Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar New Living Translation “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. English Standard Version And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. Berean Standard Bible They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil Berean Literal Bible And having brought them up to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city King James Bible And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, New King James Version And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; New American Standard Bible and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men, Jews as they are, are causing our city trouble, NASB 1995 and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, NASB 1977 and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, Legacy Standard Bible and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, Amplified Bible and when they had brought them before the chief magistrates, they said, “These men, who are Jews, are throwing our city into confusion and causing trouble. Berean Annotated Bible They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews (people of praise) and are throwing our city into turmoil Christian Standard Bible Bringing them before the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are seriously disturbing our city. They are Jews Holman Christian Standard Bible Bringing them before the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are seriously disturbing our city. They are Jews American Standard Version and when they had brought them unto the magistrates, they said, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, Contemporary English Version They told the officials, "These Jews are upsetting our city! English Revised Version and when they had brought them unto the magistrates, they said, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, GOD'S WORD® Translation In front of the Roman officials, they said, "These men are stirring up a lot of trouble in our city. They're Jews, Good News Translation They brought them before the Roman officials and said, "These men are Jews, and they are causing trouble in our city. International Standard Version They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are stirring up a lot of trouble in our city. They are Jews NET Bible When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, "These men are throwing our city into confusion. They are Jews New Heart English Bible When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men, being Jews, are agitating our city, Webster's Bible Translation And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, Weymouth New Testament Then they brought them before the praetors. "These men," they said, "are creating a great disturbance in our city. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil World English Bible When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, are agitating our city Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand having brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men being Jews exceedingly trouble our city; Berean Literal Bible And having brought them up to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city Young's Literal Translation and having brought them to the magistrates, they said, 'These men do exceedingly trouble our city, being Jews; Smith's Literal Translation And having brought them to the generals, they said, These the men who cause disturbance to our city, being Jews, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd presenting them to the magistrates, they said: These men disturb our city, being Jews; Catholic Public Domain Version And presenting them to the magistrates, they said: “These men are disturbing our city, since they are Jews. New American Bible They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These people are Jews and are disturbing our city New Revised Standard Version When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they brought them before the soldiers and the city magistrates and said, These men are Jews, and they create disturbances in our city, Aramaic Bible in Plain English And they presented them to the Magistrate and to the Leaders of the city and they were saying, “These men are troubling our city because they are Jews.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd having brought them to the magistrates, they said: These men, who are Jews, do greatly trouble our city; Godbey New Testament and leading them to the magistrates, said, These men do exceedingly trouble our city, being Jews, Haweis New Testament and presenting them to the magistrates, they said, These are the men that exceedingly disturb the peace of our city, being Jews, Mace New Testament having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims, Weymouth New Testament Then they brought them before the praetors. "These men," they said, "are creating a great disturbance in our city. Worrell New Testament and, leading them forward to the magistrates, they said, "These men, being Jews, are greatly disturbing our city; Worsley New Testament And when they brought them to the governors, they said, These men cause great disturbance in our city, for they are Jews, and teach customs, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul and Silas Imprisoned…19When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. 20 They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil 21by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”… Cross References They brought them to the magistrates Luke 12:58 Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. Acts 18:12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. Acts 25:6 After spending no more than eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered that Paul be brought in. and said, Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.” Acts 24:2 When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. Acts 25:7 When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove. “These men are Jews Acts 21:39 But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.” Acts 22:3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. Romans 2:17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; and are throwing our city into turmoil Acts 24:5 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, Acts 21:31 While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Acts 19:29 Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. Acts 17:6-7 But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” Acts 19:25-27 Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. / And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, this Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. / There is danger not only that our business will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed—she who is worshiped by all the province of Asia and the whole world.” Matthew 27:12 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. John 19:12 From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” Treasury of Scripture And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, being. Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Ezra 4:12-15 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations… do. Acts 17:6-8 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; … Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. 