Acts 16 37

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.

Acts 16:37 nkjv

But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out."

Acts 16:37 niv

But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."

Acts 16:37 esv

But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out."

Acts 16:37 nlt

But Paul replied, "They have publicly beaten us without a trial and put us in prison ? and we are Roman citizens. So now they want us to leave secretly? Certainly not! Let them come themselves to release us!"

Acts 16 verses

Acts 16 37 Meaning

The imprisoned apostles, Paul and Silas, are affirmed by the Roman magistrates as free men. The magistrates, having illegally scourged and imprisoned them without a trial, now recognize their Roman citizenship. They are released, but the apology and recognition come with a directive for them to leave the city, rather than a request for them to stay.

Acts 16 37 Context

This verse follows a dramatic series of events in Philippi. Paul and Silas had healed a demon-possessed slave girl, whose owners, seeing their profit motive gone, stirred up a riot against the apostles. The local magistrates, without proper judicial process, had them beaten with rods and thrown into the inner prison, with their feet secured in the stocks (Acts 16:22-24). A violent earthquake then miraculously opened the prison doors and loosened the chains (Acts 16:26). The jailer, fearing retribution, was about to kill himself but was stopped by Paul, who assured him that all the prisoners were still there. The jailer, convinced by Paul's actions and words, believed in Jesus along with his entire household, leading to their baptism (Acts 16:27-34). Upon realizing the jail was open and the prisoners, including Paul and Silas, were unharmed and still present, the magistrates, now possibly fearing repercussions from a higher authority for their unlawful actions, sent police to tell Paul and Silas to leave the city. This verse marks the departure of Paul and Silas from Philippi.

Acts 16 37 Word Analysis

• But (δε - de): A coordinating conjunction, introducing a contrast or a change in thought. Here, it marks the magistrates' response after the earthquake and the jailer's conversion.

• when day came (επαυριον - epaurion): Literally "upon the morrow" or "the next day." It signifies the morning following the night of the earthquake.

• the magistrates (οι στρατηγοι - hoi strategoi): The word refers to the chief officers or magistrates of Philippi, who held significant political and judicial power. They were often referred to as "strategoi" in Greek cities, a term corresponding to Roman duumviri.

• sent the police (τοπατρικος - to patrismos): This translates to "the lictors" or "officers," who were attendants who carried the fasces, symbols of magisterial authority and power, and executed their commands.

• the police (λατιν. lictores, ελλην. ῥαβδοφόροι - rhabdophoroi): The term indicates officials responsible for carrying out the magistrates' orders, including arrests and executions. The Greek "rhabdophoroi" literally means "rod-bearers," referring to the rods within the fasces, symbolizing judicial authority and power to punish.

• saying (λεγοντες - legontes): Present participle, indicating that the message was spoken or conveyed.

• let these men go (αφετε τους ανθρωπους εκεινους - aphete tous anthropous ekeinous): A command or a directive. "Aphete" is the aorist imperative of the verb "aphiemi," meaning "to let go," "release," or "forgive."

• let go (αφετε - aphete): "Release." This word, often used for forgiveness of sins, here refers to physical liberation from prison.

• these men (τους ανθρωπους εκεινους - tous anthropous ekeinous): Refers to Paul and Silas.

• the jailer (τον δεσμωτην - ton desmoteen): The custodian of the prison.

• your charge (την εφεσινην φυλακην - ten ephesenen phulaken): "Your prison," implying the prison they were being kept in under the jailer's care. This might also be interpreted as "the supervision your office holds."

• that these men may be released (ως εχειν εξελασθηναι - hos ekhein exelasthenai): The purpose of the magistrates' instruction. "Exelasthenai" means to be sent out or expelled.

• word group: "let these men go, your jailer, that these men may be released." This phrase signifies the order from the magistrates for the jailer to free Paul and Silas. The phrase highlights the authorities acknowledging their error by releasing them.

Acts 16 37 Bonus Section

The magistrates’ request for Paul and Silas to leave the city reflects a concern for maintaining civil order and avoiding further trouble, rather than an apology stemming from remorse for their illegal actions. Their motive was to distance themselves from the disturbance the apostles' presence had caused, especially after the public revelation of their mistreatment of Roman citizens. This instance showcases the intersection of Roman law, Roman citizenship, and the burgeoning Christian faith, highlighting Paul's strategic use of his rights as a Roman citizen (though not explicitly mentioned here, it's implied from earlier events like being stretched out for the whips in Acts 22:25). The Roman magistrates' fear of "the earthquake," rather than recognizing God's hand, is a common theme of unbelievers responding to divine power.

Acts 16 37 Commentary

The magistrates, having acted with undue haste and cruelty, were likely informed of Paul and Silas's Roman citizenship. Under Roman law, Roman citizens could not be scourged or imprisoned without a fair trial. Their actions, therefore, constituted a grave offense against Roman law. The earthquake, coupled with the jailer's profound spiritual transformation and confession of faith, probably alerted the magistrates to the unusual spiritual power associated with Paul and Silas, making them fearful of divine retribution or further political ramifications if they continued to mistreat them. Their directive for the apostles to leave Philippi was an attempt to resolve the situation quickly and quietly, avoiding accountability for their illegal actions while also removing the cause of their discomfiture. This demonstrates how God can use even secular authorities and unexpected events to advance His purposes and protect His servants.