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<!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 16:37 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!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/16-37.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/44_Act_16_37.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 16:37 - An Official Apology" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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! 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And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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!” <a href="/esv/acts/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.” <a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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!” <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But Paul was saying to them, "Having beaten us publicly, uncondemned men being Romans, they cast us into prison, and now do they throw us out secretly? No indeed! Instead, having come themselves, let them bring us out." <a href="/kjv/acts/16.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/16.htm">New King James Version</a> 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.” <a href="/nasb_/acts/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Paul said to them, “After beating us in public without due process—men who are Romans—they threw us into prison; and now they are releasing us secretly? No indeed! On the contrary, let them come in person and lead us out.” <a href="/nasb/acts/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Paul said to them, &#8220They have beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.” <a href="/lsb/acts/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Paul said to them, “Having beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans, they have thrown us into prison. And now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.” <a href="/amp/acts/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us in public without a trial, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now they are sending us out secretly? No! Let them come here themselves and bring us out!” <a href="/csb/acts/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Paul said to them, “They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are they going to send us away secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out.” <a href="/hcsb/acts/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Paul said to them, &#8220They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are they going to smuggle us out secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out!&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison; and do they now cast us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out. <a href="/cev/acts/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But Paul told the police, "We are Roman citizens, and the Roman officials had us beaten in public without giving us a trial. They threw us into jail. Now do they think they can secretly send us away? No, they cannot! They will have to come here themselves and let us out." <a href="/erv/acts/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison; and do they now cast us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out. <a href="/gwt/acts/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Paul told the guards, "Roman officials have had us beaten publicly without a trial and have thrown us in jail, even though we're Roman citizens. Now are they going to throw us out secretly? There's no way they're going to get away with that! Have them escort us out!" <a href="/gnt/acts/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Paul said to the police officers, "We were not found guilty of any crime, yet they whipped us in public--and we are Roman citizens! Then they threw us in prison. And now they want to send us away secretly? Not at all! The Roman officials themselves must come here and let us out." <a href="/isv/acts/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Paul told the guards, "The magistrates have had us beaten publicly without a trial and have thrown us into jail, even though we are Roman citizens. Now are they going to throw us out secretly? Certainly not! Have them come and escort us out." <a href="/msb/acts/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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!” <a href="/net/acts/16.htm">NET Bible</a> But Paul said to the police officers, "They had us beaten in public without a proper trial--even though we are Roman citizens--and they threw us in prison. And now they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! They themselves must come and escort us out!" <a href="/nheb/acts/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us publicly, without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison. Do they now release us secretly? No indeed. Let them come themselves and bring us out." <a href="/wbt/acts/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But Paul said to them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privately? no verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But Paul said to them, "After cruelly beating us in public, without trial, Roman citizens though we are, they have thrown us into prison, and are they now going to send us away privately? No, indeed! Let them come in person and fetch us out." <a href="/web/acts/16.htm">World English Bible</a> But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Do they now release us secretly? No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out!” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Paul said to them, “Having beaten us publicly uncondemned—men, being Romans—they cast [us] to prison, and now privately they cast us forth! Why no! But having come themselves, let them bring us forth.” <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But Paul was saying to them, "Having beaten us publicly, uncondemned men being Romans, they cast us into prison, and now do they throw us out secretly? No indeed! Instead, having come themselves, let them bring us out." <a href="/ylt/acts/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Paul said to them, 'Having beaten us publicly uncondemned -- men, Romans being -- they did cast us to prison, and now privately do they cast us forth! why no! but having come themselves, let them bring us forth.' <a href="/slt/acts/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But Paul said to them, Having stripped us publicly not condemned, being Roman men, they cast into prison and now do they cast us out secretly? not so; but having come themselves, let them bring us out.