So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
40. When they saw, etc. They were desired to part presently; yet it became them to regard the brethren, lest the tender seed of the gospel should perish, and undoubtedly they would have tarried longer if they had been suffered, but the prayers and requests of the magistrates were imperious and armed, which they are enforced to obey.
In these verses we have, I. Orders sent for the discharge of Paul and Silas out of prison Act 16:35, Act 16:36. 1. The magistrates that had so basely abused them the day before gave the orders; and their doing it so early, as soon as it was day, intimates that either they were sensible the terrific earthquake they felt at midnight was intended to...
Commenting on Acts 16:35-40
And they went out of the prison,.... In a public manner, with great honour and reputation, at the request of the magistrates that put them there: and entered into the house of Lydia; whom Paul had baptized, Act 16:14. The word "house" is rightly supplied, for the sense is not, that they went into the country of Lydia, as some have been tempted to think...