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.

ACTS 16:36KJV
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Acts 16:36 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:36 mean?

Acts 16:36 describes how the jailer informed Paul that the city officials had ordered his release, telling Paul he was now free to leave the prison and encouraging him to go in peace. The verse shows the moment when Paul and his companion are officially told they can depart after being imprisoned.

The jailer, who had been responsible for guarding Paul and Silas, brings them the news from the magistrates (local authorities) that they are being set free. This comes after a dramatic night in prison, including an earthquake and the conversion of the jailer. The phrase “go in peace” is a polite dismissal, signaling that Paul and Silas are not only released but are being sent off with goodwill.

The Greek behind Acts 16:36

  • ἐξέλθετε (exelthēte, “depart”): This word means to go out or leave, emphasizing that Paul and Silas are being told to physically exit the prison, not just that they are free in a legal sense.
  • πορεύεσθε (poreuesthe, “go”): This word often means to travel or proceed on a journey, suggesting the officials expect Paul and Silas to move on from the city, not just leave the jail.
  • ἐν εἰρήνῃ (en eirēnē, “in peace”): This phrase is a common farewell in Greek, wishing someone well-being and safety as they leave, not just freedom from conflict.

Why Acts 16:36 matters

  • Acts 16:36 clarifies that Paul and Silas’s release was not a secret escape but an official act by the authorities, which becomes important in the next verses when Paul insists on a public acknowledgment of their innocence.
  • The verse highlights the change in the jailer’s attitude, from guarding Paul and Silas to delivering them good news and wishing them peace, reflecting the impact of the previous night’s events.
  • This moment connects to the wider story of Acts 16, showing how God’s intervention led not only to the physical release of Paul and Silas but also to the transformation of individuals like the jailer.

Where else these words appear

“prison” Greek G1200 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
  • 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.

“magistrates” Greek G4755 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
  • Acts 5:24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
  • Acts 16:22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

“this” Greek G5128 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 9:44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
  • Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

“told” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;