Acts 16:38

38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed.

Acts 16:38 in Other Translations

38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens.

38 When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

38 When the officers reported this, the judges panicked. They had no idea that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

38 Then the police reported these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid when they heard 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 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed.

39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city.

40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

Cross References

• 1. Acts 22:29