New International VersionAfter Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.
New Living TranslationWhen Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.
English Standard VersionSo they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
Berean Standard BibleAfter Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house to see the brothers and encourage them. Then they left the city.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having gone forth out of the prison, they came to Lydia, and having seen them, they exhorted the brothers and departed.
King James BibleAnd they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
New King James VersionSo they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
New American Standard BibleThey left the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brothers and sisters, they encouraged them and departed.
NASB 1995They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
NASB 1977And they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brothers, they encouraged them and left.
Amplified BibleSo they left the prison and went to Lydia’s house; and when they had seen the brothers and sisters, they encouraged and comforted them, and left.
Christian Standard BibleAfter leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house, where they saw and encouraged the brothers and sisters, and departed.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAfter leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and departed.
American Standard VersionAnd they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Contemporary English VersionBut Paul and Silas went straight to the home of Lydia, where they saw the Lord's followers and encouraged them. Then they left.
English Revised VersionAnd they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter Paul and Silas left the jail, they went to Lydia's house. They met with the believers, encouraged them, and then left.
Good News TranslationPaul and Silas left the prison and went to Lydia's house. There they met the believers, spoke words of encouragement to them, and left.
International Standard VersionLeaving the jail, Paul and Silas went to Lydia's house. They saw the brothers, encouraged them, and then left.
NET BibleWhen they came out of the prison, they entered Lydia's house, and when they saw the brothers, they encouraged them and then departed.
New Heart English BibleThey went out of the prison, and entered into Lydia's house. When they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them, and departed.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Weymouth New TestamentThen Paul and Silas, having come out of the prison, went to Lydia's house; and, after seeing the brethren and encouraging them, they left Philippi. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAfter Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house to see the brothers and encourage them. Then they left the city.
World English BibleThey went out of the prison and entered into Lydia’s house. When they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them, then departed. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they, having gone forth out of the prison, entered into [the house of] Lydia, and having seen the brothers, they comforted them, and went forth.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having gone forth out of the prison, they came to Lydia, and having seen them, they exhorted the brothers and departed.
Young's Literal Translation and they, having gone forth out of the prison, entered into the house of Lydia, and having seen the brethren, they comforted them, and went forth.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd having come out of prison, they came to Lydia; and having seen the brethren, they encouraged them, and they came forth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia; and having seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd they went away from the prison and entered into the house of Lydia. And having seen the brothers, they consoled them, and then they set out.
New American BibleWhen they had come out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and then they left.
New Revised Standard VersionAfter leaving the prison they went to Lydia’s home; and when they had seen and encouraged the brothers and sisters there, they departed. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they went out of the prison and entered into the house of Lydia where they saw the brethren and comforted them, and departed.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd when they went out from the prison they returned to Lydia, and there they saw the brethren and comforted them, and they left. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd having come out of the prison, they went into the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Godbey New TestamentAnd having come out from the prison they came to Lydia, and seeing the brethren, comforted them, and departed.
Haweis New TestamentThen leaving the prison, they went unto Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and went their way.
Mace New Testament
then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed.
Weymouth New Testament
Then Paul and Silas, having come out of the prison, went to Lydia's house; and, after seeing the brethren and encouraging them, they left Philippi.
Worrell New Testament
And, coming out from the prison, they entered intothe house of Lidia; and, seeing the brethren, they comfortedthem, and departed.
Worsley New Testament
And when they were come out of the prison, they went intothe house of Lydia: and seeing the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context An Official Apology… 39They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city. 40After Paul and Silas cameout oftheprison,they wenttoLydia’s houseto seethebrothersand encourage them.Thenthey left the city.
Cross References Acts 14:22strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Acts 15:36Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”
Acts 18:23After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Acts 20:1-2When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia. / After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,
Acts 21:17When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us joyfully.
Romans 15:32so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
1 Thessalonians 3:2We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
2 Corinthians 1:3-4Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Philippians 1:3-5I thank my God every time I remember you. / In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, / because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Colossians 4:10-11My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. / Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
