# But in the middle of the night

The connecting word "But" introduces a contrast relationship. Paul and Silas had been beaten, put in prison with their feet locked into wood. You would expect them to be crying or protesting, but instead of doing that, they were singing songs of praise to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

# in the middle of the night

This could be translated as, “very late at night” or, “very early in the morning.” This was when it was completely dark outside, when people would normally be asleep.

# singing songs of praise to God

This can also be translating as, “praising God by singing” or, “singing songs to praise God” or, “singing songs that gave praise to God.”