And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.

ACTS 16:39KJV
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Acts 16:39 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:39 mean?

Acts 16:39 describes how the city officials came to Paul and Silas, apologized to them, brought them out of prison, and then politely asked them to leave the city. The officials wanted to resolve the situation quietly after realizing they had mistreated Roman citizens.

The verse takes place after Paul and Silas had been wrongly imprisoned in Philippi. When the magistrates learned that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they became afraid because Roman law forbade punishing citizens without a trial. The officials’ actions—coming in person, urging them to leave, and escorting them out—show their concern to avoid further trouble and to make amends for their mistake.

The Greek behind Acts 16:39

  • παρακαλέω (parakaleō, "besought"): This word often means to urge, beg, or comfort. Here, it shows the officials pleading with Paul and Silas, not commanding them, which highlights the officials’ anxiety and desire to smooth things over.
  • ἐξάγω (exagō, "brought them out"): This word means to lead or bring out. The officials did not just tell Paul and Silas to leave; they personally escorted them out, showing respect and perhaps trying to publicly correct their earlier mistreatment.
  • ἐρωτάω (erōtaō, "desired"): This word can mean to ask or request. The officials did not order Paul and Silas to leave but asked them, emphasizing a polite, even apologetic tone.

Why Acts 16:39 matters

  • Acts 16:39 clarifies that Paul and Silas were not simply released but were treated with respect after the officials realized their error, which underscores the seriousness of Roman citizenship.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing how God used the situation to protect Paul and Silas and to give the local believers confidence.
  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul and Silas left Philippi in disgrace; instead, they left with their dignity restored and the officials’ respect.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G1806 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 5:19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
  • Acts 13:17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

“desired” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

“besought” Greek G3870 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Acts 16:40 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.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?