Acts 16:37

Verse 37. They have beaten us openly uncondemned. There are three aggravating circumstances mentioned, of which Paul complains. (1.) That they had been beaten, contrary to the Roman laws. (2.) That it had been public; the disgrace had been in the presence of the people, and the reparation ought to be as public. And (3) that it had been done without a trial, and while they were uncondemned and therefore the magistrates ought themselves to come and release them, and thus publicly acknowledge their error. Paul knew the privileges of a Roman citizen; and at proper times, when the interests of justice and religion required it, he did not hesitate to assert them.