Bible Strands
Acts 16:36
The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prison guard relays the magistrates' daylight command to Paul, stating they are free to depart. This report occurs between the officers' arrival with the release order and Paul's refusal to leave quietly.
The words — ἀπήγγειλεν (apēngeilen) denotes the act of reporting or announcing the official directive. δεσμοφύλαξ (desmophulax) identifies the speaker as the custodian holding the captives in custody.
The thread — The dismissal formula parallels the sending-off in Acts 15:33 and stands in tension with the covenant peace promised in John 14:27. The pattern of authorized departure aligns with Moses' request to return to Egypt in Exodus 4:18.
Why it lands — The text records a factual transfer of legal authority that temporarily suspends the imprisonment. It forces the reader to confront the gap between the magistrates' offer of silent release and Paul's immediate demand for public accountability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 15:33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers in peace to return to those who had sent them.
- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.
- Exodus 4:18 Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.
- Judges 18:6 And the priest told them, “Go in peace. The LORD is watching over your journey.”
- 1 Samuel 1:17 “Go in peace,” Eli replied, “and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.”
- 1 Samuel 20:42 And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.
- 1 Samuel 25:35 Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.”
- 1 Samuel 29:7 Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.”
- 2 Kings 5:19 “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance,
- Mark 5:34 “Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction.”