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But Paul said to them: They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison: and now do they thrust us out privately? Not so; but let them come, <a href="/cpdv/acts/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But Paul said to them: “They have beaten us publicly, though we were not condemned. They have cast men who are Romans into prison. And now they would drive us away secretly? Not so. Instead, let them come forward, <a href="/nabre/acts/16.htm">New American Bible</a> But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, even though we are Roman citizens and have not been tried, and have thrown us into prison. And now, are they going to release us secretly? By no means. Let them come themselves and lead us out.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Paul replied, “They have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and take us out themselves.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But Paul said to him, Not having committed any offense, they flogged us, Roman citizens, in the presence of the people, and they cast us into prison; and now do they let us out secretly? No verily; let them come themselves and fetch us out. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Paulus said to him, “They scourged us without an offense, publicly before the world, all of us being Roman men, and they cast us into prison, and now they are releasing us secretly? No, but those men should come and release us.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But Paul said to them: Having publicly scourged us uncondemned, us who are Romans, they threw us into prison: and do they now put us out secretly? No, verily: but let them come and lead us out. <a href="/godbey/acts/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly uncondemned, being Roman men, they cast us into prison, and now do they cast us out privately? for no; but having come themselves let them lead us out. <a href="/haweis/acts/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But Paul said to them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Roman citizens, and have cast us into prison; and would they now clandestinely send us away? no, verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. <a href="/mace/acts/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But Paul said to them, "After cruelly beating us in public, without trial, Roman citizens though we are, they have thrown us into prison, and are they now going to send us away privately? No, indeed! Let them come in person and fetch us out." <a href="/worrell/acts/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But Paul said to them "Having beaten us in public, uncondemned, being Romans, they cast us into prison; and now are they casting us out secretly? Nay, verily; but, coming themselves, let them lead us out." <a href="/worsley/acts/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But Paul said unto them, They have publicly beaten us, uncondemned, and Romans, and cast us into prison, and do they now turn us out privately? No verily, let them come themselves and fetch us out. <a href="/parallel/acts/16-37.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=5513" 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> …36The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.” 37<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul</a> <a href="/greek/5346.htm" title="5346: ephē (V-IIA-3S) -- To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.">said</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">the officers,</a> <a href="/greek/1194.htm" title="1194: Deirantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To flay, flog, scourge, beat. A primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. to scourge, or to thrash.">“They beat</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us</a> <a href="/greek/1219.htm" title="1219: dēmosia (Adj-DFS) -- Public, publicly. From demos; public; in public.">publicly</a> <a href="/greek/178.htm" title="178: akatakritous (Adj-AMP) -- Uncondemned, not yet tried. Without trial.">without a trial</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpous (N-AMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> <a href="/greek/906.htm" title="906: ebalan (V-AIA-3P) -- (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.">and threw us</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakēn (N-AFS) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">prison,</a> <a href="/greek/5225.htm" title="5225: hyparchontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).">even though we are</a> <a href="/greek/4514.htm" title="4514: Rhōmaious (Adj-AMP) -- Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman.">Roman citizens.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">now</a> <a href="/greek/1544.htm" title="1544: ekballousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.">do they want to send us away</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/2977.htm" title="2977: lathra (Adv) -- Secretly, privately. Adverb from lanthano; privately.">secretly?</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">Absolutely not!</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthontes (V-APA-NMP) -- To come, go. ">Let them come</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autoi (PPro-NM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">themselves</a> <a href="/greek/1806.htm" title="1806: exagagetōsan (V-AMA-3P) -- To lead out, sometimes to death, execution. From ek and ago; to lead forth.">and escort us out!”</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> 38So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.…<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/25-16.htm">Acts 25:16</a> I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges. <a href="/john/18-28.htm">John 18:28-31</a> Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. / So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” / “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” ... <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="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">2 Corinthians 6:5</a> in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:2</a> As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God. <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="/philippians/1-30.htm">Philippians 1:30</a> since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. <a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">1 Peter 2:19-20</a> For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. <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="/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="/luke/23-14.htm">Luke 23:14-15</a> and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. / Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. <a href="/john/19-4.htm">John 19:4</a> Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.” <a href="/john/19-6.htm">John 19:6</a> As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.” <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7-8</a> He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. / By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But Paul said to them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privately? no truly; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.They have.