Acts 16:37

KJV

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Paul {G3972} said {G5346} unto {G4314} them {G846}, They have beaten {G1194} us {G2248} openly {G1219} uncondemned {G178}, being {G5225} Romans {G4514}{G444}, and have cast {G906} us into {G1519} prison {G5438}; and {G2532} now {G3568} do they thrust {G1544} us {G2248} out {G1544} privily {G2977}? nay {G3756} verily {G1063}; but {G235} let them come {G2064} themselves {G846} and fetch {G1806} us {G2248} out {G1806}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Sha’ul said to the officers, “After flogging us in public when we hadn’t been convicted of any crime and are Roman citizens, they threw us in prison. Now they want to get rid of us secretly? Oh, no! Let them come and escort us out themselves!”

Berean Standard Bible

But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”

American Standard Version

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison; and do they now cast us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:37 captures the apostle Paul's resolute refusal to accept a quiet, clandestine release from prison in Philippi, where he and Silas had been unjustly beaten and imprisoned. As a Roman citizen, Paul asserted his legal rights, demanding that the city magistrates, who had unlawfully inflicted public punishment without trial, personally escort them out. This demand was not merely for personal vindication but a strategic move to uphold the integrity of the gospel message and ensure public acknowledgment of the authorities' wrongdoing, thereby protecting the nascent Christian community in Philippi.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Paul's second missionary journey, specifically during his ministry in Philippi. Immediately preceding this, Paul and Silas had been instrumental in the conversion of Lydia, a prominent businesswoman, and had cast out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, which angered her owners. These owners instigated a riot, leading to Paul and Silas being seized, brought before the magistrates, and without due process, severely beaten with rods and thrown into the inner prison, their feet fastened in stocks (see [Acts 16:16-24](/acts/16-16-24 "Acts 16:16-24 - Paul and Silas in Philippi")). A miraculous earthquake then shook the prison, opening the doors and loosening chains, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household (as detailed in [Acts 16:25-34](/acts/16-25-34 "Acts 16:25-34 - The Philippian Jailer's Conversion")). The magistrates, upon learning of the earthquake and perhaps fearing further divine intervention or public unrest, sent officers to quietly release Paul and Silas. Paul's response in [Acts 16:37](/acts/16-37 "Acts 16:37 - Paul Demands Public Vindication") directly challenges this attempt to sweep their injustice under the rug, setting the stage for a public demonstration of their innocence and the authorities' culpability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, a city established with Roman law and customs, and its citizens enjoyed specific rights and privileges. Central among these was the *Lex Valeria* (509 BC) and *Lex Porcia* (195 BC), which strictly prohibited the beating or scourging of a Roman citizen without a proper trial and condemnation. Furthermore, a Roman citizen could not be imprisoned without a formal charge and hearing, nor could they be condemned to death without the right of appeal to Caesar. The magistrates' actions—publicly beating and imprisoning Paul and Silas, who were Roman citizens, "uncondemned"—were a grave violation of Roman law. Their attempt to "thrust us out privily" (secretly) reveals their awareness of their unlawful conduct and their desire to avoid public embarrassment or legal repercussions from Rome. Paul's assertion of his citizenship was not a trivial matter; it was a powerful legal and social leverage point in a society that highly valued *dignitas* (honor) and *fama* (reputation).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **assertion of legal rights** by believers in the face of injustice, demonstrating that while Christians are called to suffer for Christ, there are times when it is appropriate and strategic to utilize legal protections. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **public witness and vindication**. Paul's demand for a public escort ensures that the authorities acknowledge their error, thereby protecting the reputation of the gospel and the nascent Christian community in Philippi from false accusations or the perception of guilt. Thirdly, it speaks to **apostolic authority and integrity**. Paul's firm stand maintains the dignity of his calling and prevents the undermining of his message. This incident also subtly showcases **divine providence**, as God's timing and Paul's wisdom combine to turn a moment of persecution into an opportunity for the gospel's advancement and the establishment of the church on firm ground, as seen in the broader narrative of [Acts 16](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul's Second Missionary Journey").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **uncondemned (Greek, _akatákritos'_):** This word (G178) means "without (legal) trial." Its use here is crucial, emphasizing that Paul and Silas were subjected to a severe public beating and imprisonment without any formal legal process, charge, or judgment. This was a direct and egregious violation of Roman law, which guaranteed citizens the right to a fair trial before punishment. Paul's use of this term underscores the absolute illegality and injustice of the magistrates' actions.