1 Peter 5:12Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
2 Timothy 4:11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.
Hebrews 10:24-25And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. / Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
1 Samuel 23:16And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,
1 Kings 19:3-4And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, / while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
Treasury of Scripture And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brothers, they comforted them, and departed. and entered. Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heardus: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. Acts 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. Acts 12:12-17 And when he had consideredthe thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying… they comforted. Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples,and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Blessedbe God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; … 2 Corinthians 4:8-12,16-18We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;we are perplexed, but not in despair; … Jump to Previous ComfortComfortedDepartedEncouragedEncouragingEnteredExhortedForthHouseMetPaulPhilippiPrisonSilasVisitedJump to Next ComfortComfortedDepartedEncouragedEncouragingEnteredExhortedForthHouseMetPaulPhilippiPrisonSilasVisitedActs 16 1.Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,7.and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,14.convert Lydia,16.and cast out a spirit of divination;19.for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.25.The prison doors are opened.31.The jailor is converted,35.and they are delivered.After Paul and Silas came out of the prisonPaul and Silas had been imprisoned in Philippi after casting out a spirit from a slave girl, which led to a loss of income for her owners. Their imprisonment was marked by a miraculous event where an earthquake opened the prison doors, yet they chose not to escape, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household ( Acts 16:25-34). This act of integrity and faithfulness highlights the power of God working through His servants, even in dire circumstances. they went to Lydia’s house
Lydia was a prominent figure in the early church at Philippi, known for her hospitality and support of Paul’s ministry. She was a seller of purple goods, indicating her wealth and status (Acts 16:14-15). Her home likely served as a meeting place for the fledgling church, providing a safe haven for believers. This reflects the early Christian practice of meeting in homes for worship and fellowship, as seen in other parts of the New Testament (Romans 16:5,1 Corinthians 16:19). to see the brothers and encourage them
The term "brothers" refers to fellow believers, emphasizing the familial bond within the early Christian community. Paul and Silas’s visit to encourage them underscores the importance of mutual support and edification among Christians, a theme prevalent throughout Paul’s letters (1 Thessalonians 5:11,Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouragement was vital for the early church, often facing persecution and challenges. Then they left the city
After fulfilling their mission in Philippi, Paul and Silas departed, continuing their missionary journey. This departure signifies the transient nature of their ministry, as they were led by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel across various regions (Acts 13:2-4). Their leaving also reflects the strategic approach of establishing churches and then moving on, trusting the local believers to continue the work (Acts 14:21-23). Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulAn apostle and missionary, Paul is a central figure in the New Testament, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In Acts 16, he is in Philippi, having been imprisoned for casting out a spirit from a slave girl. 2. SilasA leader in the early church and companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. He was with Paul in prison and experienced the miraculous earthquake that led to their release. 3. LydiaA businesswoman and the first convert to Christianity in Europe. Her home in Philippi became a meeting place for the early church. 4. PhilippiA Roman colony in Macedonia, significant as the location of the first Christian church in Europe. It is where Paul and Silas were imprisoned and later released. 5. The BrothersRefers to the early Christian believers in Philippi, who gathered at Lydia's house for fellowship and encouragement. Teaching Points The Power of EncouragementPaul and Silas, despite their recent imprisonment, prioritize encouraging the believers. This highlights the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the Christian community. The Role of the Home in Early ChristianityLydia's house serves as a meeting place for believers, illustrating the significance of hospitality and the home as a center for worship and fellowship. Perseverance in MinistryPaul and Silas's actions demonstrate perseverance in ministry, even after facing persecution. Their commitment to the mission encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Community and FellowshipThe gathering at Lydia's house underscores the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian life, providing a model for modern believers to gather and support one another. Faith in ActionThe immediate return to ministry after their release from prison shows that faith is active and resilient, encouraging believers to continue serving God regardless of circumstances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 16:40?
2.How does Acts 16:40 demonstrate the importance of fellowship among believers?
3.What can we learn from Paul and Silas's actions in Acts 16:40?
4.How does Acts 16:40 connect to Hebrews 10:25 about gathering together?
5.How can we support fellow believers facing persecution, as seen in Acts 16:40?
6.What role does encouragement play in strengthening the church, according to Acts 16:40?
7.What does Acts 16:40 reveal about early Christian community support and fellowship?
8.How does Acts 16:40 illustrate the role of women in the early church?
9.Why did Paul and Silas visit Lydia's house after their release in Acts 16:40?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 16?
11.Why were Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi?
12.Who was Lydia in the Bible?
13.Philippians 4:2 names Euodia and Syntyche—where is the archaeological or extra-biblical evidence confirming their dispute?
14.In Acts 16:22-26, how could an earthquake open all the prison doors and unfasten everyone's chains without inflicting any apparent damage or injury?What Does Acts 16:40 Mean After Paul and Silas came out of the prison- God had just shaken the jail with an earthquake and opened every door (Acts 16:26). Their release is a literal demonstration ofPsalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” - They did not slip away secretly; they waited for public acknowledgment of their innocence (Acts 16:37-39). This models how believers may appeal to rightful authority while trusting the Lord’s vindication (Acts 25:10-11). - The scene reminds us that persecution never thwarts God’s plans (Acts 5:19-20); instead, it often becomes the platform for greater witness.
