Acts 16:35
And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
Original Language Analysis
Ἡμέρας
day
G2250
Ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
1 of 13
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
γενομένης
when it was
G1096
γενομένης
when it was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
4 of 13
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατηγοὶ
the magistrates
G4755
στρατηγοὶ
the magistrates
Strong's:
G4755
Word #:
6 of 13
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥαβδούχους
the serjeants
G4465
ῥαβδούχους
the serjeants
Strong's:
G4465
Word #:
8 of 13
a rod- (the latin <i>fasces</i>) holder, i.e., a roman lictor (constable or executioner)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἀπόλυσον
Let
G630
Ἀπόλυσον
Let
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
10 of 13
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
Historical Context
The magistrates (duumviri) sent lictors (serjeants carrying rods) with release orders. This public reversal would vindicate Paul and protect the Philippian church from future persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God work through both miracles and ordinary circumstances?
- Why does God sometimes vindicate His servants publicly?
- What does it mean to trust God's timing in deliverance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'When it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.' The magistrates' change of heart may reflect regret over hasty action, fear of the earthquake's supernatural significance, or political calculation. Whatever the cause, God orchestrated Paul's release through official channels rather than miraculous escape.