The beating

“The crowd joined in an attack against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely,” (1) At that time, Roman colonies had an anti-Jewish sentiment. (a) In 49 or 50 AD, Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Rome. (b) Such anti-Jewish policies influenced places like Philippi as well. (c) The crowd opposed Paul and Silas without reason. (2) The magistrates made their decision without investigating the facts, leading to: (a) Beating with rods, and (b) Imprisonment. Why did Paul not assert his Roman citizenship? It’s possible that his words were drowned out by the clamor of the crowd. (3) The intensity of this beating is not explicitly described, but the phrase “when they have struck them with many blows,” indicates that it was severe. Paul endured a total of three beatings like this (ref. 2 Cor. 11:25). He later wrote, “but after we had already suffered and been treated abusively in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition” (1 Thess.  2:2). (4) Afterward, Paul and Silas were imprisoned. The jailer was ordered to guard them securely. The jailer was commanded to guard them with his life.

Imprisonment

“And he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (1) The jailer treated Paul and Silas like serious criminals. Jailers were often retired soldiers, who were known for their loyalty to commands and combat skills, making them well-qualified for the role. The jailer’s position was likely comparable to a centurion in the military. (2) “Threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” (a) This location was the innermost cell in the prison, a windowless room. (b) To further prevent escape, he fastened their feet in stocks. From a human perspective, this turn of events is hard to accept. It seems unjust for those who serve God to suffer such mistreatment. However, the trials that Christians go through are often used for God’s glory. At least in Paul’s case in Philippi, this proved true. In the coming passages, we’ll see how the trial of imprisonment leads to blessings. In times of trial, let us praise God.