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Verse Takeaways
1
The Humiliation of Power
Commentators highlight the dramatic reversal of roles. The Roman magistrates, who had illegally beaten and jailed Roman citizens, were now "frightened for their own lives" (Robertson). They had to perform a "most humiliating act" (Barnes) by personally coming to the prison, apologizing, and escorting Paul and Silas out. This shows how earthly power must bow to legal and divine justice.
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Commentaries
5
Albert Barnes
On Acts 16:39
18th Century
Theologian
And they came and besought them. A most humiliating act for Roman magistrates, but in this case, it was unavoidable. The apostles had them…
AT Robertson
On Acts 16:39
They feared (εφοβηθησαν). This is the explanation. They became frightened for their own lives when they saw what they had done to …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 16:39
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 Gill
On Acts 16:39
17th Century
Pastor
And they came
To the prison in person, as Paul had insisted on they should:
and besought them
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…