<a href="/acts/16-20.htm">Acts 16:20-24</a> And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, … <a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Acts 22:25-28</a> 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? … <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1,2</a> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? … let.<a href="/daniel/3-25.htm">Daniel 3:25,26</a> He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God… <a href="/daniel/6-18.htm">Daniel 6:18,19</a> Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him… <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/16-22.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/luke/23-48.htm">Beating</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/luke/19-14.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Cruelly</a> <a href="/acts/11-13.htm">Fetch</a> <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/acts/10-40.htm">Openly</a> <a href="/acts/5-9.htm">Out</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/matthew/2-7.htm">Privily</a> <a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Publicly</a> <a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Release</a> <a href="/acts/16-12.htm">Roman</a> <a href="/acts/16-21.htm">Romans</a> <a href="/acts/6-11.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/acts/15-27.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/acts/15-32.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Thrust</a> <a href="/acts/15-10.htm">Trial</a> <a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Uncondemned</a> <a href="/john/21-18.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/acts/19-16.htm">Beating</a> <a href="/acts/22-23.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/acts/16-38.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Cruelly</a> <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm">Fetch</a> <a href="/acts/16-38.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Openly</a> <a href="/acts/5-9.htm">Out</a> <a href="/acts/16-38.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/16-39.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Privily</a> <a href="/acts/18-28.htm">Publicly</a> <a href="/acts/24-26.htm">Release</a> <a href="/acts/16-38.htm">Roman</a> <a href="/acts/16-38.htm">Romans</a> <a href="/acts/27-30.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/acts/22-23.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/acts/17-4.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/acts/17-8.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/acts/27-39.htm">Thrust</a> <a href="/acts/24-21.htm">Trial</a> <a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Uncondemned</a> <a href="/acts/19-4.htm">Verily</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>But Paul said to the officers This phrase introduces the boldness and authority of Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for "officers" here is "ῥαβδοῦχοι" (rhabdouchoi), which refers to the Roman lictors, officials who carried out the magistrates' orders. Paul's direct address to these officers highlights his awareness of Roman legal procedures and his willingness to confront injustice. Historically, this reflects the tension between Roman law and the nascent Christian movement, showcasing Paul's strategic use of his rights to protect the integrity of the Gospel mission.They beat us publicly without a trial The public beating without a trial was a grave violation of Roman law, especially for Roman citizens. The Greek word for "beat" is "δείραντες" (deirantes), indicating a severe physical punishment. This phrase underscores the injustice faced by Paul and Silas, emphasizing the lack of due process. In the Roman context, such an act was not only illegal but also dishonorable, as Roman citizens were entitled to a fair trial. This historical context reveals the precarious position of early Christians, who often faced persecution and injustice.even though we are Roman citizens The assertion of Roman citizenship is crucial here. The Greek term "Ῥωμαῖοι" (Rhōmaioi) signifies their legal status, which afforded them specific protections and privileges. Roman citizenship was a prized status that conferred rights such as a fair trial and exemption from degrading punishments like flogging. Paul's invocation of his citizenship is a strategic move to assert his legal rights and challenge the authorities' unlawful actions. This highlights the importance of understanding and utilizing one's rights within the legal framework of the time.and they threw us into prison This phrase continues the narrative of injustice, as imprisonment without trial was another violation of Roman legal standards. The Greek word "ἔβαλον" (ebalon) implies a forceful action, indicating the harsh treatment Paul and Silas received. The historical context of Roman prisons, often dark and unsanitary, adds to the gravity of their situation. This experience of suffering and endurance is a testament to their faith and commitment to the Gospel, serving as an inspiration for believers facing persecution.And now do they want to send us away secretly? Paul's rhetorical question challenges the authorities' attempt to cover up their unlawful actions. The Greek word "λάθρᾳ" (lathra) means secretly or stealthily, suggesting a desire to avoid public accountability. This phrase highlights Paul's insistence on transparency and justice, refusing to allow the authorities to dismiss their wrongdoing quietly. It reflects a broader biblical theme of light exposing darkness and truth confronting injustice.No, let them come themselves and escort us out Paul's demand for a public escort out of prison is a bold assertion of dignity and justice. The Greek word "ἐξαγαγέτωσαν" (exagagetōsan) means to lead out, indicating a formal and public act. By insisting on this, Paul not only seeks to vindicate himself and Silas but also to publicly affirm the legitimacy of their mission. This action serves as a powerful witness to the surrounding community, demonstrating the strength and integrity of the Christian faith in the face of adversity. It is a call for believers to stand firm in truth and righteousness, trusting in God's justice.