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.

ACTS 16:37KJV
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Acts 16:37 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:37 mean?

Acts 16:37 shows Paul insisting that the city officials themselves come and release him and Silas from prison, because they had been publicly beaten and imprisoned without a trial, even though they were Roman citizens. Paul refuses to leave quietly, demanding public acknowledgment of the injustice done to them.

Paul is speaking to the officers sent by the magistrates in Philippi after he and Silas had been wrongly punished. Roman law protected citizens from such treatment, so Paul’s protest highlights both the seriousness of the officials’ mistake and his demand for accountability. This verse sets up a moment where the local authorities must face their error openly, rather than covering it up.

The Greek behind Acts 16:37

  • "Romans" (Ῥωμαῖοι, Rhōmaioi): This word refers to Roman citizens, a status that gave Paul and Silas special legal protections. The mention of their citizenship is crucial, as it explains why their mistreatment was a serious violation.
  • "Openly" (δημοσίᾳ, dēmosia): This word means "in public." Paul points out that their beating was not done in secret, but in front of everyone, making the injustice widely known.
  • "Privily" (λαθραῖος, lathraios): This means "secretly" or "quietly." Paul contrasts the public nature of their punishment with the officials’ attempt to release them quietly, which he refuses.
  • "Fetch us out" (ἐξαγαγέτωσαν, exagagetōsan): This verb means "to lead out" or "bring out." Paul insists that the magistrates themselves must come and publicly escort them out, not just send messengers.

Why Acts 16:37 matters

  • This verse clears up the common misunderstanding that Paul and Silas were simply passive victims; instead, Paul actively asserts his rights and demands justice.
  • Acts 16:37 emphasizes the importance of accountability, especially for those in power, and shows that Paul expected the law to be respected even by local authorities.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by setting up a public acknowledgment of Paul and Silas’s innocence, which helps protect the new Christian community in Philippi from further mistreatment.

Where else these words appear

“uncondemned” Greek G178 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 22:25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

“openly” Greek G1219 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 5:18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
  • Acts 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
  • Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

“privily” Greek G2977 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • John 11:28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

“Romans” Greek G4514 · used in 13 verses

  • John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
  • Acts 22:25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
  • Acts 23:27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.