What did the Roman magistrates do to Paul in Philippi?
The Roman magistrates in Philippi had Paul beaten without a trial by jury. The next morning they wanted him to leave town. When Paul pointed out he was a Roman citizen beaten without trial and threatened to go before their superiors, they were scared to death.
Les teaches that Paul was brought before the Roman magistrates in Philippi, and they had him beaten without a trial by jury. The next morning they wanted him to leave town. Paul objected, saying, "Oh no way, listen, you beat me as a Roman citizen without trial, now then we'll just go before your superiors," and they were scared to death. Les explains that Paul exerted his legal privilege, and he sees nothing wrong with that. Les clarifies he is not saying believers should run to a lawyer at the drop of a hat, but when there is no other way to turn, they do not have to lay down and let others misuse them because they are Christians. He ties this to the Scripture about living peaceably with all men and not avenging ourselves, because God will repay.