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Acts 16:38

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 16:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the sergeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the sergeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans;
Acts 16:38 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
35But when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, Let those men go.
36And the jailor reported the words to Paul, [saying], The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore come forth, and go in peace.
37But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison; and do they now cast us out privily? Nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out.
38And the sergeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans;
39and they came and besought them; and when they had brought them out, they asked them to go away from the city.
40And they went out of the prison, and entered into [the house] of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
← Acts 16:37Acts 16:39 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the sergeants told these words unto the magistrates, etc.] 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.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“they feared when they heard they were Romans--their authority being thus imperilled; for they were liable to an action for what they had done.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They feared when they heard ... - They were apprehensive of punishment for having imprisoned them in violation of the laws of the empire. To punish unjustly a Roman citizen was deemed an offence to the majesty of the Roman people, and was severely punished by the laws. Dionysius Hal. (Ant. Rom., ii.) says, “The punishment appointed for those who abrogated or transgressed the Valerian law was death, and the confiscation of his property.” The emperor Claudius deprived the inhabitants of Rhodes of freedom for having crucified some Roman citizens (Dio Cass., lib. 60). See Kuinoel and Grotius. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“and they: Act 22:29; Mat 14:5, Mat 21:46 Acts 16:39”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 16 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification