ACC ~ Acts 16 v35 - 40

OVERVIEW:

Modern commentators draw out the legal implication of this passage and note that it makes no reference to the miraculous event in the night. Paul makes his case from his position as a Roman citizen; his citizenship protected him from flogging and guaranteed him a right to trial. They see Paul as implying to these authorities that he could press charges. The action of the magistrates indicates that Paul and Silas had done nothing against the law. The Fathers do not comment on the legal nature of this event. Their focus is on the latter part of the passage. Paul and Silas depart, albeit reluctantly, because they must continue their preaching elsewhere, while those they have brought into Christ, despite their worldly lowliness (AMMONIUS), are able to continue spreading the gospel in Philippi (CHRYSOSTOM).

16:40 | They Left the Prison and Visited Lydia

THE APOSTLES’ HUMILITY. AMMONIUS: How great was their modesty and charity! Paul and Silas would not have put up with leaving, even though they had been dismissed by the magistrates, if they had not been able to go to the poor woman and the others, whom they called brothers, and made themselves their equals. CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 16.40.

WORKS OF SUPERNATURAL GRACE. CHRYSOSTOM: They departed, not in obedience to the magistrates, but hastening to the work of preaching. For the city had been sufficiently benefited by the miracle. It was necessary that they remain no longer. For the miracle seems greater in the absence of those who worked it; it speaks louder by itself. The faith of the jailer was a voice in itself. What can equal this? He is put in chains and he loosens, though in chains, a twofold bond. He who put him in chains he releases by being in chains. Truly these are works of grace. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 36.