In biblical times, prison-doors were significant both literally and symbolically, representing physical confinement and spiritual liberation. The concept of prison-doors is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating God's power to deliver His people from bondage and the transformative impact of faith.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not frequently mention prison-doors specifically, the concept of imprisonment is present. For example, Joseph was confined in an Egyptian prison after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:20). Although the text does not explicitly mention the doors of the prison, the narrative implies a place of confinement from which Joseph was later released by divine providence (Genesis 41:14).

New Testament Context

The New Testament provides more explicit references to prison-doors, often highlighting miraculous interventions by God. One of the most notable accounts is found in the Book of Acts, where the apostles experienced divine deliverance from imprisonment.

In Acts 5:18-19, the apostles were arrested and placed in the public jail. However, "during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out." This miraculous event underscores the theme of divine intervention and the unstoppable nature of the Gospel message.

Another significant account is the imprisonment of Peter in Acts 12:5-10. Herod had arrested Peter, intending to bring him to trial. The church earnestly prayed for him, and in response, an angel of the Lord appeared, and "the chains fell off Peter's wrists" (Acts 12:7). The angel instructed Peter to follow him, and "they passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself" (Acts 12:10). This narrative highlights the power of prayer and God's ability to intervene in seemingly hopeless situations.

Paul and Silas also experienced a miraculous release from prison in Philippi. After being severely flogged and imprisoned, they prayed and sang hymns to God. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, and "at once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose" (Acts 16:26). This event not only led to their physical freedom but also to the spiritual liberation of the jailer and his household, who came to faith in Christ (Acts 16:30-34).

Symbolic Significance

Prison-doors in the Bible symbolize more than just physical barriers; they represent spiritual bondage and the power of God to set captives free. Jesus proclaimed His mission to "proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18). This mission is fulfilled through His death and resurrection, offering spiritual freedom to all who believe.

The imagery of prison-doors also serves as a metaphor for the believer's deliverance from sin and death. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus declares, "I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades" . This statement affirms Christ's authority over all forms of bondage, both physical and spiritual.

In summary, the concept of prison-doors in the Bible illustrates God's power to deliver His people from physical and spiritual captivity. Through miraculous interventions and the redemptive work of Christ, believers are assured of freedom and hope in the face of adversity.

In the Regions Beyond
... The heavily bolted prison doors were thrown open; the chains and fetters fell from
the hands and feet of the prisoners; and a bright light flooded the prison. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 21 in the regions.htm

The Guardian Angel.
... It was this good angel that unbolted the prison doors and set Peter free.
When Paul and Silas were lying fast in the stocks singing ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/the guardian angel.htm

"Art Thou He?"
... Was He not the opener of prison-doors? ... He would surely then send his angels
to open his prison-doors, and lead him forth into the light! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xi art thou he.htm

Delivered from Prison
... With the prison doors securely fastened, and a strong guard before them, all
chance of rescue or escape through human means was cut off. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 15 delivered from prison.htm

Paul and Silas in Macedonia
... When the jailer suddenly awoke and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword
and was about to kill himself, thinking the prisoners had escaped. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul and silas in macedonia.htm

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
... common prison.19. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison
doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20. Go, stand and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/whom to obeyannas or angel.htm

Paul and his Praying
... To the Romans he writes, "For God is my witness, that without ceasing, I make mention
of you always in my prayers." Prison doors are opened and earthquakes ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiii paul and his praying.htm

Acts XII
... watches of the night. They, together with the strength of the prison doors,
were deemed sufficient for the utmost security. 5. We have ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xii.htm

The Riot at Philippi
... And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors
open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the riot at philippi.htm

Before the Sanhedrin
... By night the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and said to the disciples,
"Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 8 before the sanhedrin.htm

Prison-doors (1 Occurrence)
Prison-doors. Prison, Prison-doors. Prisoned . Multi-Version
Concordance Prison-doors (1 Occurrence). Acts 5:19 But ...
/p/prison-doors.htm - 6k

Jail (15 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS NIV). Acts 5:19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prisondoors
by night, and brought them out, and said, (See NIV). Acts ...
/j/jail.htm - 10k

Doors (149 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prisondoors by night, and brought
them out, and said, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV). ...
/d/doors.htm - 39k

Prisoned (7 Occurrences)

/p/prisoned.htm - 8k

Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prisondoors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself ...
/k/keeper.htm - 30k

Jailor (3 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:27 And the jailor, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prisondoors
open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the ...
/j/jailor.htm - 7k

Jailer (8 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:27 The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prisondoors open,
drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners ...
/j/jailer.htm - 9k

Gates (156 Occurrences)
... doors. (See RSV). Acts 5:19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prisondoors
by night, and brought them out, and said, (See NAS). Acts ...
/g/gates.htm - 40k

Woke (10 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:27 The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prisondoors open,
drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners ...
/w/woke.htm - 9k

Fearing (107 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:27 And the keeper, coming out of his sleep, and seeing the prisondoors
open, took his sword and was about to put himself to death, fearing that the ...
/f/fearing.htm - 35k

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