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(37) They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans.--By the Lex Porcia (B.C. 247), Roman citizens were exempted from degrading punishment, such as that of scourging. It was the heaviest of all the charges brought by Cicero against Verres, the Governor of Sicily, that he had broken this law: "Facinus est vinciri civem Romanum, scelus verberari" (Cic. in Verr. v. 57). The words civis Romanus sum acted almost like a charm in stopping the violence of provincial magistrates. St. Paul was a citizen by birth (see Note on <a href="/acts/22-28.htm" title="And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.">Acts 22:28</a>), his father having probably been wealthy enough to buy the jus civitatis, which brought with it commercial as well as personal privileges. It did not necessarily involve residence at Rome, but makes it probable that there were some points of contact with the imperial city.There is something like a tone of irony in the "being Romans," echoing, as it did, the very words of his accusers (<a href="/acts/16-21.htm" title="And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.">Acts 16:21</a>). He, too, could stand on his rights as a citizen. The judges had not called on the prisoners for their defence, had not even questioned them. Even if they had not been citizens the trial was a flagrant breach of justice, and St. Paul wished to make the strategi feel that it was so. Here we note that he seems to couple Silas with himself. It is possible, as the Latin form of his name, Silvanus (<a href="/2_corinthians/1-19.htm" title="For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yes and no, but in him was yes.">2Corinthians 1:19</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm" title="Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.">1Thessalonians 1:1</a>) suggests, that he also was a citizen of Rome, but St. Paul's mode of speech was natural enough, even on the assumption that he only could claim the privilege. We could hardly expect him to say with minute accuracy: "They have beaten us uncondemned, and I, for my part, am a Roman citizen."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 37. - Publicly for openly A.V. δημοσίᾳ, <a href="/acts/18-28.htm">Acts 18:28</a>; <a href="/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20</a>); men that are for being, A.V.; do they now cast for now do they thrust, A.V.; bring for fetch, A.V. Men that are Romans. We have exactly the same phrase in <a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Acts 22:25</a>, on a similar occasion, where also is the only other example of the word ἀκατάκριτος, uncondemned. Ἄκριτος with a like meaning ("untried," "without trial"), is common in classical Greek. The Latin phrase is indicta causa. By the Lex Valeria (A.U.C. 254), "No quis magistratus civem Romanum adversus provocationem necaret neve verberaret," every Roman citizen had a right to appeal (provocare) to the populace against any sentence of death or stripes pronounced by the consuls or any other magistrate; and by the Lex Porcia (A.U.C. 506), no Roman citizen could be scourged. Silas, it appears from the phrase, "us... men that are Romans," was also a civis Romanus. But nothing more is known about it. It does not appear why their exemption as Roman citizens was not made good before; but probably the magistrates refused to listen to any plea in their haste and violence. <a href="/commentaries/acts/16-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. Paul Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. said ἔφη (ephē) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5346.htm">Strong's 5346: </a> To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. [the officers], αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “They beat Δείραντες (Deirantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1194.htm">Strong's 1194: </a> To flay, flog, scourge, beat. A primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. to scourge, or to thrash. us ἡμᾶς (hēmas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. publicly δημοσίᾳ (dēmosia) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1219.htm">Strong's 1219: </a> Public, publicly. From demos; public; in public. without a trial ἀκατακρίτους (akatakritous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_178.htm">Strong's 178: </a> Uncondemned, not yet tried. Without trial. [and] threw [us] ἔβαλαν (ebalan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_906.htm">Strong's 906: </a> (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. prison, φυλακήν (phylakēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. [even though] we are ὑπάρχοντας (hyparchontas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5225.htm">Strong's 5225: </a> To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb). Roman citizens. Ῥωμαίους (Rhōmaious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4514.htm">Strong's 4514: </a> Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. now νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. do they want to send us away ἐκβάλλουσιν (ekballousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject. secretly? λάθρᾳ (lathra) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2977.htm">Strong's 2977: </a> Secretly, privately. Adverb from lanthano; privately. Certainly not! οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. Let them come ἐλθόντες (elthontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. themselves αὐτοὶ (autoi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. and escort us out!” ἐξαγαγέτωσαν (exagagetōsan) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1806.htm">Strong's 1806: </a> To lead out, sometimes to death, execution. From ek and ago; to lead forth. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/16-37.htm">Acts 16:37 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 16:37 But Paul said to them They have (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/16-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 16:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 16:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/16-38.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 16:38"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 16:38" /></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>