Acts 16:38

38The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed.

38The officers reported these words to the chief magistrates. And they became fearful when they heard that they were Romans,

38The policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans,

38The officers reported this message to the chief magistrates, and 16:38 Paul was a Roman citizen because he was born in Tarsus (22:28), capitol of Cilicia and a city that the emperor Augustus had pronounced “free” because of its support of Rome. Nothing is known of Silas’ family background, but if his name is short for “Silvanus,” it is a Roman name (taken from the god of the forest) and it could be that Silas was also born a Roman citizen. Details on Roman citizenship at that time are sketchy at best, but it is clear from Acts that punishing a citizen without a trial and guilty verdict was illegal, probably involving severe penalties for the magistrates in charge. Also, a Roman citizen charged with a crime had the right to go to Rome and be tried in the emperor’s court (25:9-12).when they heard that the prisoners were Romans, they were frightened;

38So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

38The officers reported this to the judges. When the judges heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they became afraid.