The verb translated “were listening” (Acts 16:25) pictures an attentive, almost fascinated hearing. It is more than casual notice; it describes ears and hearts magnetized by what is being said or sung.

Biblical Setting (Acts 16:16-40)

Paul and Silas have been beaten and chained in the innermost cell at Philippi. Around midnight they pray and sing hymns. “And the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25).
• The imperfect tense paints an ongoing scene: the inmates kept listening as the praise continued.
• The Holy Spirit immediately follows this attentive silence with a divinely sent earthquake (Acts 16:26) that flings open the doors and loosens every chain. The sequence suggests that God honors and accompanies testimony that is willingly received.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Roman prisons were dark, painful, and loud. Songs at midnight were unexpected; yet their unusual joy captured the notice of hardened men accustomed to curses, groans, and despair. Classical sources use the same verb family for spectators attending a drama. Luke thus portrays the prisoners as an audience captivated by a gospel “performance” they had not bought tickets to see.

Theological Themes

1. Power of Witness. Even when apostles are immobilized, their worship still advances the mission (Philippians 1:12-13). The word highlights that proclamation is effective whenever hearers are drawn to listen.
2. Suffering and Praise. Their wounds and stocks become the very stage upon which Christ is magnified (2 Timothy 2:9-10).
3. Sovereignty in Evangelism. The earthquake and the jailer’s conversion (Acts 16:27-34) show that God orchestrates both message and audience. The prisoners’ listening is the hinge between praise offered and salvation accomplished.

Related Biblical Motifs

• “The large crowd enjoyed listening to Him” (Mark 12:37).
• “All the people hung on His words” (Luke 19:48).

Though other verbs are used, the motif is identical: God’s truth seizes attention.
• “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Attentive hearing is the avenue through which saving faith is born.

Old Testament Echoes

Psalm 40:3: “He put a new song in my mouth… many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” In Philippi the new covenant counterpart unfolds: a song in the darkness leads many to trust.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Worship as Witness. Public praise, even in adversity, can become evangelistic proclamation.
• Expectant Listening. Pray that God would grant this quality of attentive hearing in congregations and outreach settings (Acts 16:14).
• Confidence in the Word. Human restraints cannot mute the gospel; God supplies an audience and opens hearts.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1874 marks the moment when chained apostles became heralds and unsuspecting prisoners became an eager congregation. It encapsulates the divine pattern: authentic worship arouses attentive hearing, which God then uses to break both physical and spiritual chains.