Acts 16:38

38 The police reported this to the legal authorities, who were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

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 So the jailer reported this to Paul, informing him, "The authorities sent word that you both are to be released. You can leave now. Go in peace."

37 Paul told the police, "Even though we are Roman citizens, they beat us publicly without first finding us guilty of a crime, and they threw us into prison. And now they want to send us away secretly? No way! They themselves will have to come and escort us out."

38 The police reported this to the legal authorities, who were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

39 They came and consoled Paul and Silas, escorting them out of prison and begging them to leave the city.

40 Paul and Silas left the prison and made their way to Lydia's house where they encouraged the brothers and sisters. Then they left Philippi.