Acts 16:35-40
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors[a] with the order, “Release those men.” 36 The jailer reported the[se] words to Paul, “The magistrates have sent orders that you be released. Now, then, come out and go in peace.” 37 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.(A) And now, are they going to release us secretly? By no means. Let them come themselves and lead us out.”[b] 38 The lictors reported these words to the magistrates, and they became alarmed when they heard that they were Roman citizens.(B) 39 So they came and placated them, and led them out and asked that they leave the city. 40 When they had come out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and then they left.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 16:35 The lictors: the equivalent of police officers, among whose duties were the apprehension and punishment of criminals.
- 16:37 Paul’s Roman citizenship granted him special privileges in regard to criminal process. Roman law forbade under severe penalty the beating of Roman citizens (see also Acts 22:25).
Acts 16:35-40
New International Version
35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer(A) told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”(B)
37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens,(C) 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.(D) 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city.(E) 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house,(F) where they met with the brothers and sisters(G) and encouraged them. Then they left.
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