But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”
The magistrates feared beheading for violating a Roman citizen's liberty, yet they were unmoved by their cruelty without trial, that was the deeper reproach. This is the way of the wicked: their conscience is stupefied before God, and they flatter themselves in sin until the punishment of men hangs over their heads.
AI summary
The magistrates' early order to release them shows God at work: either the earthquake convinced them it was His hand, or their own consciences gave them no rest. While Paul and Silas sang in stocks, these men tossed sleepless, lashed by guilt far worse than any rod. God made the persecutors pity their prisoners.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 16:35-40
They beat us publicly without condemnation, threw us in prison as malefactors, and now wish to thrust us out in secret? No. Paul knew Roman law well and acted both honestly and wisely; he would not let them hide their injustice, lest it shame the Christian name.
AI summary