Acts 16:38 kjv
And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
Acts 16:38 nkjv
And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.
Acts 16:38 niv
The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed.
Acts 16:38 esv
The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens.
Acts 16:38 nlt
When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.
Acts 16 38 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 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?" | Roman citizenship rights protected |
| Acts 22:29 | "Then straightway he departed from him which should have tried him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after that he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him." | Fear of legal consequences |
| Philippians 1:1 | "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" | Paul's ministry in Philippi |
| Romans 13:1-7 | "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers..." | Respect for governing authorities |
| 1 Peter 2:13-17 | "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake..." | Submission to earthly rulers |
| Exodus 22:28 | "Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people." | Honor for rulers |
| Deuteronomy 1:16 | "And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear ye between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him." | Just judgment |
| Proverbs 24:11-12 | "If thou forbear to deliver them that are ready to be slain, and them that are appointed to death..." | Justice for the oppressed |
| Isaiah 10:1-2 | "Woe unto them that decree wicked decrees, and that write grievousness which I have prescribed..." | Judgment against unjust rulers |
| Matthew 5:25-26 | "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him..." | Avoiding conflict where possible |
| Acts 18:15 | "And if a question arise of words and names and of your law, look ye to it..." | Roman legal jurisdiction |
| Acts 16:20 | "And they brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city..." | Initial accusation against Paul & Silas |
| Acts 16:22 | "And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them." | Illegal beating |
| 2 Corinthians 11:25 | "Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck..." | Paul's suffering for the gospel |
| Colossians 3:25 | "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done; and there is no respect of persons." | Divine justice |
| John 18:36 | "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world..." | Kingdom of God not worldly |
| 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 | "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust..." | Using secular courts |
| Psalm 94:4-6 | "How long shall they execute judgment, and not refrain? they spill blood..." | Judgment against the wicked |
| Jeremiah 22:3 | "Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor..." | Call for justice |
| Romans 13:4 | "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain..." | Role of governing authorities |
Acts 16 verses
Acts 16 38 Meaning
The magistrates, having acknowledged the mistreatment of Paul and Silas and the error of their actions by striking them without a trial, requested them to depart from the city of Philippi. This indicates a reversal of their initial hostile actions, prompted by the revelation of their Roman citizenship and the potential legal repercussions.
Acts 16 38 Context
Following the miraculous deliverance of Paul and Silas from the Philippian jail, where an earthquake shook the prison and unlattened the doors, the jailer and his household were converted. The jailer, seeing the prisoners still in their cells, was overcome with awe and recognized the divine power at work. He and his family were baptized. The next morning, the magistrates learned that the prisoners they had beaten and imprisoned were Roman citizens. This realization prompted them to fear for their own standing and potentially their lives, given Roman law protecting citizens from arbitrary punishment. They then sent the jailer to release Paul and Silas, and subsequently, the magistrates themselves came and requested that Paul and Silas leave the city, likely to avoid further trouble or scrutiny from Roman authorities. This event highlights the protection afforded by Roman citizenship and the shift from persecution to a cautious departure due to legal implications.
Acts 16 38 Word Analysis
- The magistrates: ( hoi strategountes ) Refers to the chief magistrates or rulers of the city. In Philippi, a Roman colony, these were likely a board of two chief officials, similar to the duumviri.
- Having heard: ( akousantes ) Having perceived or understood the information conveyed.
- they feared: ( ephobēthēsan ) A strong apprehension or dread. The fear stemmed from the potential legal consequences for violating the rights of Roman citizens.
- when they knew: ( gnontes ) Becoming aware or understanding the truth of the situation.
- that they were Romans: ( Rhōmaious einai ) A crucial revelation about Paul and Silas's citizenship. This was a significant legal status in the Roman Empire.
- they also feared: ( kai ephobēthēsan ) Reinforces the magnitude of their fear, indicating a doubled apprehension.
- and when they had scourged them: ( kai derantes autous ) Specifically mentioning the act of beating them with rods or whips, a punishment that was illegal for unconvicted Roman citizens.
- and commanded them to be put in prison: ( kai phylakēn epitaxantes ) The unlawful act of incarceration following the beating.
- laid many stripes: ( pollas plagas epibaloantes ) Imposed numerous wounds or lashes upon them.
- came and besought them: ( elthontes parēkalesan ) Approached them respectfully and earnestly entreated them.
- and when they had brought them out: ( kai exagagontes autous ) After they were released from custody.
- and desired them to depart out of the city: ( ēroto apellastai apo tēs poleōs ) Requested or urged them to leave Philippi.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "The magistrates... knew that they were Romans": This signifies the turning point. The magistrates' fear is directly linked to the legal status of Roman citizenship, highlighting that earthly laws and fear of repercussions could influence the treatment of God's servants.
- "And feared, when they heard that they were Romans": This phrase encapsulates the realization of their transgression against Roman law and the ensuing anxiety about accountability.
- "Came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city": This sequence shows the magistrates' shift from oppression to appeasement. Their "beseeching" demonstrates a humble plea born out of fear and a desire to mitigate the damage caused by their actions.
Acts 16 38 Bonus Section
The narrative of Paul and Silas in Philippi is a testament to divine providence. Their imprisonment, rather than silencing them, led to a miraculous prison break and the salvation of the jailer and his household, a foundational event for the Philippian church. The magistrates' subsequent plea highlights how divine intervention and adherence to just laws, even if fear-driven, can create unexpected openings and protect those serving God. This episode demonstrates that believers are called to be wise and to utilize all legitimate protections available to them, as Paul himself did by invoking his Roman citizenship. It also shows that while the Kingdom of God is not of this world, its citizens are to live peaceably and obediently within earthly kingdoms, as far as it does not conflict with God’s higher law (Romans 13:1-7).
Acts 16 38 Commentary
The magistrates of Philippi, having illegally scourged and imprisoned Paul and Silas, reacted with fear and entreaty upon discovering their Roman citizenship. This demonstrates the power of civil law and the fear of authority that can influence even those who persecute believers. The magistrates’ actions were motivated by self-preservation, seeking to avoid penalties for violating the rights of Roman citizens. This event underscores that while the Gospel is spiritual, its adherents must navigate and respect earthly legal systems. The magistrates’ subsequent actions, though motivated by fear, paradoxically resulted in a more peaceful departure for Paul and Silas, preventing further immediate persecution in that city. This echoes the principle that God can use even the fear and systems of the world to protect and advance His purposes.