{About midnight} (kata de mesonuktion). Middle of the
night, old adjective seen already in Mr 13:35 Lu 11:5 which
see. {Were praying and singing} (proseuchomenoi humnoun).
Present middle participle and imperfect active indicative:
Praying they were singing (simultaneously, blending together
petition and praise). Humne(935c) is an old verb from humnos (cf.
Isa 12:4 Da 3:23 ). Paul and Silas probably used portions of
the Psalms (cf. Lu 1:39f.,67f. 2:28f. ) with occasional
original outbursts of praise. {Were listening to them}
(ep(886b)ro(936e)to aut(936e)). Imperfect middle of epakroaomai. 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.
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