* **openly (Greek, _dēmósios'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "public" (G1219), this adverb means "in public." Paul explicitly states that they were beaten "openly," highlighting the public nature of their humiliation and the authorities' brazen disregard for legal procedure. The public nature of the beating made the violation even more severe, as it inflicted not only physical harm but also public shame and dishonor, which was deeply significant in Roman culture.
* **privily (Greek, _láthra'_):** This adverb (G2977) means "privately" or "secretly." It stands in stark contrast to "openly." The magistrates' attempt to release Paul and Silas "privily" reveals their desire to avoid public scrutiny, embarrassment, and potential legal repercussions for their unlawful actions. Paul's refusal to accept a secret release was a strategic move to force a public acknowledgment of their innocence and the authorities' guilt, thereby protecting the integrity of the Christian community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Paul said unto them":** This phrase marks a decisive turning point. Up to this point, Paul and Silas had endured the injustice silently, even singing hymns in prison. Now, Paul, perhaps prompted by divine wisdom or the opportune moment, speaks with authority and resolve, directly addressing the officers sent by the magistrates.
* **"They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison":** This is Paul's powerful indictment. He lays out the three key violations: (1) "beaten us openly" – public physical abuse; (2) "uncondemned" – without any legal trial or conviction; and (3) "being Romans" – a direct violation of their protected status as Roman citizens. The addition of "and have cast [us] into prison" further compounds the list of illegal actions, emphasizing the sustained nature of the injustice.
* **"and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.":** This is a rhetorical question followed by a firm refusal and a counter-demand. Paul highlights the absurdity and hypocrisy of the magistrates' attempt to secretly dismiss them after such public and unlawful treatment. The "nay verily" (Greek: *ou gar*, "no indeed") is a strong negation. Paul's demand, "let them come themselves and fetch us out," is a direct challenge to the magistrates. It requires them to publicly acknowledge their wrongdoing, humble themselves, and personally escort Paul and Silas, thereby restoring their honor and affirming their innocence in the eyes of the Philippian populace.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 16:37 employs several potent literary devices to convey Paul's indignation and strategic resolve. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "and now do they thrust us out privily?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to underscore the absurdity and profound injustice of the magistrates' actions. It highlights the stark contrast between the public, unlawful punishment and the desire for a secret, unceremonious dismissal. This rhetorical device effectively communicates Paul's moral outrage and exposes the authorities' hypocrisy. Closely related is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, evident in the juxtaposition of "openly" (dēmósios) and "privily" (láthra), and the implicit contrast between "uncondemned" and the severe punishment received. This contrast emphasizes the blatant disregard for justice and due process. Finally, the verse is characterized by **Assertion** and **Imperative Mood**. Paul's declaration of their Roman citizenship and his demand ("let them come themselves and fetch us out") are not pleas but firm, authoritative statements, demonstrating his resolve and the weight of his legal standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's actions in Acts 16:37 are deeply rooted in a theology that balances submission to earthly authorities with a righteous demand for justice, particularly when the honor of God and the integrity of the gospel are at stake. While Christians are often called to suffer patiently for Christ's sake, Paul's example demonstrates that wisdom dictates when to leverage legal and social structures to protect the church and advance the Kingdom. His concern was not merely personal comfort or pride, but the public witness of the gospel in Philippi. A quiet release would have left the impression that Paul and Silas were indeed criminals, undermining their message and potentially exposing the new believers to further persecution. By demanding public vindication, Paul ensured that the authorities, and by extension the city, recognized the injustice and the blamelessness of the Christian message. This act served to establish the church in Philippi on a foundation of integrity and truth, demonstrating that God's servants, though persecuted, are not lawbreakers but upholders of righteousness.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority and Freedom")
