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Acts 16:38 So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 16:38 So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/16-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/44_Act_16_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 16:38 - An Official Apology" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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And they became fearful when they heard that they were Romans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. And they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The officers reported this message to the chief magistrates, and when they heard that the prisoners were Romans, they were frightened;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the serjeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the police told the officials that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, the officials were afraid. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the serjeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The guards reported to the officials what Paul had said. When the Roman officials heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The police officers reported these words to the Roman officials; and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were afraid. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The guards reported these words to the magistrates, and they became afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The police officers reported these words to the magistrates. They were frightened when they heard Paul and Silas were Roman citizens<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the sergeants told these words to the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />This answer the lictors took back to the praetors, who were alarmed when they were told that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the rod-bearers told these sayings to the magistrates, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the officers reported these words to the captains, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the rod-bearers told to the magistrates these sayings, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the bearer of the rod announced these words to the generals: and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And let us out themselves. And the serjeants told these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid, hearing that they were Romans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and let us drive them away.” Then the attendants reported these words to the magistrates. And upon hearing that they were Romans, they were afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The lictors reported these words to the magistrates, and they became alarmed when they heard that they were Roman citizens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the lictors went and told the soliers these words which were told to them: and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And the Rod Bearers went and they told the Magistrates these words that were spoken to them, and when they heard that they were Romans, they were afraid.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And the lictors told these words to the magistrates: and they were alarmed when they heard that they were Romans;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And the lictors proclaimed these words to the magistrates. And hearing that they are Romans, they were alarmed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Then the lictors reported all these words to the magistrates: and they were terrified, when they heard they were Roman citizens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />This answer the lictors took back to the praetors, who were alarmed when they were told that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And the serjeants reported these words to the magistrates; and they were afraid, when they heard that they were Romans;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And the serjeants reported these words to the governors: and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/16-38.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5532" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">An Official Apology</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">37</span>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!” <span class="reftext">38</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">So</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4465.htm" title="4465: rhabdouchoi (N-NMP) -- A holder of the rods, a lictor, Roman officer, judge. From rhabdos and echo; a rod- holder, i.e. A Roman lictor.">officers</a> <a href="/greek/518.htm" title="518: Apēngeilan (V-AIA-3P) -- To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.">relayed</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4487.htm" title="4487: rhēmata (N-ANP) -- From rheo; an utterance,; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.">message</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/4755.htm" title="4755: stratēgois (N-DMP) -- From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens.">magistrates,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">who</a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: ephobēthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">were alarmed</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">to hear</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Paul and Silas were</a> <a href="/greek/4514.htm" title="4514: Rhōmaioi (Adj-NMP) -- Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman.">Roman citizens.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">39</span>They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Acts 22:25-29</a></span><br />But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?” / On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.” / The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-10.htm">Acts 25:10-12</a></span><br />Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” / Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Philippians 1:7</a></span><br />It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">2 Corinthians 11:25</a></span><br />Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-18.htm">Matthew 10:18</a></span><br />On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12</a></span><br />From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-4.htm">Luke 23:4</a></span><br />Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-15.htm">Mark 15:15</a></span><br />And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3-4</a></span><br />For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. / For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-14.htm">Daniel 6:14-16</a></span><br />As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him. / Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.” / So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Esther 8:8</a></span><br />Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/26-16.htm">Jeremiah 26:16</a></span><br />Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a></span><br />No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-14.htm">Psalm 105:14-15</a></span><br />He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: / “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the sergeants told these words to the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.</p><p class="hdg">and they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/22-29.htm">Acts 22:29</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5</a></b></br> And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Matthew 21:46</a></b></br> But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/16-3.htm">Account</a> <a href="/acts/10-4.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/acts/10-4.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/acts/16-29.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/acts/10-2.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/acts/16-34.htm">Full</a> <a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Lictors</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Magistrates</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Police</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Policemen</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Praetors</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Reported</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Rod-Bearers</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Roman</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Romans</a> <a href="/acts/14-18.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Sergeants</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Serjeants</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Silas</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/19-27.htm">Account</a> <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/acts/20-10.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/acts/17-4.