Victim or Victor?

When daylight came, the chief magistrates sent the police saying, "Release those men!" The jailer reported these words to Paul: "The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released. So come out now and go in peace."

But Paul said to them, "They beat us in public without a trail, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now they are going to smuggle us out secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out!"

Then the police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. So they came and apologised to them, and escorted them out, they urged them to leave town. After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia's house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and departed. Acts 16:35-42

When leaders make descions because of the foment of the crowd they can be caught in serious trouble. This was the case with the magistrates. Two strangers had upset the locals by setting a slave girl fee from demonic possession, that was all, and yet that was a reason for heaven to rejoice. The upsetting of how things were by another element needs investigating, not going along with the crowd.

Roman citizens were exempt from certain punishment, eg crucifixion. They were entitled to dur process in court. This is the first time we hear Paul was a Roman citizen. To prove such a claim he may have carried a small wooden document, much like a passport today.

Now, being caught in their error the magistrates encourage Paul and Silas to leave town. Paul and Silas were within their rights to stay but chose to leave after visiting Lydia's house and those who gathered there. Just think Paul came all the way to Mespotamia to see Lydia's house saved, the jailer and his family saved and be beaten and jailed. I would start to suspect future visions of men calling me to a place.

We now live in a time, in the west, where victims claim huge compensations, but they remain victims. Jesus came to set us free. It is freedom we need most, compensation is nice if it comes but that is not where you stay. When I was hit by a woman driving to work and I was on my bicycle, I was compensated for medical expenses and given a small final payment. I am constantly receiving calls from legal firms wanting to further the claim, and make money out of me. I will not take things further as I was keen to move on in my life and not stay a victim.

Paul and Silas were ready to move on. So should we be. Amen!