Acts 16:20

They brought them to the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil

Study Bible

They brought them to the magistrates
In the context of Acts 16:20, the phrase "They brought them to the magistrates" refers to Paul and Silas being forcibly taken before the local Roman authorities in Philippi. The Greek word for "magistrates" is "στρατηγοί" (stratēgoi), which can be translated as "leaders" or "rulers." In Roman colonies like Philippi, magistrates were officials responsible for maintaining law and order. This highlights the legal and political structure of Roman society, where local governance was often in the hands of appointed officials who wielded significant power. The act of bringing Paul and Silas before these authorities underscores the gravity of the accusations against them and the potential consequences they faced. Historically, this reflects the tension between the early Christian movement and the established Roman order, as the message of the Gospel often challenged existing social and religious norms.

and said
The phrase "and said" introduces the formal accusation against Paul and Silas. In the Greek, "εἶπαν" (eipan) is used, which is a common verb for speaking or saying. This moment is significant as it marks the transition from action to verbal confrontation. The accusers are about to articulate their grievances, which is a pivotal moment in the narrative. In the broader scriptural context, speech acts often carry weight and consequence, reflecting the power of words to influence and direct events. This aligns with the biblical theme that words can be instruments of both truth and deception, justice and injustice.

These men
The phrase "These men" is a direct reference to Paul and Silas. The Greek "οὗτοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι" (houtoi hoi anthrōpoi) emphasizes their identity as outsiders or foreigners in Philippi. This distinction is crucial as it sets the stage for the accusations that follow, which are rooted in cultural and religious differences. Historically, Philippi was a Roman colony with a strong sense of Roman identity and pride. The identification of Paul and Silas as "these men" underscores their status as Jews and, by implication, as disruptors of the local social order. This reflects the broader theme in Acts of the early Christians often being perceived as a threat to established norms and traditions.

are Jews
The phrase "are Jews" is a critical component of the accusation. In Greek, "Ἰουδαῖοι ὑπάρχουσιν" (Ioudaioi hyparchousin) identifies Paul and Silas by their ethnic and religious background. This identification is not merely descriptive but carries a pejorative connotation in the context of Roman society, where Jews were often viewed with suspicion and prejudice. The emphasis on their Jewish identity highlights the cultural and religious tensions present in the early Christian mission. It reflects the historical reality of Jewish communities living under Roman rule, often facing discrimination and hostility. In the scriptural narrative, this accusation serves to illustrate the challenges faced by the early church in spreading the Gospel across diverse and often hostile cultural landscapes.

and are throwing our city into turmoil
The accusation that Paul and Silas "are throwing our city into turmoil" is a serious charge. The Greek phrase "ἐκταράσσουσιν ἡμῶν τὴν πόλιν" (ektarassousin hēmōn tēn polin) suggests causing disturbance or disorder. This reflects the fear of social upheaval that the message of the Gospel could incite. In the Roman world, maintaining public order was paramount, and any perceived threat to the peace was met with swift action. The charge of causing turmoil is not just about physical disruption but also about challenging the established religious and social norms. This accusation highlights the transformative and sometimes disruptive nature of the Christian message, which called people to a new way of life that often conflicted with existing societal values. In the broader biblical context, this reflects the theme of the Gospel as a catalyst for change, calling individuals and communities to repentance and new life in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul and Silas
Two key figures in the early Christian church, missionaries spreading the Gospel. They were known for their boldness in preaching and their miraculous works.

2. Magistrates
Roman officials responsible for maintaining law and order in the city. They held judicial authority and were approached by the accusers of Paul and Silas.

3. Philippi
A Roman colony in Macedonia where this event took place. It was a significant city for trade and military presence, and it had a diverse population including Jews and Gentiles.

4. Accusers
Local businessmen who were upset because Paul and Silas had cast a spirit out of a slave girl, which affected their income. They accused Paul and Silas of causing unrest.

5. Slave Girl
A young woman possessed by a spirit of divination, whose deliverance by Paul led to the accusations against him and Silas.

Teaching Points

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Paul and Silas demonstrate unwavering courage when faced with false accusations and hostility. Believers today are called to stand firm in their faith, even when it leads to personal cost.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following Christ may lead to conflict with societal norms and economic interests. Christians should be prepared for the challenges that come with living out their faith authentically.

Spiritual Warfare
The incident with the slave girl highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers must be aware of the spiritual battles that accompany the proclamation of the Gospel.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
Despite the unjust treatment, God uses the situation in Philippi to further His purposes, including the conversion of the jailer and his family. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst trials.

Community Impact
The Gospel has the power to transform communities, but it may also disrupt established systems. Christians should seek to be agents of positive change while being prepared for resistance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the actions of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:20 reflect the teachings of Jesus about facing persecution?

2. In what ways can modern Christians prepare themselves to stand firm in their faith when confronted with societal opposition?

3. How does the account of the slave girl in Acts 16 illustrate the concept of spiritual warfare, and what can we learn from it for our own spiritual battles?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Paul and Silas's example?

5. How can the church today be a transformative presence in communities while navigating potential conflicts with cultural and economic systems?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 19:23-41
Similar to the events in Philippi, Paul faces opposition in Ephesus due to the economic impact of his ministry, highlighting the recurring theme of financial interests clashing with the spread of the Gospel.

Matthew 10:17-18
Jesus warns His disciples that they will be handed over to local councils and flogged in synagogues, which parallels the experience of Paul and Silas being brought before the magistrates.

Philippians 1:29-30
Paul later writes to the church in Philippi, encouraging them to view suffering for Christ as a privilege, reflecting his own experiences in the city.