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.
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