Devine Scripture

Acts 16:37

What does Acts 16:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 16:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 16:37 means

Paul replies that they were beaten publicly, without trial, though they are Roman citizens, and were thrown into prison; now the magistrates want to cast them out secretly. He refuses and demands the officials come and bring them out themselves. Paul is not seeking revenge but protecting the church. A public wrong requires public correction, lest the believers be left under suspicion. By invoking citizenship, he upholds lawful process and restrains future abuses. The gospel does not despise civil rights; it uses them to safeguard the mission. Courage here serves the flock, establishing that Christians are not criminals, and that authorities must be accountable.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Paul said to them, They have given us who are Romans a public whipping without judging us, and have put us in prison. Will they now send us out secretly? no, truly, let them come themselves and take us out.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Paul said to them, `Having beaten us publicly uncondemned--men, Romans being--they did cast <FI>us<Fi> to prison, and now privately do they cast us forth! why no! but having come themselves, let them bring us forth.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly uncondemned, us who are Romans, they have cast us into prison, and now they thrust us out secretly? no, indeed, but let them come themselves and bring us out.

Context

This verse answers the quiet release proposed in verse 36. Paul’s assertion of Roman citizenship introduces legal peril for the magistrates, who had violated due process. In verse 38 they react with fear, and in verse 39 they come, apologize, and ask Paul and Silas to leave the city. This public vindication benefits the young Philippian church’s reputation and security.

v.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.

v.37This passage

v.38And the serjeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Daniel 6:18

    Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him.

  • Psalms 94:20

    Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with thee, Which frameth mischief by statute?

  • Acts 22:25

    And when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

  • Proverbs 28:1

    The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Psalms 58:1

    Do ye indeed in silence speak righteousness? Do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

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