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.

ACTS 16:40KJV
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Acts 16:40 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:40 mean?

Acts 16:40 describes how Paul and Silas, after being released from prison, went to Lydia’s house, met with the other believers there, encouraged them, and then left the city. This verse shows the apostles reconnecting with the local Christian community before their departure.

Paul and Silas had just been freed from jail in Philippi, where they had been imprisoned for their faith. Lydia’s house was likely a meeting place for the early church in that city. The verse highlights how, even after suffering, Paul and Silas made it a priority to strengthen and comfort the local believers before moving on to their next destination.

The Greek behind Acts 16:40

  • "παρεκάλεσαν" (parekalesan, translated “comforted”): This Greek word often means to encourage, console, or urge. In this context, it suggests Paul and Silas took time to lift the spirits of the believers and strengthen their resolve, not just offer casual comfort.
  • "ἀδελφοὺς" (adelphous, translated “brethren”): This word means “brothers” or “siblings,” and in early Christian usage, it referred to fellow believers. The verse emphasizes the close, family-like bond among the early Christians.

Why Acts 16:40 matters

  • Acts 16:40 clarifies that Paul and Silas did not leave Philippi in secret or in fear, but openly visited the believers, showing courage and care for the community.
  • The verse highlights Lydia’s ongoing role as a host and supporter of the early church, underlining the importance of hospitality and shared spaces in the growth of the Christian movement.
  • This moment connects to the larger story in Acts 16, showing how the church in Philippi was encouraged and strengthened even in the face of opposition and hardship.

Where else these words appear

“Lydia” Greek G3070 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

“prison” Greek G5438 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 3:20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
  • Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

“comforted” 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 16:39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
  • 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?