16:36a–b

The magistrates have sent orders to release you: This clause in Greek is literally “The magistrates have sent that you(plur) be released.” For example:

The magistrates have sent to let you go (Revised Standard Version)

The magistrates ordered the jailer to release both Paul and Silas. The jailer told this message to Paul. Since English uses the same pronoun for you(sing) and you(plur), many English versions translate similarly to the New International Version for the correct meaning. For example:

The officials have sent an order for you and Silas to be released (Good News Translation)

In many languages the pronoun you(plur) is different than the pronoun you(sing), so a literal translation would be clear.

16:36c

Now you may go on your way in peace: The Greek words are literally “Having gone out, go in peace.” Leaving the prison introduces the main point of what the jailer wanted to say to Paul. He wanted him to go on his way in peace. For example:

Leaving here, go in peace.

But a literal translation of the Greek words is not very natural in English. So many English versions translate without using a verb ending in “-ing.” For example:

You may leave, then, and go in peace. (Good News Translation)

go on your way in peace: This refers to leaving the prison. This clause is the jailer’s own message to Paul and Silas. It was a common farewell expression. The jailer wanted God to grant peace to Paul.

in peace: See the similar phrase in 15:33.

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