Acts 16:38

KJV

And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the serjeants {G4465} told {G312} these {G5023} words {G4487} unto the magistrates {G4755}: and {G2532} they feared {G5399}, when they heard {G191} that {G3754} they were {G1526} Romans {G4514}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The officers reported these words to the judges, who became frightened when they heard that Sha’ul and Sila were Roman citizens.

Berean Standard Bible

So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

American Standard Version

And the serjeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:38 vividly portrays the immediate and profound shift in the Philippian magistrates' demeanor upon learning that Paul and Silas, whom they had unjustly beaten and imprisoned, were Roman citizens. This revelation instilled fear in the officials, highlighting the significant legal protections afforded by Roman citizenship and the severe repercussions for those in authority who violated such rights. The verse underscores a pivotal moment where divine providence utilized Paul's civil status to bring about a public vindication for the apostles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a dramatic sequence in Philippi. Paul and Silas had been falsely accused by slave owners whose financial interests were threatened by the apostles' ministry (specifically, the exorcism of a spirit from a fortune-telling girl in [Acts 16:16-18](/acts/16-16-18 "Acts 16:16-18 - Paul and the Soothsayer")). Without a proper trial, they were severely beaten and thrown into the inner prison, their feet fastened in the stocks ([Acts 16:22-24](/acts/16-22-24 "Acts 16:22-24 - Paul and Silas Imprisoned")). A miraculous earthquake then occurred, opening all prison doors and loosening everyone's bonds, leading to the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his entire household ([Acts 16:25-34](/acts/16-25-34 "Acts 16:25-34 - The Philippian Jailer's Conversion")). The magistrates, perhaps hearing of the disturbance or simply wishing to avoid further trouble, sent their lictors (serjeants) to quietly release Paul and Silas. However, Paul, asserting his rights, refused a clandestine departure, demanding a public escort because they had been beaten and imprisoned "uncondemned, being Romans" ([Acts 16:37](/acts/16-37 "Acts 16:37 - Paul's Assertion of Roman Citizenship")). Acts 16:38 then describes the lictors reporting Paul's declaration to the magistrates, leading to their immediate fear.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a Roman colony, founded by Augustus, and its citizens enjoyed the same rights and privileges as those in Rome itself. Roman citizenship was a highly prized status, offering significant legal protections, including immunity from arbitrary arrest, scourging without trial (the *Lex Porcia* and *Lex Sempronia*), and the right of appeal to Caesar (*provocatio*). Violating these rights was a grave offense, carrying severe penalties for the offending magistrate, potentially including fines, demotion, or even execution. The "serjeants" (Greek: *rhabdouchoi*) were lictors, Roman officials who served as bodyguards and enforcers for magistrates, carrying the *fasces* (a bundle of rods, sometimes with an axe) as symbols of their authority to inflict corporal punishment and capital punishment. The "magistrates" (Greek: *stratēgoi*) were the *duoviri* or *praetors*, chief civic officials in a Roman colony, wielding considerable judicial and administrative power. Their fear was not of Paul or Silas personally, but of the legal and political repercussions from Rome for their illegal actions.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in [Acts 16](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul's Second Missionary Journey") and the broader book of Acts. One prominent theme is the **Providence of God** in protecting His servants and advancing His kingdom, even through seemingly adverse circumstances. The earthquake and the subsequent assertion of Roman citizenship are both instruments in God's hand to ensure the apostles' safety and to legitimize their ministry in Philippi. Another theme is the **Assertion of Rights for the Gospel's Sake**. Paul, though willing to suffer for Christ, was not a passive victim. He strategically utilized his legal status as a Roman citizen, not for personal comfort, but to expose injustice and create a more favorable environment for the spread of the gospel, as seen again in [Acts 22:25-29](/acts/22-25-29 "Acts 22:25-29 - Paul's Roman Citizenship Saves Him from Scourging") and [Acts 25:10-12](/acts/25-10-12 "Acts 25:10-12 - Paul Appeals to Caesar"). This highlights the tension and interplay between Christian submission and the responsible use of civil liberties. Finally, the passage underscores the **Consequences of Abusing Authority**, as the magistrates' initial arrogance and unlawful actions quickly turn into fear and capitulation when confronted with the legal reality of their victims' status.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **serjeants (Greek, _rhabdoûchos'_):** From *rhabdos* (rod) and *echō* (to have/hold), literally "rod-holder." These were Roman lictors, officials who attended magistrates, carrying the *fasces* (bundles of rods, sometimes with an axe) as symbols of their authority to inflict corporal punishment and execute sentences. Their role was to enforce the magistrates' commands, making their report to the magistrates particularly significant as they were the very ones who had carried out the unjust beating.
* **magistrates (Greek, _stratēgós'_):** From the base of *stratiá* (army) and *agō* (to lead) or *hēgéomai* (to lead). This term refers to a general or, by implication, a military governor or praetor. In the context of a Roman colony like Philippi, these were the chief civic officials, often two in number (*duoviri*), who held considerable judicial and administrative power. Their position made their fear a powerful indicator of the gravity of their transgression.
* **feared (Greek, _phobéō'_):** From *phobos* (fear). This verb signifies to be frightened or alarmed, but also, by analogy, to be in awe of or revere. In this context, it clearly denotes alarm and dread. The magistrates' fear was not a spiritual reverence but a very practical, self-preserving terror of the severe legal and political repercussions they faced for having violated the rights of Roman citizens.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates:"** This clause describes the immediate action taken by the lictors. Having been sent by the magistrates to quietly release Paul and Silas, they encountered Paul's firm refusal to leave without a public escort, coupled with his declaration of Roman citizenship. This "telling of these words" was not a mere report but a relaying of a grave legal challenge that directly implicated the magistrates in a serious offense against Roman law. The lictors, as enforcers of the law, understood the weight of Paul's statement and the potential consequences for their superiors.
* **"and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans."** This second clause reveals the profound and immediate reaction of the magistrates. The conjunction "and" (G2532, *kai*) emphasizes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between hearing Paul's status and their emotional state. Their fear (G5399, *phobéō*) was not a spiritual conviction but a pragmatic terror of the legal repercussions. Roman citizenship conferred inviolable rights, and to have beaten and imprisoned Roman citizens without trial was a capital offense for a Roman official. This fear underscores the immense power and privilege associated with Roman citizenship and the magistrates' sudden realization of the catastrophic legal and political jeopardy they had placed themselves in.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Irony**, as the very officials who wielded authority and inflicted injustice suddenly find themselves in a position of fear and vulnerability. Their initial arrogance in beating and imprisoning Paul and Silas "uncondemned" ([Acts 16:37](/acts/16-37 "Acts 16:37 - Paul's Assertion of Rights")) is ironically reversed when they realize the legal implications of their actions. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the public humiliation inflicted upon Paul and Silas and the private, yet profound, fear that grips the magistrates. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Paul's strategic use of his Roman citizenship here anticipates similar appeals and protections later in Acts, such as his appeal to Caesar in [Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Acts 25:11 - Paul Appeals to Caesar"), demonstrating a recurring pattern of divine protection and strategic engagement with the Roman legal system for the advancement of the gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:38 serves as a powerful reminder that God's providence extends to the mundane and the legal, orchestrating events to protect His servants and advance His kingdom. While Paul and Silas were unjustly persecuted, God used Paul's civil status to turn a private release into a public vindication, demonstrating that even earthly laws and authorities can be instruments in His sovereign plan. This event also highlights the ethical responsibility of those in authority to uphold justice and due process, and the severe consequences of abusing power. For believers, it underscores the principle of discerning when to suffer passively and when to assert one's rights, always with the ultimate goal of glorifying God and advancing the gospel.
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-14](/1_peter/2-13-14 "1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submission to Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:38 offers profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those involving injustice and persecution. He can use unexpected means, like Paul's Roman citizenship, to protect His people and further His purposes. This should instill in us a deep trust in His unfailing providence, even when circumstances seem dire. Secondly, Paul's actions provide a model for how believers might navigate legal and civil systems. He did not passively accept injustice when a rightful appeal to law could serve the gospel. This encourages us to be informed about our civil liberties and, when appropriate, to use lawful means to address injustice, not for personal gain or revenge, but for the sake of truth, righteousness, and the advancement of God's kingdom. It also serves as a sobering warning to those in positions of authority about the accountability for their actions, reminding us that all power is ultimately derived from God and will be judged by Him. We are called to pray for those in authority ([1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for All People")) and to live as responsible citizens, while always remembering our ultimate allegiance is to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the magistrates' fear in Acts 16:38 challenge or confirm your understanding of earthly power and divine sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might a believer today, like Paul, strategically use their civil rights or legal standing to advance the gospel or uphold justice, without compromising their Christian witness?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of integrity and due process for those in positions of authority, both secular and spiritual?**

