Acts 16:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the keeper of the prison {G1200} told {G518} this {G5128} saying {G3056} to {G4314} Paul {G3972},{G3754} The magistrates {G4755} have sent {G649} to {G2443} let you go {G630}: now {G3568} therefore {G3767} depart {G1831}, and go {G4198} in {G1722} peace {G1515}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The jailer told Sha’ul, “The judges have sent word to release both of you. So come out, and go on your way 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.”

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The climactic release of Paul and Silas from unjust imprisonment in Philippi, following a miraculous earthquake and the conversion of their jailer. The prison keeper relays the magistrates' urgent command for their departure, signifying an official acknowledgment of their Roman citizenship and an attempt by the authorities to rectify their unlawful actions. This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment of divine intervention, vindication, and the peaceful, yet strategic, continuation of Paul's missionary endeavors, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human injustice and the unstoppable advance of His gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate culmination of a dramatic sequence of events in Philippi. Paul and Silas had been unjustly seized, severely beaten, and imprisoned after Paul cast a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl, thereby disrupting her owners' lucrative business. Their initial arrest and brutal treatment are detailed in [Acts 16:19-24](/acts/16-19-24 "Acts 16:19-24 - Paul and Silas Arrested and Imprisoned"). Despite their suffering, at midnight, they were found praying and singing hymns, leading to a miraculous earthquake that opened all the prison doors and loosened everyone's chains, as recorded in [Acts 16:25-26](/acts/16-25-26 "Acts 16:25-26 - Earthquake and Deliverance"). This divine intervention led directly to the profound conversion and baptism of the Philippian jailer and his entire household, a transformative event described in [Acts 16:27-34](/acts/16-27-34 "Acts 16:27-34 - The Philippian Jailer's Conversion"). The magistrates' decision to release Paul and Silas, communicated in verse 36, is a direct consequence of their discovery that they had unlawfully beaten and imprisoned Roman citizens without trial, a grave legal error under Roman law, as Paul would later assert in [Acts 16:37](/acts/16-37 "Acts 16:37 - Paul Demands Public Release").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, a city highly conscious of its Roman identity and legal standing. Roman law strictly protected the rights of its citizens, particularly against arbitrary arrest and physical punishment without due process. The magistrates (Latin: *duumviri* or *praetors*, Greek: *strategos*) were local officials responsible for upholding Roman law and order. Their hasty actions against Paul and Silas, including public flogging (a punishment reserved for slaves or non-citizens) and imprisonment, were a severe breach of Roman legal protocol, especially since Paul was a Roman citizen by birth. Upon realizing their mistake, likely through the jailer or other informants, the magistrates' urgent desire to "let you go" was not an act of benevolence but a pragmatic attempt to mitigate potential repercussions from higher Roman authorities, which could include fines, demotion, or even more severe penalties for violating citizen rights. Their command to "go in peace" served as a swift, quiet dismissal to avoid further public spectacle or legal entanglement.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 16:36 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, showcasing God's ability to intervene miraculously in human affairs, turning unjust suffering into an opportunity for gospel advancement and the vindication of His servants. The narrative underscores the **Unstoppable Advance of the Gospel**, demonstrating that even imprisonment and persecution cannot hinder God's purposes, but rather become catalysts for the spread of the Good News, as seen in the conversion of the jailer's household and the subsequent establishment of the church in Philippi, a key church in Paul's ministry (cf. [Philippians 1:3-7](/philippians/1-3-7 "Philippians 1:3-7 - Paul's Affection for the Philippian Church")). Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Peace Amidst Persecution**, as Paul and Silas are not only physically released but are also commanded to "go in peace," echoing the biblical concept of *shalom*—a holistic well-being and divine favor that transcends external circumstances (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **keeper of the prison (Greek, _desmophýlax'_):** From G1200, meaning "a jailer (as guarding the prisoners)." This term highlights the jailer's official role and responsibility for the prisoners. His transformation from a fearful, suicidal man to a converted believer who now delivers a message of release underscores the profound impact of Paul and Silas's ministry, even within the confines of a prison.
* **magistrates (Greek, _stratēgós'_):** From G4755, meaning "a general, i.e. (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (Levitical) temple-wardens." These were the Roman civic officials in Philippi, holding judicial and administrative authority. Their decision to release Paul and Silas, after previously ordering their unjust beating and imprisonment, reveals their fear of legal repercussions from Rome once they realized the apostles were Roman citizens.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** From G1515, probably from a primary verb (to join); meaning "peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity." This word, often translated from the Hebrew *shalom*, signifies more than just the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, well-being, harmony, and prosperity—a state of complete flourishing. Here, it functions as both a dismissal and a blessing, reflecting the magistrates' desire for a quiet resolution and, from a divine perspective, the true peace that accompanies God's vindication and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul,"**: This clause establishes the messenger and the recipient of the crucial news. The jailer, now a new convert, acts as the intermediary, conveying the official decree from the very authorities who had previously ordered Paul and Silas's imprisonment. This reversal of roles—the former oppressor now serving as a bearer of good news—underscores the transformative power of the gospel.
* **"The magistrates have sent to let you go:"**: This is the core message, revealing the magistrates' decision. The phrase "have sent" (ἀποστέλλω, *apostellō*) implies a formal, official dispatch. Their command to "let you go" (ἀπολύω, *apolýō*, to free fully, release, dismiss) signifies a complete and unconditional release, driven by their realization of the illegality of their previous actions against Roman citizens.
* **"now therefore depart, and go in peace."**: This concluding command serves as a final instruction and a dismissal. "Now therefore" (νῦν οὖν, *nyn oun*) emphasizes the urgency of the moment. "Depart" (ἐξέρχομαι, *exérchomai*, to issue, come out) and "go" (πορεύομαι, *poreúomai*, to traverse, travel) are strong imperatives for immediate action. The phrase "go in peace" (ἐν εἰρήνῃ, *en eirḗnē*) is a common farewell or blessing, here used by the magistrates to ensure a quiet, uneventful exit, but also carrying profound spiritual resonance for Paul and Silas, signifying divine favor and tranquility after their ordeal.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 16:36 effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Irony** is prominent, as the very authorities who unjustly imprisoned Paul and Silas are now compelled to order their release, even commanding them to "go in peace." This reversal of fortune highlights the magistrates' fear of Roman law and the unexpected outcome of God's intervention. **Contrast** is also evident, moving from the darkness and chains of imprisonment (described in the preceding verses) to the light of freedom and the blessing of "peace." The phrase "go in peace" functions as a form of **Symbolism**, echoing the Hebrew concept of *shalom*, which signifies not merely the absence of conflict but holistic well-being, prosperity, and divine favor. This blessing, even from the lips of pagan authorities, underscores the **Divine Sovereignty** at work, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes. The narrative also exhibits **Foreshadowing**, as this peaceful departure from Philippi, orchestrated by God, foreshadows the continued, unstoppable spread of the gospel despite ongoing opposition and trials.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:36 powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His servants and His ultimate sovereignty over human authorities and circumstances. It demonstrates that even when facing profound injustice and persecution, believers can trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to bring about vindication and liberation. The "peace" offered by the magistrates, though perhaps intended for their own convenience, becomes a divine blessing, signifying the *shalom* that God grants to His faithful, even amidst turmoil. This moment underscores that trials are not hindrances to God's plan but often serve as catalysts for the gospel's advancement and the demonstration of His power, leading to unexpected conversions and the establishment of His church.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:36 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating difficult circumstances today. It reminds us that God is actively at work, even behind prison walls or in situations of injustice, orchestrating events for His glory and our good. When we face trials, whether personal or systemic, this passage calls us to maintain faith, prayer, and worship, knowing that God's power can break chains and open doors in ways we cannot foresee. It challenges us to see our difficulties not as roadblocks but as potential platforms for God to display His transformative power, just as He did with the Philippian jailer. Ultimately, it invites us to rest in the divine peace that transcends understanding, trusting that God will bring vindication and resolution in His perfect timing, enabling us to "depart, and go in peace" from our own seasons of hardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the narrative of Paul and Silas's imprisonment and release challenge my perspective on suffering and injustice in my own life?**
* **In what ways might God be using my current difficult circumstances to advance His kingdom or deepen my faith, even if I cannot see the full picture yet?**
* **What does "going in peace" mean for me in practical terms when facing unresolved conflicts or ongoing challenges?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of worship and prayer, like Paul and Silas, even when I feel confined or oppressed?**

