Acts 16:22
And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνεπέστη
rose up together
G4911
συνεπέστη
rose up together
Strong's:
G4911
Word #:
2 of 15
to stand up together, i.e., to resist (or assault) jointly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 15
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
κατ'
against
G2596
κατ'
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατηγοὶ
the magistrates
G4755
στρατηγοὶ
the magistrates
Strong's:
G4755
Word #:
9 of 15
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.2 Corinthians 6:5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;Hebrews 11:36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Historical Context
Roman law forbade beating citizens without trial (Lex Valeria, Lex Porcia). The magistrates' haste to please the crowd led them to violate Paul and Silas's legal rights, creating later embarrassment (Acts 16:38).
Questions for Reflection
- How does mob mentality lead authorities to abandon justice?
- What should we expect when legal protections fail believers?
- How can we respond to unjust suffering with grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'The multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.' Mob violence led to official persecution. The public stripping and beating was designed to humiliate and intimidate. This illegal treatment of Roman citizens shows how prejudice overrides legal protections. Passion eclipses justice.