Devine Scripture

Acts 16:40

What does Acts 16:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 16:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 16:40 means

After leaving the prison, Paul and Silas visit Lydia’s house, meet with the brethren, comfort them, and depart. The mission ends as it began—in a home where God opened hearts. Encouragement is the final gift they give, ensuring the young church stands firm after turmoil. The pronouns in the chapter suggest Luke may remain, but Paul and Silas move on, trusting God to continue the work. A household that once hosted a prayerful conversation now shelters a congregation. Suffering, salvation, and strengthening have all marked Philippi’s first chapter. The gospel has taken root in Europe, and a faithful community remains to bear fruit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they came out of the prison and went to the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brothers they gave them comfort and went away.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they, having gone forth out of the prison, entered into <FI>the house of<Fi> Lydia, and having seen the brethren, they comforted them, and went forth.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they went out of the prison and entered into the house of Lydia: and having seen the brethren, they comforted them and departed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having gone out of the prison, they came to Lydia; and having seen the brethren, they exhorted them and went away.

Context

This closing verse follows the magistrates’ appeal and respectful release in verse 39. By returning to Lydia’s house, Paul and Silas visibly affirm the church’s legitimacy and stability. Their departure launches the next leg of the journey, while Philippi is left with converts from different backgrounds—Lydia and the jailor’s household—embodying the chapter’s theme: the gospel’s power across social lines, through both gentle openings and severe trials.

v.39and they came and besought them; and when they had brought them out, they asked them to go away from the city.

v.40This passage

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3

    Blessedbethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;

  • Acts 16:14

    And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul.

  • Acts 16:2

    The same was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

  • Acts 4:23

    And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2

    and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

  • 2 Corinthians 4:8

    we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;

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