Acts 16:36
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεσμοφύλαξ
the keeper of the prison
G1200
δεσμοφύλαξ
the keeper of the prison
Strong's:
G1200
Word #:
4 of 22
a jailer (as guarding the prisoners)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγους
saying
G3056
λόγους
saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
6 of 22
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλον
Paul
G3972
Παῦλον
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
10 of 22
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ὅτι
G3754
ἀπεστάλκασιν
have sent
G649
ἀπεστάλκασιν
have sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
12 of 22
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατηγοὶ
The magistrates
G4755
στρατηγοὶ
The magistrates
Strong's:
G4755
Word #:
14 of 22
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
ἀπολυθῆτε·
let you go
G630
ἀπολυθῆτε·
let you go
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
16 of 22
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
17 of 22
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
18 of 22
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Historical Context
The jailor's role shifted from guard to messenger of good news, paralleling his spiritual transformation. His relationship with Paul changed from captor/prisoner to fellow believer.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gospel transform human relationships and social roles?
- What does Christian peace mean in contexts of injustice?
- How should we respond to deliverance from suffering?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'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.' The jailor, now a brother in Christ, delivered good news to Paul. The command 'go in peace' (Greek 'eirēnē') was standard dismissal language, but took on deeper meaning given the jailor's conversion. External peace accompanied spiritual peace.