35 The next morning the legal authorities sent the police to the jailer with the order “Release those people.” 36 So the jailer reported this to Paul, informing him, “The authorities sent word that you both are to be released. You can leave now. Go in peace.” 37 Paul told the police, “Even though we are Roman citizens, they beat us publicly without first finding us guilty of a crime, and they threw us into prison. And now they want to send us away secretly? No way! They themselves will have to come and escort us out.” 38 The police reported this to the legal authorities, who were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 39 They came and consoled Paul and Silas, escorting them out of prison and begging them to leave the city. 40 Paul and Silas left the prison and made their way to Lydia’s house where they encouraged the brothers and sisters. Then they left Philippi. (Acts 16:35-40, CEB)
Paul was a Roman citizen and that gave him rights, to not be beaten for not being guilty. Which of course didn’t happen here.
The authorities wanted to make an example of Paul and Silas that if you spread things they do not agree with you will be beaten and put in prison. Then they tried to let Paul and Silas go quietly to not cause a scene, which backfired.
Paul and Silas did leave, but not right away, and the authorities that tried to stop the message probably only fueled the fire.
Never stop sharing the love God has shared with you for God is always with you.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 