pillory, and had it made with five apertures for head, hands and feet (Aristoph. Eq. 1049).

ἀσφαλίζομαι is used (Wis 13:15) of man making his idol firm in its place, ἐν τοίχῳ ἔθηκεν αὐτὸ�.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Acts 16:24

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