* [Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Conduct Worthy of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's resolute stand in Acts 16:37 offers profound lessons for believers navigating injustice and persecution today. It challenges the simplistic notion that Christians must always passively endure every wrong. Instead, Paul demonstrates a Spirit-led wisdom that discerns when to suffer silently and when to strategically assert one's rights for the greater good of the gospel. His primary motivation was not personal vindication for pride's sake, but the protection of the burgeoning Christian community in Philippi and the safeguarding of the gospel's reputation. Allowing a secret release would have tacitly affirmed their guilt and left the Philippian church vulnerable to continued harassment and misunderstanding. Therefore, believers are called to cultivate a similar discernment: to endure suffering with grace, but also to courageously and wisely use all legitimate means available to them—legal, social, or otherwise—to defend the truth, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that the name of Christ is not slandered or diminished. Our actions, even in the face of adversity, must consistently bear witness to the integrity and power of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what circumstances might it be appropriate for believers to assert their legal or civil rights, rather than passively enduring injustice?**
* **How does Paul's concern for the reputation of the gospel in Philippi inform our own conduct when facing public scrutiny or false accusations?**
* **What balance should believers strike between submitting to authorities and challenging their unlawful actions, particularly when the integrity of the Christian witness is at stake?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Paul reveal his Roman citizenship earlier, before being beaten and imprisoned?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state Paul's reasons for not revealing his Roman citizenship earlier, but several plausible explanations are often put forth by scholars. One common theory is **divine timing and purpose**. Paul may have intentionally withheld this information to allow God to demonstrate His miraculous power through the earthquake and the subsequent conversion of the jailer and his household. This dramatic display of God's intervention served as a powerful testimony to both the authorities and the Philippian populace, setting the stage for Paul's later, strategic assertion of his rights. Had he revealed his citizenship immediately, the magistrates might have avoided the public beating and imprisonment, thus preventing the miraculous events that led to the jailer's salvation. Another possibility is that Paul was **waiting for the opportune moment** to maximize the impact of his citizenship. By allowing the magistrates to commit a clear and public violation of Roman law, Paul created a situation where their guilt was undeniable, forcing them into a position of public humiliation and accountability. This ensured that the vindication of Paul and Silas, and by extension the gospel, was equally public and undeniable, establishing a stronger foundation for the nascent Christian community in Philippi. Paul's actions here, and later in [Acts 22:25](/acts/22-25 "Acts 22:25 - Paul's Roman Citizenship") and [Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Acts 25:11 - Paul Appeals to Caesar"), demonstrate his shrewd use of his legal status as a tool for the advancement of the gospel, not merely for personal comfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Paul, as a Roman citizen, strategically asserted his legal rights in Acts 16:37, his actions, when viewed through a Christ-centered lens, ultimately serve to advance the kingdom of a Lord who himself submitted to profound injustice. Jesus, the perfect embodiment of righteousness, did not assert His divine rights or appeal to earthly laws when faced with false accusations and an unjust trial. Instead, He silently endured the beatings, the mockery, and the crucifixion, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering servant who would be led "like a lamb to the slaughter" and would "not open his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). Before Pilate, Jesus refused to defend Himself, demonstrating a radical humility and obedience to His Father's will that ultimately secured salvation for humanity ([Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Paul's actions in Philippi, though seemingly contrasting with Christ's passive submission, are nonetheless rooted in the same ultimate mission: the advancement of the gospel. Paul's goal was not personal pride, but to protect the integrity of the Christian witness and ensure the gospel's unhindered proclamation, echoing Christ's own declaration that His kingdom is "not of this world" yet still engaging with earthly authorities to achieve divine purposes ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Thus, Paul's strategic use of his citizenship, while different in method from Christ's path of suffering, ultimately serves the same redemptive purpose: to clear the way for the message of Christ to be preached freely and without reproach ([Acts 28:31](/acts/28-31 "Acts 28:31 - Paul Preaching Freely")), reflecting the humility and mission-focused obedience exemplified by Christ himself ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 22:25

And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Acts 22:29

Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Acts 16:20

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

Acts 16:24

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Daniel 3:25

He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Daniel 3:26

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, [and] spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come [hither]. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.