Acts 16:35

KJV

¶ And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when it was {G1096} day {G2250}, the magistrates {G4755} sent {G649} the serjeants {G4465}, saying {G3004}, Let {G630} those {G1565} men {G444} go {G630}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next morning, the judges sent police officers with the order, “Release those men.”

Berean Standard Bible

When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order: “Release those men.”

American Standard Version

But when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:35 chronicles the official release of Paul and Silas from their unjust imprisonment in Philippi, marking a dramatic turning point after a night of divine intervention. Following a miraculous earthquake that opened prison doors and led to the conversion of the jailer and his household, the city magistrates, likely informed of the extraordinary events or sensing a shift in public sentiment, dispatched their officers to formally command the apostles' immediate liberation. This verse highlights the swift and decisive action of the authorities, setting the stage for Paul and Silas's subsequent interactions and departure from the city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profound spiritual transformation of the Philippian jailer and his entire household, who, after witnessing the earthquake and Paul and Silas's steadfast faith, believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and were baptized ([Acts 16:25-34](/acts/16-25-34 "Acts 16:25-34 - The Philippian Jailer's Conversion")). The preceding narrative details Paul and Silas's unjust arrest, severe beating, and imprisonment for casting a spirit of divination out of a slave girl, which disrupted the financial gain of her masters ([Acts 16:16-24](/acts/16-16-24 "Acts 16:16-24 - Paul and Silas in Philippi")). The unexpected command for their release in [Acts 16:35](/acts/16-35 "Acts 16:35 - Magistrates Order Release") serves as the climax of this intense episode, demonstrating a sudden reversal of fortune orchestrated by divine power and setting the stage for Paul's assertion of his Roman citizenship in the following verses ([Acts 16:37-39](/acts/16-37-39 "Acts 16:37-39 - Paul's Assertion of Citizenship")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a prominent Roman colony, enjoying special privileges and governed by Roman law. The "magistrates" (Latin: *duoviri*, Greek: *stratēgoi*) were the chief civil and judicial officials, wielding significant authority, including the power to order arrests, beatings, and imprisonment. Their "serjeants" (Latin: *lictores*, Greek: *rhabdouchoi*) were official attendants who enforced their commands and carried the *fasces* (bundles of rods), symbolizing the magistrates' power, including the right to inflict corporal punishment. The swiftness of their morning dispatch suggests an urgent desire to rectify the situation, possibly due to fear of divine repercussions, a realization of their legal overreach (as Paul was a Roman citizen), or a desire to avoid further unrest after the night's dramatic events. Roman law was strict, and mistreatment of Roman citizens without trial was a serious offense, which Paul would later leverage.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 16:35](/acts/16-35 "Acts 16:35 - Magistrates Order Release") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, showing God's direct hand in overturning human injustice and protecting His servants, even influencing powerful Roman authorities. The earthquake, the conversions, and the subsequent release all underscore that God's plan for the gospel's advance cannot be thwarted by human opposition. Secondly, it highlights the **Vindication of God's Servants**, as Paul and Silas, though unjustly treated, are publicly acquitted and released, affirming their innocence and the righteousness of their mission. This vindication serves as a powerful testimony to the Philippian community. Lastly, the episode demonstrates the **Transformative Power of the Gospel**, not only in individual lives like the jailer's but also in its ability to impact social and political structures, leading to a dramatic shift in the magistrates' stance from persecution to release. This serves as a testament to the irresistible spread of the Kingdom of God, even in the face of strong opposition, as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Early Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **magistrates (Greek, _stratēgós'_):** From the base of *stratiá* (army) and *agō* (to lead) or *hēgeomai* (to lead), this term refers to a general, or by implication, a military governor or praetor. In the context of Roman colonies like Philippi, *stratēgoi* were the chief civil and military officials, holding significant judicial and administrative authority. Their sending of the serjeants indicates a formal, official command from the highest local Roman authority.
* **serjeants (Greek, _rhabdoûchos'_):** Derived from *rhabdos* (rod) and *echō* (to have/hold), this word literally means "rod-holder." These were Roman lictors, official attendants who accompanied magistrates, carrying the *fasces* (bundles of rods) as symbols of the magistrates' power to enforce laws and inflict punishment. Their dispatch signifies an official, legal communication, underscoring the formal nature of the order for release.
* **go (Greek, _apolýō'_):** From *apo* (from) and *lyō* (to loose), this verb means to free fully, relieve, release, or dismiss. In this context, it signifies a complete and official liberation from imprisonment. The imperative "Let those men go" is a direct command for their immediate and unconditional release, reversing the previous order for their confinement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when it was day":** This phrase marks a significant temporal shift from the dramatic events of the preceding night—the earthquake, the jailer's conversion, and the baptisms—to the morning. The arrival of day signifies a new phase, where the consequences of the night's divine interventions begin to manifest in the public sphere and through official channels.
* **"the magistrates sent the serjeants":** This clause describes the immediate action taken by the city's highest authorities. The magistrates, having ordered Paul and Silas's unjust beating and imprisonment the previous day, now initiate their release. The act of "sending the serjeants" (lictors) indicates a formal, official communication, emphasizing the legal and authoritative nature of the command that follows.
* **"saying, Let those men go":** This is the direct command issued by the magistrates. The phrase "those men" refers to Paul and Silas. The imperative "Let... go" (from *apolýō*) signifies a complete and official release from custody. This command represents a dramatic reversal of their previous judgment, highlighting the profound impact of the night's events, whether through fear, conviction, or a desire to avoid further complications.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the very authorities who unjustly imprisoned Paul and Silas are now compelled to order their release, demonstrating God's power to turn human opposition into a means of His purposes. There is also a strong sense of **Divine Reversal**, where the suffering and humiliation of the apostles are swiftly overturned by a divine act, leading to their vindication and freedom. The phrase "when it was day" acts as a **Symbolic Transition**, marking not just a new day chronologically, but a new dawn for Paul and Silas's ministry in Philippi, moving from the darkness of the prison to the light of freedom and public recognition. The concise, direct command "Let those men go" functions as a powerful **Climax** to the prison narrative, delivering the resolution to the immediate conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:35 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over human authorities and circumstances, demonstrating that His plans for the gospel's advance cannot be thwarted, even by unjust imprisonment. The magistrates' sudden change of heart and command for release underscore the biblical truth that "the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will" ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - God's Sovereignty Over Rulers")). This divine intervention not only secured the apostles' freedom but also served as a public vindication of their innocence and the righteousness of their mission, paving the way for the establishment of the Philippian church. The narrative assures believers that even in the face of severe opposition and apparent defeat, God remains actively at work, orchestrating events for His glory and the good of His people.

