And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, х tous (G3588) rabdouchous (G4465)] - 'rod-bearers;' 'lictors' was their technical name:
Saying, Let those men go. The cause of this change can only be conjectured. When the commotion ceased, reflection would soon convince them of the injustice they had done, even supposing the prisoners had been entitled to no special privileges; and if rumour reached them that the prisoners were somehow under supernatural protection, they might be the more awed into a desire to get rid of them.