Definition: And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 16:38. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened in the early church. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “The soldiers told the local authorities – the magistrates – that they were Romans. And they were very worried because they heard about it.” Let’s unpack it a little further: Serjeants: This is a fancy word for soldiers or guards. Magistrates: These are leaders of the local government, like a mayor or governor – people in charge of the community. They were worried: The soldiers weren't just telling the authorities; they were expressing genuine fear and concern. Why was this important? At this point in the story, the church had started to spread its message of faith and Jesus’s teachings. When Roman soldiers heard that the believers were coming from a different region, it created a sense of unease and potential trouble. They recognized that something unusual and potentially dangerous was happening. So, the verse is a snapshot of a moment where people realized they were in a situation with a significant unknown element – the presence of Roman soldiers. It highlights the early church’s need to be aware of its surroundings and protect itself from potential threats. In short, it's about a group of soldiers warning the local authorities that they were Romans, and expressing concern about what this meant for the community. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period where this verse came from?