Acts 16:39
And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθόντες
they came
G2064
ἐλθόντες
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 10
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
παρεκάλεσαν
and besought
G3870
παρεκάλεσαν
and besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
3 of 10
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 10
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The magistrates' request for departure, though now polite, achieved their original goal - removing Paul from Philippi. However, a thriving church remained (Phil. 1:1), showing that gospel work transcends individual ministers.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we respond to forced apologies that still seek our removal?
- What does it mean to accept vindication without demanding revenge?
- How can we trust God's purposes when we must leave fields of ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'They came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.' The magistrates' personal apology shows how completely the situation reversed. Yet they still wanted Paul to leave - his presence was politically uncomfortable. Paul's vindication was complete, but the gospel's advance required moving on.