* [Psalm 105:17-20](/psalm/105-17-20 "Psalm 105:17-20 - Joseph's Imprisonment and Release")
* [Daniel 6:24-28](/daniel/6-24-28 "Daniel 6:24-28 - Daniel's Deliverance from the Lion's Den")
* [Acts 5:17-20](/acts/5-17-20 "Acts 5:17-20 - Peter and John Released from Prison")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:35 serves as a profound reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His faithful servants, often orchestrating dramatic reversals of fortune in His perfect timing. For believers facing unjust treatment, opposition, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this passage offers immense encouragement. It teaches us to persevere in faith and prayer, even in the darkest hours, trusting that God can open doors that no human can shut and bring about justice where there is injustice. Our suffering for the gospel is never in vain; it can become a powerful testimony that leads to the salvation of others, as seen with the Philippian jailer. Moreover, this verse subtly highlights the importance of discerning God's timing and wisdom in navigating difficult situations, as Paul would later insist on a public escort to uphold his rights as a Roman citizen, thereby protecting the reputation of the gospel and the nascent church in Philippi. We are called to live with integrity, courage, and unwavering trust in the One who holds all authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sudden reversal of the magistrates' decision encourage you in situations where you feel unjustly treated or powerless?**
* **In what ways might God be working behind the scenes in your current challenges, even when His intervention is not immediately apparent?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the power of prayer and steadfast faith in the face of adversity?**
* **How can you, like Paul and Silas, maintain integrity and a Christ-like witness even when facing opposition or injustice?**

### FAQ

**Why did the magistrates suddenly decide to release Paul and Silas?**

Answer: The text doesn't explicitly state their exact reasoning, but the most probable factors stem from the extraordinary events of the preceding night. The violent earthquake that shook the prison, opening all doors and loosening everyone's bonds ([Acts 16:26](/acts/16-26 "Acts 16:26 - The Earthquake")), was a clear sign of divine intervention. Furthermore, the conversion of the jailer and his household would have been known to the magistrates, or at least the unusual circumstances surrounding the prisoners' behavior and the jailer's distress. It's plausible they feared divine retribution, recognized the unusual nature of the situation, or perhaps even became aware that Paul was a Roman citizen (a fact Paul would later reveal in [Acts 16:37](/acts/16-37 "Acts 16:37 - Paul Reveals Roman Citizenship")), which would make their initial actions of beating and imprisoning him without trial a serious legal offense under Roman law. Their swift action in the morning suggests a desire to quickly rectify a potentially volatile or legally problematic situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:35, while narrating a specific historical event, resonates deeply with the broader Christ-centered narrative of redemption and liberation. Just as Paul and Silas were unjustly imprisoned yet divinely released, humanity was held captive by sin and death, a bondage from which only Christ could set us free. Jesus, the ultimate innocent one, was unjustly condemned and crucified ([Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Pilate Delivers Jesus to be Crucified")), yet through His resurrection, He triumphed over the powers of darkness, death, and the grave ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). His victory is the ultimate "let those men go," releasing all who believe from the spiritual prison of sin and its condemnation ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "Romans 8:1-2 - Freedom from Condemnation")). The magistrates' command for release foreshadows the greater spiritual freedom offered through Christ, who proclaims liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD is Upon Me"), quoted by Jesus in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Thus, Paul and Silas's physical liberation points to the profound spiritual liberation available to all who put their faith in the risen Lord, the one who truly sets the prisoners free ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - If the Son Sets You Free")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 5:22

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Acts 4:21

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.

Acts 5:40

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.