1 Kings 18:17,18 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? … Jump to Previous Agitating Authorities Chief City Confusion Creating Disturbance Disturbing Exceedingly Great Greatly Jews Magistrates Praetors Throwing Trouble Troubling Uproar UtterlyJump to Next Agitating Authorities Chief City Confusion Creating Disturbance Disturbing Exceedingly Great Greatly Jews Magistrates Praetors Throwing Trouble Troubling Uproar UtterlyActs 16 1. Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,7. and being called by the Spirit from one country to another, 14. convert Lydia, 16. and cast out a spirit of divination; 19. for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned. 25. The prison doors are opened. 31. The jailor is converted, 35. and they are delivered. They brought them to the magistrates In the Roman colony of Philippi, magistrates were local officials responsible for maintaining law and order. The term "magistrates" refers to the duumviri, the two chief officials in a Roman colony. This reflects the Roman influence and governance in Philippi, a city that was a Roman colony and thus had a significant Roman presence and legal system. The act of bringing Paul and Silas to the magistrates indicates a formal accusation, highlighting the seriousness of the charges against them. and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul and SilasTwo 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 OppositionPaul 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 and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 16:20?2. How does Acts 16:20 illustrate the cost of standing for Christian beliefs? 3. What societal pressures today mirror those faced by Paul and Silas in Acts? 4. How can Acts 16:20 inspire boldness in sharing the Gospel in hostile environments? 5. What Old Testament examples show God's deliverance of His people facing false accusations? 6. How should Christians respond to unjust accusations, as seen in Acts 16:20? 7. What historical context led to the accusations in Acts 16:20? 8. How does Acts 16:20 reflect the tension between early Christians and Roman authorities? 9. What does Acts 16:20 reveal about the perception of Christianity in Roman society? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 16? 11. What were Apostle Paul's missionary journeys? 12. What are the key events in Silas's biblical life? 13. Why were Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi? 14. (2 Corinthians 7:5) Are there any historical or archaeological records confirming the exact nature of Paul’s “conflicts” in Macedonia? What Does Acts 16:20 Mean They brought them• “They” refers to the slave-girl’s owners who had just lost their income when Paul cast out the spirit (Acts 16:16-19). • “Them” points to Paul and Silas, faithful missionaries obeying Christ’s direct leading (Acts 16:9-10). • Physical seizure and dragging before authorities echo earlier persecutions of God’s servants (Luke 21:12; Acts 8:3), reminding us that obedience can invite opposition yet also advances the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14). to the magistrates • Philippi, a Roman colony, was governed by two magistrates (“praetors”) charged with maintaining civil order (Romans 13:1-4). • Appealing to these officials shows the accusers’ strategy: weaponize Roman law to silence gospel witness, just as Jewish leaders used Pilate against Jesus (John 18:28-30). • The story illustrates that governmental structures, while ordained by God, can be misused when truth confronts entrenched interests (Acts 4:18-20; 1 Peter 4:15-16). and said • Public accusation in a court-like setting magnifies pressure; crowds often sway officials more than facts (Mark 15:11-15; Acts 24:1-9). • Satan, “the accuser” (Revelation 12:10), commonly employs slander to hinder believers, yet God turns such moments into platforms for testimony (Acts 26:1-3). “These men are Jews • The phrase rings with ethnic prejudice, implying outsiders who threaten local customs (Esther 3:8). • It foreshadows later hostility Paul faced when labeled a troublemaker simply for being a believer (2 Corinthians 11:22-23). • Their Jewish identity is highlighted to exploit simmering anti-Semitic sentiment in Roman society, yet God uses even bias to spread the message (Romans 11:11). and are throwing our city into turmoil” • Similar charges dogged early Christians: “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6), “stirring up riots” (Acts 24:5), “subverting the nation” (Luke 23:2). • The claim is ironic—deliverance of one oppressed girl is called “turmoil,” exposing hearts that value profit over people (1 Timothy 6:10). • Real disturbance arises not from the gospel but from sin resisting truth; still, persecution can’t cancel God’s purposes (Psalm 2:1-6; Acts 5:38-39). summary Acts 16:20 records a calculated accusation: Paul and Silas are dragged before Roman officials, slandered as foreign agitators, and blamed for civic unrest. The verse spotlights three timeless realities: faithful proclamation often provokes opposition; secular powers can be manipulated against God’s servants; and God sovereignly uses such conflicts to advance the gospel. (20) The magistrates.--The Greek word used (Strategi, literally, generals--the name survived in 1750 in the Italian Stradigo, used of the prefect of Messina) is used with St. Luke's usual accuracy, for the praetors, or duumviri, who formed the executive of the Roman colonia.These men, being Jews.--We must remember that the decree of Claudius (see Note on Acts 18:2), banishing the Jews from Rome on account of their disturbing that city, would be known, and probably acted on, at Philippi (see Notes on Acts 16:12-13), and would give a special force to the accusation. Here, also, there is something specially characteristic of the nature of many of the early persecutions. Christians were exposed, on the one hand, to the relentless enmity of the Jews, and, on the other, they were identified by heathen rulers and mobs with the Jews, and so came in, where the latter were the objects of popular antipathy, for a two-fold measure of suffering. Greek They brought themπροσαγαγόντες (prosagagontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4317: From pros and ago; to lead towards, i.e. to conduct near, or to approach. to the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. magistrates στρατηγοῖς (stratēgois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 4755: From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens. [and] said, εἶπαν (eipan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “These Οὗτοι (Houtoi) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. men ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. are ὑπάρχοντες (hyparchontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 5225: To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb). Jews Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. [and] are throwing ἐκταράσσουσιν (ektarassousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1613: To disturb (trouble) greatly (exceedingly). From ek and tarasso; to disturb wholly. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. city {into turmoil} πόλιν (polin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town. Links Acts 16:20 NIVActs 16:20 NLT Acts 16:20 ESV Acts 16:20 NASB Acts 16:20 KJV Acts 16:20 BibleApps.com Acts 16:20 Biblia Paralela Acts 16:20 Chinese Bible Acts 16:20 French Bible Acts 16:20 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 16:20 When they had brought them to (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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