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">Full</a> <a href="/acts/17-8.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Lictors</a> <a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Magistrates</a> <a href="/acts/21-32.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Police</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Policemen</a> <a href="/acts/16-20.htm">Praetors</a> <a href="/acts/21-19.htm">Reported</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Rod-Bearers</a> <a href="/acts/19-22.htm">Roman</a> <a href="/acts/25-16.htm">Romans</a> <a href="/acts/19-28.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Sergeants</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Serjeants</a> <a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Silas</a> <a href="/acts/18-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-7.htm">and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-14.htm">convert Lydia,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-16.htm">and cast out a spirit of divination;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-19.htm">for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-25.htm">The prison doors are opened.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-31.htm">The jailor is converted,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-35.htm">and they are delivered.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The magistrates, known as duumviri, were the chief officials responsible for maintaining order. The message being relayed was significant because it involved the legal status of Paul and Silas, who had been unjustly beaten and imprisoned without trial. This reflects the Roman legal system's emphasis on due process, especially for Roman citizens.<p><b>who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens</b><br>Roman citizenship was a privileged status that afforded individuals certain legal protections, including the right to a fair trial and exemption from degrading punishments like flogging. The magistrates' alarm indicates their awareness of the severe consequences for violating these rights, which could include penalties or loss of office. This incident underscores the strategic use of Roman citizenship by Paul, who, as a Jew and a Roman citizen, navigated both cultural and legal landscapes effectively. The situation also highlights the broader theme of justice and divine providence in the spread of the Gospel, as seen in other parts of Acts where God intervenes to protect His messengers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>A key apostle in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In this context, he is imprisoned in Philippi.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/silas.htm">Silas</a></b><br>A leader in the early church and companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. He is also imprisoned with Paul in Philippi.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/magistrates.htm">Magistrates</a></b><br>Roman officials in Philippi responsible for maintaining law and order. They had ordered the beating and imprisonment of Paul and Silas.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a></b><br>A Roman colony in Macedonia, significant for its strategic location and Roman citizenship privileges.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/roman_citizenship.htm">Roman Citizenship</a></b><br>A privileged status in the Roman Empire that afforded certain legal protections and rights, which Paul and Silas invoked.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_legal_rights.htm">Understanding Legal Rights</a></b><br>Paul and Silas's invocation of their Roman citizenship teaches the importance of understanding and wisely using legal rights to further the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_persecution.htm">God's Sovereignty in Persecution</a></b><br>Despite unjust treatment, God used the situation in Philippi to advance His kingdom, demonstrating His sovereignty even in persecution.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a></b><br>Paul and Silas's boldness in the face of injustice encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting God to work through difficult circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_through_suffering.htm">Witness through Suffering</a></b><br>Their experience in Philippi shows how suffering can be a powerful witness to others, as seen in the conversion of the jailer and his household.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer_and_praise.htm">The Power of Prayer and Praise</a></b><br>Earlier in <a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Acts 16</a>, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns in prison, illustrating the power of worship to transform dire situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_essence_of_abraham's_blessing.htm">What did Roman citizenship mean for Paul?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_silas's_biblical_life.htm">What are the key events in Silas's biblical life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_acts_22_27-29_accurate_on_roman_law.htm">Acts 22:27-29 - Did Roman citizenship function as described here, or is this portrayal inconsistent with known Roman law?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_can_perform_a_baptism.htm">Who is authorized to perform a baptism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(38) <span class= "bld">They feared, when they heard that they were Romans.</span>--It is clear that the <span class= "ital">strategi</span> did not consider their ignorance of St. Paul's citizenship a sufficient defence. They had acted illegally, and the consequence of that illegality went further than they counted on; but they could not, therefore, shake off their responsibility. They were liable to a prosecution, such as that which Cicero, for like offences, instituted against Verres. The tables were turned; the accused had become a possible accuser, and they, instead of hushing the matter up, were compelled to make something like a formal apology. We may well believe that St. Paul's motive in insisting on this, was less the satisfaction of his own honour, than a desire to impress upon the <span class= "ital">strategi</span> that they were not to over-ride or strain the law to gratify the passions of a mob.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 38.</span> <span class="accented">- Reported</span> for <span class="accented">told</span>, A.V. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/16-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[So]</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">officers</span><br /><span class="grk">ῥαβδοῦχοι</span> <span class="translit">(rhabdouchoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4465.htm">Strong's 4465: </a> </span><span class="str2">A holder of the rods, a lictor, Roman officer, judge. From rhabdos and echo; a rod- holder, i.e. A Roman lictor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">relayed</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀπήγγειλαν</span> <span class="translit">(Apēngeilan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῦτα</span> <span class="translit">(tauta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">message</span><br /><span class="grk">ῥήματα</span> <span class="translit">(rhēmata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> </span><span class="str2">From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">magistrates,</span><br /><span class="grk">στρατηγοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(stratēgois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4755.htm">Strong's 4755: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[who]</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were alarmed</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐφοβήθησαν</span> <span class="translit">(ephobēthēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> </span><span class="str2">From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to hear</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκούσαντες</span> <span class="translit">(akousantes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Paul and Silas] were</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰσιν</span> <span class="translit">(eisin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Roman citizens.</span><br /><span class="grk">Ῥωμαῖοί</span> <span class="translit">(Rhōmaioi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4514.htm">Strong's 4514: </a> </span><span class="str2">Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/16-38.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 16:38 The sergeants reported these words to (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/16-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 16:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 16:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/16-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 16:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 16:39" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>