About midnight

(κατα δε μεσονυκτιον). Middle of the night, old adjective seen already in Mark 13:35; Luke 11:5 which see.Were praying and singing

(προσευχομενο υμνουν). Present middle participle and imperfect active indicative: Praying they were singing (simultaneously, blending together petition and praise). Hυμνεω is an old verb from υμνος (cf. Isaiah 12:4; Daniel 3:23). Paul and Silas probably used portions of the Psalms (cf. Luke 1:39; Luke 1:67; Luke 2:28) with occasional original outbursts of praise.Were listening to them

(επηκροωντο αυτων). Imperfect middle of επακροαομα. Rare verb to listen with pleasure as to a recitation or music (Page). It was a new experience for the prisoners and wondrously attractive entertainment to them.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament