Acts 16:37

But Paul said to them, " They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out. "

1. Now Paul makes a legal point.

1. Paul lets these men know that he is a Roman citizen.

2. Roman citizens have some special protections that were not given to Paul. They never asked about his citizenship.

3. A Roman citizen was not to be beaten until after a trial and conviction.

4. Now they come along and say we can leave town quietly, secretly.

2. So Paul says, We are staying here until the magistrates come and take us out - publicly.