Acts 16:38

38 And the police gave an account of these words to the authorities, and they were full of fear on hearing that they were Romans;

Acts 16:38 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 16:38

And the sergeants told these words unto the magistrates,
&c.] They returned to them, and acquainted them with what the prisoners said:

and they feared when they heard that they were Romans;
they were not concerned for the injury they had done them; nor for the injustice and cruelty they had been guilty of; nor did they fear the wrath of God, and a future judgment; but they were put into a panic, when they found the men they had so ill used were Romans; lest they should be called to an account by the Roman senate, and be found guilty, and have their places taken away from them, and their persons punished.

Acts 16:38 In-Context

36 And the keeper said to Paul, The authorities have given orders to let you go: come out now, and go in peace.

37 But Paul said to them, They have given us who are Romans a public whipping without judging us, and have put us in prison. Will they now send us out secretly? no, truly, let them come themselves and take us out.

38 And the police gave an account of these words to the authorities, and they were full of fear on hearing that they were Romans;

39 Then they came and made prayers to them, requesting them, when they had taken them out, to go away from the town.

40 And they came out of the prison and went to the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brothers they gave them comfort and went away.