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Verse Takeaways
1
Worldly vs. Godly Fear
Commentators like Calvin and Gill note that the magistrates' fear was not of God or for their injustice. They were terrified of the Roman authorities and the severe earthly punishment for illegally beating a citizen. This highlights a key distinction: the wicked often fear human consequences far more than they fear offending a holy God.
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Acts
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Acts 16:38
18th Century
Theologian
They feared, when they heard, etc. They were apprehensive of punishment for having imprisoned them in violation of the laws of the empire.…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 16:38
19th Century
Bishop
They feared, when they heard that they were Romans.—It is clear that the strategi did not consider their ignorance of St. Paul’s …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 16:38
To beat and imprison a Roman citizen without a trial was a serious offense. So when the magistrates heard that Paul and Silas were citizens, they c…
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John Calvin
On Acts 16:38
16th Century
Theologian
They were afraid, because they were Romans. They are not in the least moved by the other point—that they had handled innocent people cruel…
John Gill
On Acts 16:38
17th Century
Pastor
And the sergeants told these words unto the magistrates ,
&c.] They returned to them, and acquainted them with what …
Matthew Henry
On Acts 16:35–40
17th Century
Minister
Paul, though willing to suffer for the cause of Christ, and without any desire to avenge himself, did not choose to depart under the charge of havi…