Acts 16:37
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
3 of 28
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 28
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτοὶ
them
G846
αὐτοὶ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 28
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
Δείραντες
They have beaten
G1194
Δείραντες
They have beaten
Strong's:
G1194
Word #:
7 of 28
properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash
δημοσίᾳ
openly
G1219
δημοσίᾳ
openly
Strong's:
G1219
Word #:
9 of 28
public; (feminine singular dative case as adverb) in public
ὑπάρχοντας
being
G5225
ὑπάρχοντας
being
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
13 of 28
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
ἔβαλον
and have cast
G906
ἔβαλον
and have cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
14 of 28
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
us into
G1519
εἰς
us into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
φυλακήν
prison
G5438
φυλακήν
prison
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
16 of 28
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
18 of 28
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
γάρ
verily
G1063
γάρ
verily
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
23 of 28
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
24 of 28
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐλθόντες
let them come
G2064
ἐλθόντες
let them come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
25 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Roman citizenship was precious (Acts 22:28). Beating citizens without trial violated Porcian and Valerian laws. Paul's strategic use of citizenship protected both himself and the church from future persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- When should Christians assert legal rights versus suffer injustice quietly?
- How can we use social privileges to advance the gospel and protect others?
- What's the difference between seeking personal vindication and protecting God's people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'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.' Paul insisted on public vindication, not for personal honor but to protect the Philippian church. His Roman citizenship, previously unmentioned, now served strategic purpose. Public wrong required public redress.