Acts 16:36
New International Version
The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

New Living Translation
So the jailer told Paul, “The city officials have said you and Silas are free to leave. Go in peace.”

English Standard Version
And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.”

Berean Standard Bible
The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the jailer reported these words to Paul: "The captains have sent that you may be let go. Now therefore having gone out, depart in peace."

King James Bible
And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

New King James Version
So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.”

New American Standard Bible
And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent word that you be released. So come out now and go in peace.”

NASB 1995
And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent to release you. Therefore come out now and go in peace.”

NASB 1977
And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent to release you. Now therefore, come out and go in peace.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent to release you. Therefore come out now and go in peace.”

Amplified Bible
And the jailer repeated the words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent word to release you; so come out now and go in peace.”

Christian Standard Bible
The jailer reported these words to Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released. So come out now and go in peace.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The jailer reported these words to Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released. So come out now and go in peace.”

American Standard Version
And the jailor reported the words to Paul, saying, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore come forth, and go in peace.

Contemporary English Version
The jailer told Paul, "The officials have ordered me to set you free. Now you can leave in peace."

English Revised Version
And the jailor reported the words to Paul, saying, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore come forth, and go in peace.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The jailer reported this order to Paul by saying, "The officials have sent word to release you. So you can leave peacefully now."

Good News Translation
So the jailer told Paul, "The officials have sent an order for you and Silas to be released. You may leave, then, and go in peace."

International Standard Version
The jailer reported these words to Paul, and added, "The magistrates have sent word to release you. So come out now and go in peace."

Majority Standard Bible
The jailer informed Paul: ?The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.?

NET Bible
The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent orders to release you. So come out now and go in peace."

New Heart English Bible
The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out, and go in peace."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

Weymouth New Testament
So the jailer brought Paul word, saying, "The praetors have sent orders for you to be released. Now therefore you can go, and proceed on your way in peace."

World English Bible
The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out and go in peace.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the jailor told these words to Paul, “The magistrates have sent, that you may be let go; now, therefore, having gone forth go on in peace”;

Berean Literal Bible
And the jailer reported these words to Paul: "The captains have sent that you may be let go. Now therefore having gone out, depart in peace."

Young's Literal Translation
and the jailor told these words unto Paul -- 'The magistrates have sent, that ye may be let go; now, therefore, having gone forth go on in peace;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the jailor announced these words to Paul, That the generals have sent that ye be loosed: now therefore having come out, go in peace.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the keeper of the prison told these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore depart, and go in peace.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the prison guard reported these words to Paul: “The magistrates have sent to have you released. Now therefore, depart. Go in peace.”

New American Bible
The jailer reported the[se] words to Paul, “The magistrates have sent orders that you be released. Now, then, come out and go in peace.”

New Revised Standard Version
And the jailer reported the message to Paul, saying, “The magistrates sent word to let you go; therefore come out now and go in peace.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the keeper of the prison heard this, he went in and told Paul, saying, The soldiers have sent orders to release you: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when The Warden of the prison heard, he entered and he spoke this message to Paulus: “The Magistrates have sent so that you should be released, and now depart; go in peace.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the jailer told these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent to release you. Now, therefore, come out, and go in peace.

Godbey New Testament
And the jailer proclaimed these words to Paul, The magistrates have sent word that you may be released: now therefore having gone out, depart in peace.

Haweis New Testament
Then the jailor told these words to Paul, That the magistrates had sent to set them at liberty: now therefore, said he, get ye out, and pursue your journey in peace.

Mace New Testament
so the jayler told Paul, the magistrates had order'd them to be discharg'd, depart then, said he, and go in peace.

Weymouth New Testament
So the jailer brought Paul word, saying, "The praetors have sent orders for you to be released. Now therefore you can go, and proceed on your way in peace."

Worrell New Testament
And the jailer reported these words to Paul, "The magistrates have sent that ye be released; now, therefore, going forth, go on your way in peace."

Worsley New Testament
And the jailor told these words to Paul, saying, the governors have sent orders, that you should be discharged; now therefore depart, and go in peace.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
An Official Apology
35When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.” 37But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”…

Cross References
Acts 5:19-20
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, / “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

Acts 12:7-10
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” / So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision. ...

Acts 4:18-21
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. / But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ...

