Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone ' s chains were loosed.

1. Earthquake - Earthquakes were (and still are) common in this region. The fact that there was an earthquake seems to be taken in stride. There was no panic.

2. This was a strong earthquake. The prison doors opened and the chains that secured the prisoners to the floor were loosened.

3. Earthquakes don't loosen chains. This must have included some intervention by God's angel. (See Acts 4:31.)

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Old Testament