Acts 16:38

38 And let us out themselves. And the serjeants told these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid: 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 of the prison told these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart. And go in peace.

37 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.

38 And let us out themselves. And the serjeants told these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid: hearing that they were Romans.

39 And coming, they besought them: and bringing them out, they desired them to depart out of the city.

40 And they went out of the prison and entered into the house of Lydia: and having seen the brethren, they comforted them and departed.