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Acts 16:38

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Acts 16:38 records the immediate and significant reaction of the Philippian magistrates when they learned that Paul and Silas, whom they had unjustly beaten and imprisoned, were Roman citizens. This verse highlights the legal and social implications of Roman citizenship in the ancient world.

Context

This verse follows a dramatic series of events in Philippi. Paul and Silas had been arrested, severely beaten without trial, and thrown into prison on false charges (Acts 16:22-24). After a miraculous earthquake that opened the prison doors and led to the conversion of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:31-34), the magistrates sent their officers, the "serjeants," to release them quietly. However, Paul, knowing their rights had been violated, refused to leave without a public escort, declaring, "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." This verse, Acts 16:38, describes the serjeants relaying this powerful statement to their superiors.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Roman Citizenship: In the Roman Empire, citizenship conferred significant legal protections and privileges. To beat or imprison a Roman citizen without a fair trial was a serious offense, punishable by law. This status was a powerful tool Paul utilized for the advancement of the Gospel and the protection of his rights, as seen also in Acts 22:25-29.
  • Fear of Authority and Legal Ramifications: The magistrates' fear was not spiritual, but practical. They understood the severe consequences of their actions. Violating the rights of a Roman citizen could lead to their own demotion, fines, or even execution. Their immediate reaction was to mitigate the damage.
  • Divine Vindication: Though unjustly treated, Paul and Silas were ultimately vindicated. God used their legal standing to turn a private release into a public acknowledgment of their innocence, further legitimizing their ministry in the eyes of the Philippians.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "serjeants" translates the Greek word rhabdouchoi (ῥαβδοῦχοι), which literally means "rod-bearers." These were lictors, Roman officials who attended magistrates, carrying fasces (bundles of rods with an axe) as symbols of their authority to inflict corporal punishment and execute sentences. Their role was to enforce the magistrates' commands. The "magistrates" themselves were stratēgoi (στρατηγοί), chief civic officials in a Roman colony like Philippi, wielding considerable judicial and administrative power.

Practical Application

Acts 16:38 reminds us of the importance of justice and due process. Even in the face of persecution, Paul understood and asserted his legal rights. This can be an encouragement for believers today to understand their civil liberties and to use lawful means to address injustices, not for personal gain, but for the sake of truth and the advancement of God's purposes. It also serves as a warning against the abuse of power and the lasting consequences of unlawful actions, even for those in authority.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 22:29 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Matthew 21:46 (2 votes)

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