So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The magistrates didn't just let Paul and Silas out; they beseeched them, humbling themselves to apologize for the wrongful imprisonment. This wasn't merely an apology, but a plea for them to leave, driven by fear of further popular outrage and a desire to cover up their own legal transgression.
So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Paul insisted that the magistrates personally escort them out of prison due to their Roman citizenship, the officials showed up, apologized for the wrongful imprisonment and beating, and humbly asked Paul and Silas to leave the city. They did this out of fear of repercussions from Rome and concern for further unrest from the angry mob.
Imagine being the powerful rulers of a city, only to find yourselves begging for forgiveness from those you just unjustly imprisoned. That's exactly what happened here!
The magistrates' actions in Acts 16:39 reveal a profound shift.
From Authority to Appeasement
After Paul's powerful assertion of his Roman citizenship, the officials were terrified. They realized they had severely overstepped their bounds. Instead of maintaining their authoritative stance, they came in person to Paul and Silas, not to command, but to 'beseech' them. This word implies not just asking, but earnestly pleading.
Acknowledging Wrongdoing
Their 'beseeching' was accompanied by bringing the apostles out of prison. This wasn't a casual release; it was a deliberate act to publicly acknowledge the wrong done. They were essentially saying, 'We messed up, and we need you to help us fix this.' This humility was driven by fear of Roman repercussions, yes, but it also shows how even worldly powers can be compelled to acknowledge injustice when confronted with truth and rightful authority.
Why did the magistrates ask Paul and Silas to leave? Was it just to avoid more trouble, or was there something deeper at play?
The request for Paul and Silas to depart the city was a complex mix of self-preservation and, surprisingly, concern for the apostles' safety.
Avoiding Further Turmoil
Having flogged Roman citizens without trial, the magistrates were now facing a potential legal crisis. They feared Paul and Silas might press charges, leading to severe punishment for them. Asking the apostles to leave was a way to defuse the situation and prevent any further escalation that could expose their illegal actions. It was a pragmatic, albeit self-serving, solution to their immediate problem.
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Protecting the Apostles (and the Church)
Beyond their own fear, the magistrates likely recognized that the volatile populace, stirred up by the silversmiths, remained a threat. They explicitly asked them to leave 'lest the people should express their rage and madness against them.' By facilitating a quiet departure, they were attempting to prevent another riot that could endanger Paul, Silas, and potentially the nascent Christian community in Philippi. This protective measure, though born of awkwardness, indirectly safeguarded the vulnerable new believers.
The Unstoppable Advance of the Gospel
Paradoxically, this forced departure became an opportunity for the gospel. Paul and Silas, after ensuring the fledgling church was comforted, moved on. This wasn't a defeat but a strategic redeployment. The opposition at Philippi led to their expulsion, which in turn facilitated the spread of the gospel into other regions, like the areas around Philippi.
Understand the original words
paraginomai · Greek Verb
The act of admitting wrongdoing or offense and expressing regret, often aimed at restoring a relationship or avoiding further conflict.
The magistrates' humble apology and request for Paul and Silas to leave underscore their fear of Roman authority and the volatile public sentiment. This difficult expulsion, however, ultimately paved the way for the gospel's spread to other regions.
c. AD 49
Edict of Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, causing many to disperse throughout the Roman Empire. This may have increased the Jewish population and influence in cities like Philippi.
c. AD 50
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul embarks on his second major missionary journey, which includes his first visit to Philippi in Macedonia (Greece).
c. AD 51
Paul Founds the Church in Philippi
During his visit, Paul encounters Lydia, a businesswoman, and leads her and others to faith, establishing the first Christian church in Europe.
c. AD 51— this verse
Paul and Silas Arrested in Philippi
A young enslaved girl, used by her owners for divination, is delivered from demonic possession by Paul. Her angry owners falsely accuse Paul and Silas of causing a riot and have them publicly beaten and imprisoned.
c. AD 51
Earthquake and Prison Release
A miraculous earthquake shakes the prison, opening all the doors. The jailer, fearing punishment for the escapees, is converted to Christ after Paul stops him from suicide.
c. AD 51
Magistrates Apologize and Request Departure
Upon learning that Paul and Silas are Roman citizens, the magistrates fear repercussions. They release Paul and Silas, apologize, and urge them to leave the city to avoid further trouble.
c. AD 53-55
Paul Writes the Epistle to the Philippians
Years later, Paul writes to the church he founded, expressing deep affection and gratitude for their partnership in the gospel, demonstrating the lasting impact of his ministry despite his difficult departure.
This passage speaks of oppressors bowing down to God's people, mirroring the magistrates' humbling apology and deference to Paul and Silas after their unjust imprisonment.
Matthew 10:23Jesus warned his disciples they would be 'hunted from city to city.' This verse shows Paul and Silas complying with such a request to leave Philippi, a difficult but necessary step in their ministry.
Luke 9:5Jesus instructed his disciples to 'shake the dust off your feet' as a testimony against a town that rejected them. Paul and Silas's departure from Philippi echoes this, signaling a rejection of the city's treatment while moving forward in their mission.
2 Corinthians 11:25Paul himself recounts being 'beaten with rods, three times shipwrecked, a day and a night adrift at sea.' This verse from Acts highlights one such instance where he and Silas faced severe mistreatment and were then forced to leave.
Philippians 1:30Writing to the church in Philippi, Paul refers to his 'struggles,' likely alluding to the hardships he and Silas endured there, including this expulsion.
pooleActs 16:39: "And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city."
Two things the magistrates had to desire of them: 1. That they would excuse the wrong done unto them, which they feared lest the Romans might revenge. 2. That, to avoid further mischiefs, (as they thought), they would leave the city. But the words here used do signify, also, that they comforted them, as well as besought, or exhorted them: both by word and deed they sought to make ame…
gillActs 16:39: "And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city."
And they came,.... To the prison in person, as Paul had insisted on they should: and besought them; that they would put up the injury that had been done them, and quietly depart out of prison: and brought them out; that is, out of prison; took them by the arms, and led them out, as they had put them in, which was what the apostle required: and desired them to depart out of the city;…
The magistrates didn't just let Paul and Silas out; they beseeched them, humbling themselves to apologize for the wrongful imprisonment. This wasn't merely an apology, but a plea for them to leave, driven by fear of further popular outrage and a desire to cover up their own legal transgression.
After Paul insisted that the magistrates personally escort them out of prison due to their Roman citizenship, the officials showed up, apologized for the wrongful imprisonment and beating, and humbly asked Paul and Silas to leave the city. They did this out of fear of repercussions from Rome and concern for further unrest from the angry mob.
After Paul insisted that the magistrates personally escort them out of prison due to their Roman citizenship, the officials showed up, apologized for the wrongful imprisonment and beating, and humbly asked Paul and Silas to leave the city. They did this out of fear of repercussions from Rome and concern for further unrest from the angry mob.
"So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city." — The magistrates didn't just let Paul and Silas out; they beseeched them, humbling themselves to apologize for the wrongful imprisonment. This wasn't merely an apology, but a plea for them to leave,…
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Last reviewed October 2026