Acts 16:28

Paul cried. From the foul gloom of the inner prison the apostle could see the form of the jailer silhouetted against the outside light. He perceived the intention of the terror-stricken man, realized the conclusion to which the jailer had come, and wished to prevent the suicide. Even in the midst of his own considerable suffering, Paul thought of another’s salvation. He was anxious that not even the man who had thrust him into the loathsome prison should perish in his despair.

Do thyself no harm. The sound of Paul’s voice was sufficient to arrest the jailer’s hand. At least one of his prisoners had not escaped! Paul’s message was even more reassuring — none was missing. The possibility of escape may not yet have dawned upon the other prisoners. They were also stayed by Paul’s calm example.