They went to Lydia’s house- Lydia, the first convert in Philippi, had opened her home earlier: “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house” (Acts 16:15). Her house now functions as the meeting place for the young church, just as Priscilla and Aquila’s home did in Rome (Romans 16:5). - This underscores the New Testament pattern of hospitable, house-based gatherings (Philemon 2), where fellowship grows in a family setting. - Lydia’s generosity also illustrates1 Peter 4:9: “Show hospitality to one another without complaining.”
To see the brothers- “Brothers” embraces the entire congregation—men and women united in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Paul and Silas make a deliberate pastoral visit before moving on. - Face-to-face presence matters. Paul later reminds the Thessalonians how he “longed to see you face to face” (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18). - Spiritual family ties are real and lasting, forged by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19); checking on one another is normal Christian life (Acts 14:21-22).
And encourage them- Fresh from miraculous deliverance, Paul and Silas share testimonies that spur faith (Psalm 66:16). - “Encourage” means strengthening hearts and urging perseverance, exactly what they did on earlier journeys (Acts 14:22). - The pattern continues throughout Paul’s ministry: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). - Notice the order: they encourage before departing, ensuring the believers are spiritually fortified for whatever opposition might follow (Philippians 1:29-30).
Then they left the city- Having confirmed the fledgling church is stable, the missionaries move on to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). This shows a balance of care and mission momentum (2 Timothy 2:2). - Departure is not abandonment; it entrusts the church to God’s ongoing grace (Acts 20:32) and to local leadership the apostles had cultivated. - Their exit also fulfills Jesus’ instruction to carry the gospel from place to place when a season of ministry closes (Matthew 10:23).
SummaryActs 16:40 reveals a fourfold rhythm: God rescues His servants, believers gather in hospitable homes, leaders personally strengthen the flock, and the mission advances to new fields. The verse models confident trust in God’s deliverance, the warmth of Christian community, the necessity of encouragement, and the forward drive of the Great Commission—all practical patterns for today’s church. (40) They comforted them, and departed.--Lydia's house appears to have been the meeting-place of the brethren, as well as the lodging of the Apostle and his party. As the third person is now resumed, we may infer that St. Luke remained at Philippi, Timothy accompanying the other two. It would seem from Acts 20:2 that the Evangelist made Philippi the centre of his evangelising work for many years. Under the care of the beloved physician, the good work went on, and we may probably trace to his influence, and to Lydia's kindness, the generous help which was sent to St. Paul once and again when he was at Thessalonica ( Philippians 4:15-16), and, probably, at Corinth also ( 2Corinthians 11:9). Long years afterwards he cherished a grateful memory of the men and women who had laboured with him at Philippi. Among these we may think of the Clement, of whom he thus speaks, possibly identical with the Flavius Clemens, who occupies a prominent position among the apostolic fathers, and was traditionally the third Bishop of Rome. (See, however, Note on Philippians 4:3.) Verse 40. -Departed;i.e. from Philippi, according to the magistrates' request in ver. 39. This is much clearer in the T.R. and A.V. than in the Revised Text and Version, because the same word,ἐξελθεῖν, is used in both places. The R.T. in ver. 39 -ἀπελθεῖνἀπὸ destroys the reference, and rather suggests that they merely" went out "of Lydia's house, which they had "entered into." It appears from the first verse ofActs 17. ("they had passed," etc.) that St. Luke stopped at Philippi, and probably made it his head-quarters till St. Paul's last journey from Macedonia to Jerusalem, some six or seven years later (Acts 20:6). What became of Timothy we are not expressly told, only we find him at Beroea inActs 17:14 and1 Thessalonians 3:5; and at Corinth (1 Thessalonians 1:1;2 Thessalonians 1:1;1 Thessalonians 3:6). Probably he accompanied St. Paul, but is not named, being still only a subordinate person in the mission.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek After [Paul and Silas] came
ἐξελθόντες(exelthontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.
out of
ἀπὸ(apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.
the
τῆς(tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
prison,
φυλακῆς(phylakēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5438:From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.
they went
εἰσῆλθον(eisēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1525:To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.
to
πρὸς(pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.
Lydia’s house
Λυδίαν(Lydian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3070:Properly, feminine of Ludios; Lydia, a Christian woman: -Lydia.
to see
ἰδόντες(idontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.
the
τοὺς(tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
brothers
ἀδελφοὺς(adelphous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.
and encourage [them].
παρεκάλεσαν(parekalesan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3870:From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.
Then
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.
they left [ the city ].
ἐξῆλθαν(exēlthan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.
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NT Apostles: Acts 16:40 They went out of the prison (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
