King James Version
What Does Acts 16:35 Mean?
“And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.”
Context
33
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes ; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34
And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
35
And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
36
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.
37
But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans , and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(35) **The magistrates sent the serjeants.**—Literally, *the rod-bearers, *or *lictors.* They would probably be the very officers who had inflicted the stripes. We are not told what led to this sudden change of action. Possibly, as has been suggested, the earthquake had alarmed the *strategi;* more probably they felt that they had acted hastily in ordering the accused to be punished with no regular trial, and without even any inquiry as to their antecedents. They had an uneasy sense of having done wrong, and they wanted to wash their hands of the business as quietly as possible.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Acts 16:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Acts 16:35
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge