CINXE.COM

<!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.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/16-38.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/16-38.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 38</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/16-37.htm" title="Acts 16:37">◄</a> Acts 16:38 <a href="/acts/16-39.htm" title="Acts 16:39">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/16.htm">New International Version</a> The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. <a href="/nlt/acts/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <a href="/esv/acts/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. <a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the officers reported these words to the captains, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans. <a href="/kjv/acts/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. <a href="/nkjv/acts/16.htm">New King James Version</a> And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. <a href="/nasb_/acts/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The officers reported these words to the chief magistrates. And they became fearful when they heard that they were Romans, <a href="/nasb/acts/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> The policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, <a href="/nasb77/acts/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. And they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, <a href="/lsb/acts/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, <a href="/amp/acts/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The officers reported this message to the chief magistrates, and when they heard that the prisoners were Romans, they were frightened; <a href="/csb/acts/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <a href="/hcsb/acts/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <a href="/asv/acts/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the serjeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans; <a href="/cev/acts/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When the police told the officials that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, the officials were afraid. <a href="/erv/acts/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the serjeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans; <a href="/gwt/acts/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/acts/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> The police officers reported these words to the Roman officials; and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were afraid. <a href="/isv/acts/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> The guards reported these words to the magistrates, and they became afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <a href="/msb/acts/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <a href="/net/acts/16.htm">NET Bible</a> The police officers reported these words to the magistrates. They were frightened when they heard Paul and Silas were Roman citizens <a href="/nheb/acts/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, <a href="/wbt/acts/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the sergeants told these words to the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This answer the lictors took back to the praetors, who were alarmed when they were told that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <a href="/web/acts/16.htm">World English Bible</a> The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the rod-bearers told these sayings to the magistrates, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans, <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the officers reported these words to the captains, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans. <a href="/ylt/acts/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the rod-bearers told to the magistrates these sayings, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans, <a href="/slt/acts/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> 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">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And let us out themselves. And the serjeants told these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid, hearing that they were Romans. <a href="/cpdv/acts/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/acts/16.htm">New American Bible</a> The lictors reported these words to the magistrates, and they became alarmed when they heard that they were Roman citizens. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> 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">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the lictors told these words to the magistrates: and they were alarmed when they heard that they were Romans; <a href="/godbey/acts/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the lictors proclaimed these words to the magistrates. And hearing that they are Romans, they were alarmed; <a href="/haweis/acts/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then the lictors reported all these words to the magistrates: and they were terrified, when they heard they were Roman citizens. <a href="/mace/acts/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This answer the lictors took back to the praetors, who were alarmed when they were told that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. <a href="/worrell/acts/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And the serjeants reported these words to the magistrates; and they were afraid, when they heard that they were Romans; <a href="/worsley/acts/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And the serjeants reported these words to the governors: and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. <a href="/parallel/acts/16-38.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</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> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">An Official Apology</a> …37But 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!” 38<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> 39They 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> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Acts 22:25-29</a> 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. ... <a href="/acts/25-10.htm">Acts 25:10-12</a> 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!” <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Philippians 1:7</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">2 Corinthians 11:25</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/10-18.htm">Matthew 10:18</a> On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. <a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12</a> 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.” <a href="/luke/23-4.htm">Luke 23:4</a> Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” <a href="/mark/15-15.htm">Mark 15:15</a> And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3-4</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a> 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. <a href="/daniel/6-14.htm">Daniel 6:14-16</a> 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!” <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Esther 8:8</a> 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.” <a href="/jeremiah/26-16.htm">Jeremiah 26:16</a> 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!” <a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/105-14.htm">Psalm 105:14-15</a> 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> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the sergeants told these words to the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.and they.<a href="/acts/22-29.htm">Acts 22:29</a> 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.<a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5</a> And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.<a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Matthew 21:46</a> But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.<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>1. <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,</a> 7. <a href="/acts/16-7.htm">and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,</a> 14. <a href="/acts/16-14.htm">convert Lydia,</a> 16. <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">and cast out a spirit of divination;</a> 19. <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.</a> 25. <a href="/acts/16-25.htm">The prison doors are opened.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/16-31.htm">The jailor is converted,</a> 35. <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">and they are delivered.</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/acts/16.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>So the officers The term "officers" here refers to the Roman lictors, who were attendants to the magistrates. In the Roman context, lictors were responsible for executing the orders of the magistrates, including punishment. Their role was significant in maintaining the authority and order of Roman law. The Greek word used here is "ῥαβδοῦχοι" (rhabdouchoi), which literally means "rod-bearers," indicating their role in enforcing discipline. This highlights the structured and hierarchical nature of Roman governance, which Paul and Silas were navigating.reported these words The act of reporting indicates a formal communication of information. The Greek word "ἀνήγγειλαν" (anēngeilan) suggests a proclamation or announcement. This reflects the seriousness of the situation, as the officers were conveying critical information that could have legal and social repercussions. The words being reported were about the citizenship status of Paul and Silas, which was a pivotal point in the narrative.to the magistrates The magistrates, or "στρατηγοί" (stratēgoi) in Greek, were the chief officials in the Roman colony of Philippi. They held significant power and were responsible for maintaining law and order. Their role was akin to that of judges or governors, and they were expected to uphold Roman law with integrity. The mention of magistrates underscores the legal and political dimensions of the incident, as well as the potential for abuse of power.who were afraid The fear of the magistrates is a critical turning point in the narrative. The Greek word "ἐφοβήθησαν" (ephobēthēsan) conveys a sense of alarm or dread. This fear was not merely personal but was rooted in the potential consequences of having violated the rights of Roman citizens. Roman law was strict about the treatment of its citizens, and any mistreatment could lead to severe penalties for the magistrates themselves.when they heard Hearing, or "ἀκούσαντες" (akousantes) in Greek, implies a reception of information that prompts a reaction. The magistrates' response upon hearing about the citizenship of Paul and Silas indicates the weight that Roman citizenship carried. It was a status that afforded individuals certain protections and privileges, and the magistrates' reaction underscores the importance of this legal status in the Roman world.that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens Roman citizenship was a highly valued status that conferred numerous rights and privileges, including the right to a fair trial and protection from certain forms of punishment. The Greek term "Ῥωμαῖοι" (Rhōmaioi) signifies this prestigious identity. Paul and Silas's citizenship was a crucial element in their defense, as it provided them with legal protection and leverage against unjust treatment. This highlights the providence of God in equipping His servants with the means to navigate and influence the socio-political structures of their time. The revelation of their citizenship serves as a reminder of the divine orchestration at work in the lives of believers, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled even amidst adversity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(38) They feared, when they heard that they were Romans.--It is clear that the strategi 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 strategi that they were not to over-ride or strain the law to gratify the passions of a mob.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 38. - Reported for told, A.V. <a href="/commentaries/acts/16-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[So] δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. officers ῥαβδοῦχοι (rhabdouchoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4465.htm">Strong's 4465: </a> A holder of the rods, a lictor, Roman officer, judge. From rhabdos and echo; a rod- holder, i.e. A Roman lictor. relayed Ἀπήγγειλαν (Apēngeilan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce. this ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. message ῥήματα (rhēmata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever. to the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. magistrates, στρατηγοῖς (stratēgois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4755.htm">Strong's 4755: </a> From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens. [who] δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. were alarmed ἐφοβήθησαν (ephobēthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. to hear ἀκούσαντες (akousantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [Paul and Silas] were εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. Roman citizens. Ῥωμαῖοί (Rhōmaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4514.htm">Strong's 4514: </a> Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/16-38.htm">Acts 16:38 Catholic Bible</a> <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>