Acts 16:35-40 - Paul And Silas Receive An Official Apology

35 In the morning the praetors sent their lictors with the order, "Release those men."

36 So the jailer brought Paul word, saying, "The praetors have sent orders for you to be released. Now therefore you can go, and proceed on your way in peace."

37 But Paul said to them, "After cruelly beating us in public, without trial, Roman citizens though we are, they have thrown us into prison, and are they now going to send us away privately? No, indeed! Let them come in person and fetch us out."

38 This answer the lictors took back to the praetors, who were alarmed when they were told that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 39 Accordingly they came and apologized to them; and, bringing them out, asked them to leave the city. 40 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.