36. The jailer reported this order to Paul by saying, “The officials have sent word to release you. So you can leave peacefully now.”
37. But Paul told the guards, “Roman officials have had us beaten publicly without a trial and have thrown us in jail, even though we’re Roman citizens. Now are they going to throw us out secretly? There’s no way they’re going to get away with that! Have them escort us out!”
38. The guards reported to the officials what Paul had said. When the Roman officials heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were afraid.
39. So the officials went to the jail and apologized to Paul and Silas. As the officials escorted Paul and Silas out of the jail, they asked them to leave the city.
40. After Paul and Silas left the jail, they went to Lydia’s house. They met with the believers, encouraged them, and then left.