They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are stirring up a lot of trouble in our city. They are Jews

The crowd joined in the attack against them. Then the magistrates had Paul and Silas stripped of their clothes and ordered them beaten with rods.

When day came, the magistrates sent guards, who commanded, "Release those men."

The jailer reported these words to Paul, and added, "The magistrates have sent word to release you. So come out now and go in peace."

But Paul told the guards, "The magistrates have had us beaten publicly without a trial and have thrown us into jail, even though we are Roman citizens. Now are they going to throw us out secretly? Certainly not! Have them come and escort us out."

The guards reported these words to the magistrates, and they became afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

So the magistrates came, apologized to them, and escorted them out. Then they asked them to leave the city.