This was a punishment inflicted by the Romans. The culprit was stripped and stretched by cords or thongs on a frame, and beaten with a whip or a rod. From about B.C. 300 Roman citizens were exempt from scourging. Paul availed himself of this privilege when he was about to be “examined” under this punishment (Acts 22:24-29). But he was thrice beaten with rods (2 Cor. 11:25). The Lord was subject to the pain and indignity of scourging (John 19:1).