Acts 16: 35-40 35But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Release those men.” 36And the jailer reported these words to Paul, “The magistrates have sent that you may be released. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37But Paul said to them, “Having beaten us publicly, uncondemned, since we are men being of Roman citizenship, they have thrown us into prison, and now now they throw us out secretly? No! But let them come themselves and take us out.” 38So the police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard they were Roman citizens. 39So after coming, they apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40So after leaving the prison, they went to Lydia, and and after seeing, they encouraged the brothers and departed.
Luke does not record the initial motive of the magistrates for releasing Paul and Silas. Perhaps their consciences go the better of them the night before as they considered their abrupt directive to imprison the two in the highest security area. Or, they may have simply wanted to get the two out of town and out of sight. Whatever the case, they seemed to try sweeping the whole thing under the rug and attempting to resolve the situation. It had been a long 24 hours for Paul and Silas, and the events were not over yet. The magistrates may have sent the same people, the police, who may have been the ones who beat Paul and Silas. The police in this situation were simply doing their duty. The jailor brought good news of Paul’s and Silas’ freedom and the opportunity to go in peace.
Paul’s response in verse 37 is surprising. He and Silas could have walked away quietly. There were other times when they left a hostile town and moved on to a new place. But there was something about this situation that led Paul to defend himself and Silas. The exact reason for his strong reply is not given. There is a time to defend oneself, especially when it might affect the witness of the gospel. Paul may have felt the need to give a clear message to the magistrates about their innocence, which would have added validity to his message about Jesus. He may also have been reaffirming the jailor, who was obedient to his supervisors, but God had changed him.
Paul insisted that the magistrates themselves come to the jail and escort them away. He had power as a Roman citizen. Apparently, Silas was also a Roman citizen, according to what Paul said. The magistrates could be in big trouble for beating and imprisoning a Roman citizen without a trial. They could lose their positions, be punished, or something even worse. Being a Roman citizen was a high privilege, with less than 10% of the population of the Empire being citizens. How Paul and Silas became citizens is unclear. Both were Helenistic Jews, so they likely spoke Greek fluently. Citizenship was gained by birth, reward, or purchased. When the magistrates heard about the citizenship status of Paul and Silas, they realized their impulsive mistake and needed to get out of this dilemma quickly and quietly. A napology was a good start.
This situation was a powerful affirmation to the jailor and his family about the power of the gospel. They had experienced a powerful earthquake, heard the testimony of Paul and Silas, experienced the power of the Holy Spirit through their faith and baptism, and then saw the rulers of their citzen be humbled and apologize to the pair, all within 24 hours. Paul and Silas did not flee the prison when they could have but stayed for the benefit of the jailor, who could have been in serious trouble if they did leave. Paul and Silas went to Lydia’s home, where apparently a house church has started. They must have recounted the miracles that they had just experienced. Still wounded and sore, they had good news to share that brought encouragement to the new believers in Philippi. They could leave the new believers Philippi rejoicing and with a good reputation among the citizens. God’s grace and protection were evident at each part of Paul’s and Silas’ stay in Philippi. A strong church had been started through difficult circumstances.