Devine Scripture

Acts 16:35

What does Acts 16:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 16:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 16:35 means

At daybreak, the magistrates send the serjeants with orders to release Paul and Silas. Perhaps the night’s events and public disturbance prompt a quiet dismissal. Human authorities, uneasy with their own haste, prefer a discreet resolution. But God is not finished teaching this city about justice and truth. The command to release acknowledges, however muted, that the men are no threat. Providence now opens the door out, as God had opened doors in. The question remains: will exit be private or principled? Paul will choose a path that protects the fledgling church and upholds lawful process.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when it was day, the authorities sent the police, saying, Let these men go.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And day having come, the magistrates sent the rod-bearers, saying, `Let those men go;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when the day was come, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying: Let those men go.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when it was day, the praetors sent the lictors, saying, Let those men go.

Context

This verse transitions from the jailor’s home back to the public sphere. The jailor communicates the news in verse 36, inviting Paul and Silas to leave peacefully. Verse 37, however, will show Paul asserting their Roman citizenship and refusing a quiet, unjust dismissal. This sets up the magistrates’ alarm and apology in verses 38–39, which in turn strengthens the church’s standing.

v.34And he brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his house, having believed in God.

v.35This passage

v.36And the jailor reported the words to Paul, saying, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore come forth, and go in peace.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 4:21

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

  • Psalms 76:10

    Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee.

  • Acts 5:40

    And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

  • Jeremiah 5:22

    Fear ye not me? saith Jehovah: will ye not tremble at my presence, who 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.

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