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The order is first presenting the gospel to the jailer and next, the jailer’s conversion. The jailer
invites Paul and Silas to his house where the rest of his family hears the gospel and are also
saved (verse 34). Paul and Silas later return to the jailer’s house for a meal and to fellowship.

Act 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And
immediately he and all his family were baptized.

The new birth immediately fills the man’s heart with love for Paul and Silas. He has beaten
many prisoners and witnessed many other beatings, but he has never had compassion for
anyone who suffered in his prison. Paul and Silas have witnessed to the family, seen all of them
saved and they are all baptized together immediately following salvation. Before morning, Paul
and Silas are eating at the jailer’s home. They have all had an exciting night. Paul and Silas
have gone through a beating, been thrown in prison, experienced an earthquake, led a jailer
and his family to the Lord, and had a baptismal service!

Act 16:34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he
rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
The meal is accompanied with shouts of joy. The family has found true peace, and they are
excited. God’s desire is always to begin His work in families, the basic unit of society and
churches. When stability affects the home, it eventually changes nations. Other examples
include Rahab and her family and also Lydia.

MAGISTRATES RELEASE PAUL AND SILAS (35-40)

The rulers then send notice to release Paul and Silas, but Paul demands the rulers personally
release them from prison and points out how poorly they had been treated as Roman citizens.
The rulers apologize, release Paul and Silas, and ask them to leave the city.

Act 16:35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go."

And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants (lictors: ancient Roman officers),
saying, let those men go.

It is now the morning after. The magistrates have realized their mistake in beating and
condemning men without a fair trial. They are afraid of what might happen if their treatment
of Paul and Silas should reach the streets, so they asked Paul and Silas to immediately leave the
city.
Act 16:36 So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates
have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace."

The new convert is happy to tell Paul and Silas they are free. He is speaking openly to them in
front of the men sent by the city leaders.