Acts 16:37 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul refuses a secret release: they were beaten publicly without trial though Roman citizens, and the magistrates must come themselves to bring them out.
What Does Acts 16:37 Mean?
Now the hidden fact surfaces: Paul and Silas are Roman citizens, and to beat a citizen uncondemned was a grave breach of Roman law. Paul demands no damages and takes no revenge; he asks only that a public wrong be publicly owned. Let the magistrates come themselves.
This is not wounded pride but protection for the believers who will remain in Philippi; an official escort declares the missionaries innocent and the infant church no criminal sect. Paul will appeal to lawful rights again (Acts 22:25), and his example teaches that meekness under injustice is not the same as silence, especially when the welfare of others is at stake.
Acts 16:37 in the Original Language
akatakritos (ἀκατάκριτος), 'uncondemned' -- without trial or verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 16:37
What does Acts 16:37 mean?
Paul refuses a secret release: they were beaten publicly without trial though Roman citizens, and the magistrates must come themselves to bring them out.