### FAQ

**Why was Roman citizenship so important, and why did it make the magistrates fear?**

Answer: Roman citizenship was immensely important because it conferred specific legal protections and privileges throughout the Roman Empire. These included immunity from arbitrary arrest, the right to a fair trial, protection from scourging (beating with rods) without a conviction, and the right to appeal one's case directly to the Emperor in Rome. For the Philippian magistrates, their fear stemmed from the realization that they had severely violated these fundamental rights of Paul and Silas. Beating and imprisoning Roman citizens "uncondemned" ([Acts 16:37](/acts/16-37 "Acts 16:37 - Paul's Assertion of Rights")) was a serious crime that could lead to severe penalties for the magistrates themselves, including fines, demotion, or even execution by the Roman authorities. Their fear was a practical, self-preserving response to the grave legal and political jeopardy they now faced.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:38, while detailing an earthly legal confrontation, subtly points to the ultimate authority and vindication found in Christ. Paul, though a Roman citizen, was first and foremost a citizen of heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). His assertion of earthly rights, while effective, foreshadows the superior and eternal rights granted to those who are "in Christ." While the Philippian magistrates feared earthly repercussions, the ultimate fear should be reserved for God, who has the power to destroy both soul and body in hell ([Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")). Jesus Himself, the King of kings, submitted to unjust earthly authority, allowing Himself to be scourged and crucified without asserting His divine rights ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted"); [John 19:10-11](/john/19-10-11 "John 19:10-11 - Jesus' Authority Over Pilate")). Yet, His submission led to His ultimate vindication through resurrection, conquering sin and death and establishing His eternal kingdom ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God"); [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Paul's temporary earthly protection, secured by human law, pales in comparison to the eternal security and perfect justice believers receive through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. We are called to live as ambassadors of a greater kingdom ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), trusting in the Lord's ultimate triumph over all injustice and evil, a triumph already secured at the cross and guaranteed at His return ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 22:29

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.

Matthew 14:5

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Matthew 21:46

But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.