### FAQ

**Why were the magistrates so quick to release Paul and Silas, especially after their harsh treatment?**

Answer: The magistrates were quick to release Paul and Silas because they discovered that the two men were Roman citizens. Under Roman law, it was illegal to beat or imprison Roman citizens without a proper trial. This was a grave legal error on the part of the magistrates, and they feared severe repercussions from higher Roman authorities if their unlawful actions became known. Their urgency to "let you go" and "go in peace" was a pragmatic attempt to quietly dismiss Paul and Silas and avoid further legal entanglement or public scandal, as Paul would later emphasize in [Acts 16:37-39](/acts/16-37-39 "Acts 16:37-39 - Paul Demands Public Apology").

**What is the significance of the phrase "go in peace"?**

Answer: The phrase "go in peace" (Greek: *en eirḗnē*) is a common farewell or blessing in the ancient world, echoing the Hebrew concept of *shalom*. While the magistrates likely intended it as a simple dismissal to avoid further trouble, for Paul and Silas, and for the reader, it carries deeper theological significance. *Shalom* encompasses more than just the absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and a state of complete harmony with God and others. It implies divine favor, protection, and a sense of tranquility that transcends external circumstances, a peace that Jesus himself promised to His followers (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:36, while a narrative of human injustice and divine deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The liberation of Paul and Silas from physical chains foreshadows the far greater spiritual liberation that Christ offers to all humanity. He is the one who came to "proclaim 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 is Upon Me"), quoted by Jesus in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). The "peace" (eirḗnē/shalom) that the magistrates command Paul and Silas to go in is a pale reflection of the profound, eternal peace that Christ secured through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, reconciling humanity to God ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Just as Paul and Silas's unjust suffering led to the conversion of the jailer and his household, Christ's innocent suffering and death brought about salvation for all who believe, breaking the power of sin and death ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")). The unstoppable spread of the gospel, even through persecution, is a testament to the resurrected Christ's authority and His promise to build His church, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Thus, Acts 16:36 points to Jesus as the ultimate Liberator, the Prince of Peace, and the sovereign Lord whose kingdom advances irresistibly.

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

Acts 15:33

And after they had tarried [there] a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Mark 5:34

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

1 Samuel 20:42

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

Judges 18:6

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

1 Samuel 29:7

Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.

Acts 16:27

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.