Acts 22:25-29
But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?” / On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.” / The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered. ...

Acts 5:40-42
At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. / The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. / Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 12:17
Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.

Acts 13:50
The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district.

Acts 14:19-20
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead. / But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

Acts 17:9
And they collected bond from Jason and the others and then released them.

Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

Acts 19:23-41
About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. / It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. / Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. ...

Acts 21:32-36
Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. / The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. / Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, and some another. And since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. ...

Acts 23:27
This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,

Acts 25:25
But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

Acts 26:31-32
On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”


Treasury of Scripture

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

and go.

Acts 15:33
And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

Exodus 4:18
And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Judges 18:6
And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the LORD is your way wherein ye go.

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Authorities Chief Depart Forth Go Jailer Keeper Magistrates Ordered Orders Paul Peace Praetors Prison Proceed Release Released Reported Silas Way Word Words
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Authorities Chief Depart Forth Go Jailer Keeper Magistrates Ordered Orders Paul Peace Praetors Prison Proceed Release Released Reported Silas Way Word Words
Acts 16
1. Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,
7. and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,
14. convert Lydia,
16. and cast out a spirit of divination;
19. for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.
25. The prison doors are opened.
31. The jailor is converted,
35. and they are delivered.














So the jailer reported these words to Paul
The role of the jailer in this narrative is significant. In the Greek, the term for "jailer" is δεσμοφύλαξ (desmophylax), which literally means "keeper of the prison." This highlights the transformation of the jailer from a mere custodian of prisoners to a messenger of liberation. Historically, jailers were often retired soldiers or local citizens tasked with maintaining order, and their role was crucial in the Roman legal system. The jailer's willingness to report the magistrates' decision to Paul indicates a shift in his allegiance, possibly influenced by the miraculous events he witnessed, such as the earthquake and the conversion experience he had with Paul and Silas.

The magistrates have sent orders to release you
The term "magistrates" refers to the Roman officials known as στρατηγοί (strategoi), who were responsible for maintaining law and order in the colony of Philippi. Their decision to release Paul and Silas reflects a change in their stance, possibly due to the realization of their unlawful treatment of Roman citizens. The Greek word for "release" is ἀπολύω (apolyo), which means to set free or dismiss. This act of releasing Paul and Silas is not just a legal decision but also a divine orchestration, as it aligns with God's purpose for their mission. The historical context of Roman citizenship plays a crucial role here, as Paul later reveals his status, which would have legally protected him from such treatment.

Now you may go on your way in peace
The phrase "go on your way in peace" is a common biblical expression denoting not just physical freedom but also spiritual and emotional tranquility. The Greek word for "peace" is εἰρήνη (eirene), which encompasses a sense of wholeness and well-being. This blessing of peace is significant, as it contrasts with the turmoil and suffering Paul and Silas endured. It reflects the peace that surpasses understanding, which is a recurring theme in Paul's teachings. Theologically, this peace is a gift from God, affirming His presence and favor upon Paul and Silas as they continue their missionary journey. The historical context of Roman society, where peace (Pax Romana) was highly valued, adds depth to this blessing, as it signifies a divine peace that transcends human understanding and societal norms.

(36) Go in peace.--The few hours which the gaoler had spent with his new teacher had probably taught him to use the phrase in the fulness of its meaning (see Notes on Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48), and not as a mere conventional formula. He naturally looks on the offer--securing, as it did, safety for his new friend--as one that should be accepted.

Verse 36. - Jailor for keeper of the prison, A.V., as ver. 27; reported the words... saying for told this saying, A.V. and T.R.; come forth for depart, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

jailer
δεσμοφύλαξ (desmophylax)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1200: A keeper of a prison, a jailer. From desmon and phulax; a jailer.

informed
Ἀπήγγειλεν (Apēngeilen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 518: To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.

Paul:
Παῦλον (Paulon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

“The
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

magistrates
στρατηγοὶ (stratēgoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4755: From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens.

have sent orders
Ἀπέσταλκαν (Apestalkan)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 649: From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

release you.
ἀπολυθῆτε (apolythēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.

Now
νῦν (nyn)
Adverb
Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.

you may go on your way
πορεύεσθε (poreuesthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

peace.”
εἰρήνῃ (eirēnē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.


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Acts 16:35
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