Paul and Silas ended up in prison as a consequence of Paul casting out an evil spirit from a young woman (Acts 16:16-19). The book of Acts states that this particular woman was possessed of a "spirit of divination" (Acts 16:16), which is the apparent ability to foretell future events (e.g. a fortune teller). When those who used this demonically influenced lady to make lots of money found out what Paul did, their anger over losing what made them wealthy led them to publicly accuse Paul and Silas of lawbreaking (verses 19-21). The false accusations led to a public outcry against Paul and Silas, which resulted in them being stripped naked, whipped with rods, and thrown in prison. Only hours after their arrival in prison a miraculous earthquake caused all the cell doors to open and the bonds of all prisoners to be loosed. This event led to the conversion of the prison guard.