In biblical times, the term "serjeants" is often associated with roles of authority and responsibility, particularly in the context of law enforcement and public order. The term itself is derived from the Latin "serviens," meaning "servant," and in the biblical context, it refers to officers or officials who serve in various capacities under higher authorities.

Biblical References:

The term "serjeants" is specifically mentioned in the New Testament in the context of Roman governance. In Acts 16:35-38 , we find an account involving Paul and Silas in Philippi:

"When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order: 'Release those men.' The jailer reported these words to Paul: 'The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.' But Paul said to the officers, 'They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Certainly not! Let them come themselves and escort us out.' So the officers reported this message to the magistrates, who were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens."

In this passage, the "officers" referred to are the "serjeants" or "lictors," who were responsible for carrying out the orders of the magistrates. Their duties included maintaining public order, executing punishments, and ensuring the enforcement of legal decisions.

Role and Function:

Serjeants in the Roman context were akin to modern-day law enforcement officers. They were tasked with upholding the law and executing the commands of the governing authorities. Their presence in the biblical narrative highlights the structured and hierarchical nature of Roman society, where authority was exercised through a chain of command.

In the broader biblical context, the role of serjeants can be seen as part of God's providential use of human institutions to maintain order and justice. Romans 13:1-4 speaks to the divine sanction of governing authorities:

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the Roman Empire, serjeants or lictors were often seen accompanying magistrates, carrying fasces—bundles of rods with an axe—symbolizing their power to punish and execute. This imagery underscores the authority vested in them to maintain civic order and execute justice.

The presence of serjeants in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human governance. While the serjeants acted under the authority of Roman magistrates, their actions were ultimately under the sovereign oversight of God, who uses even secular authorities to accomplish His purposes.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of serjeants in the Bible underscores the importance of law, order, and justice in society. It reflects the biblical principle that God is a God of order, not chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33: "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the congregations of the saints"). The role of serjeants, therefore, can be seen as part of God's common grace, providing structure and stability in a fallen world.

In summary, serjeants in the biblical context were officers of the law, serving under the authority of magistrates to maintain order and execute justice. Their role highlights the importance of lawful authority and the divine mandate for justice and order in society.SERJEANTS

sar'-jents, -jants (rhabdouchoi): In Acts 16:35, 38 the word (literally, "holders of rods," corresponding to Roman "lictors," thus the Revised Version margin) is used of the officers in attendance on the Philippian magistrates, whose duty it was to execute orders in scourging, etc., in this case in setting prisoners free. Paul and Silas, however, as Romans, refused thus to be "privily" dismissed.

The Introduction of the Gospel into Europe, and the Ministry of ...
... We can thus best account for the fact that "when it was day, the magistrates sent
the serjeants saying, Let those men go." [98:2] As it is not stated that the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter vi the introduction of.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin, but the ...
... Seeing the very officers and serjeants of death are continually surrounding us and
walk alongst with us"though unpleasant company"in our greatest ...
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Introductory
... was. It had its pair of petty consuls (duumviri; the strategoi of Acts
16:20) and their lictors (AV "serjeants," rhabdouchoi). And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter i introductory.htm

Directions to Church-Wardens, &C.
... s.8.12. Serjeants, corporals, drummers of the militia, and private men, from the
time of their inrollment, until their discharge, 26 G.3. c.107. s.130. ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/directions to church-wardens &c.htm

The Holy War,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Serjeants (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia SERJEANTS. ...Serjeants (2 Occurrences). Acts 16:35 And
when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. ...
/s/serjeants.htm - 7k

Inn (7 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) One of the colleges (societies or buildings) in London, for students of
the law barristers; as, the Inns of Court; the Inns of Chancery; Serjeants' Inns ...
/i/inn.htm - 17k

Feared (134 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV). Acts 16:38 And the serjeants told these words unto the
magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. ...
/f/feared.htm - 37k

Seriousness (1 Occurrence)

/s/seriousness.htm - 6k

Sermon (1 Occurrence)

/s/sermon.htm - 39k

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