Sergeant
Summary
The term used in the King James Version to translate the Greek word for a Roman lictor, an official who bore rods before magistrates and executed their sentences.
☩Role and Function
The 'sergeants' mentioned in Acts were Roman lictors (Greek: rhabdouchoi, literally 'rod-holders'). These were public servants who carried a bundle of rods (fasces) before the magistrates of Roman cities and colonies as insignia of their office. They also executed the sentences pronounced by the magistrates, including floggings.
☩Context at Philippi
At Philippi, after Paul and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned, the magistrates sent sergeants (lictors) to release them. When Paul revealed his Roman citizenship, which should have protected him from such treatment, the magistrates became fearful and came personally to apologize.