Bible Dictionary
Sergeants
The sergeants in Acts were Roman lictors who attended magistrates and assisted them in carrying out judicial orders.
Definition
Sergeants, in Acts 16, were lictors or officers who attended the magistrates. They assisted in carrying out judicial orders and the execution of justice.
Biblical Usage
The sergeants were sent by the magistrates to release Paul and Silas after their imprisonment.
Historical Background
The Revised Version identifies these officers as lictors, attendants of civic magistrates.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Acts 16:35, 38 (R.V., “lictors”), officers who attended the magistrates and assisted them in the execution of justice.