‘But when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors, saying, “Let those men go.” ’ Next day the lictors were sent by the magistrates with instructions that the two might go free. It was no doubt recognised that the case having been looked into it was seen as questionable, even frivolous, and they presumably felt that the lesson had probably been learned. The men were free to go. read more
Acts 16:35-Matthew : . Reckoning with the Magistrates.— The legal proceedings are to go no further. But Paul has two grievances to clear up with the magistrates before he will leave the prison. The proceedings of the former day had no form of law; the accused were not properly tried; and the magistrates had no power to beat a Roman citizen. Many scholars infer that Silas also held this rank, but if one of the two held it the contention was justified. The magistrates have to come themselves... read more
The serjeants; their messengers, or officers, which did carry a mace, or a rod, from whence they had their name. Saying, Let those men go; probably being terrified with the earthquake, which if it had not been general, they could not yet have heard of. Their consciences might also accuse them for having unjustly punished them for a good deed which they had done, only to gratify the rage of the multitude; as also because they had acted against the custom of the Romans, (though they did not yet... read more
CRITICAL REMARKSActs 16:19. The rulers, ἄρχοντες, were the town magistrates (Luke 12:58).Acts 16:20. The magistrates, στρατηγοί, were the two chief civic authorities (dunmviri) in a Roman colony town, and were usually styled prætors.Acts 16:20-21. Being Jews—i.e., belonging to the despised race, whom Claudius had shortly before banished from Rome (Acts 18:2); and being Romans—i.e., in proud contrast to the hated sons of Abraham. “The distinction between ὑπάρχων and ὤν seems to be that the... read more
We remember at the end of our study last week there arose a contention between Paul and Barnabas who had been close companions on the first missionary venture of the church. But because Barnabas was insisting on taking his nephew John Mark, who deserted Paul and Barnabas on the first trip, Barnabas was wanting to take him on the second trip and Paul was objecting because of his defection on the first trip. They had a dispute over this, contention so great that Barnabas took Mark and headed off... read more
Acts 16:1-2 . Then came he to Lystra, as in Acts 14:6. In their former labours in that city, Lois a jewess, her daughter Eunice, and Timothy her son, had embraced the faith. Now, they found Timothy growing in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord. His grandmother Lois had instructed him in the scriptures from a child; and the spirit of prophecy had already designated him for the sanctuary. Timothy, though now very young, was of good report; but his father being a Greek, had not consented... read more
Acts 16:32-40And they spake unto him the Word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. Household salvationIt sometimes happens that a good man has to go alone to heaven: God’s election has separated him from the midst of an ungodly family. But though grace does not run in the blood, yet it frequently happens that God, by means of one of a household, draws the rest to Himself. Bunyan, in the first part of his “Pilgrim’s Progress,” describes Christian as a lonely traveller. The second... read more
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. Ver. 35. The magistrates sent ] In one ancient Greek copy there is this addition, "And when it was day, the magistrates met together in the market place; and calling to mind the earthquake that had been that night, they feared, and sent the sergeants, saying, Let these men go." See Acts 16:27 . read more
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Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:12-40
Ministry in Philippi From the House of Lydia (16:12b-40). The arrival in Europe was clearly seen by Luke as very important. He illustrates the successful ministry there by a threefold description of Paul’s effectiveness which covers a wealthy businesswoman, a slave girl and a jail proprietor, three different grades in a multiple society. And two of these along with their households, included servants and slaves. The threefoldness stresses the completeness of the success of the ministry. They... read more