Acts 16:21
New International Version
by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

New Living Translation
“They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”

English Standard Version
They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.”

Berean Standard Bible
by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”

Berean Literal Bible
and preach customs that it is not lawful for us, being Romans, to accept nor to practice."

King James Bible
And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

New King James Version
and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”

New American Standard Bible
and they are proclaiming customs that are not lawful for us to accept or to practice, since we are Romans.”

NASB 1995
and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”

NASB 1977
and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”

Legacy Standard Bible
and are proclaiming customs that are not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”

Amplified Bible
They are publicly teaching customs which are unlawful for us, as Romans, to accept or observe.”

Christian Standard Bible
and are promoting customs that are not legal for us as Romans to adopt or practice.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and are promoting customs that are not legal for us as Romans to adopt or practice.”

American Standard Version
and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.

Contemporary English Version
They are telling us to do things we Romans are not allowed to do."

English Revised Version
and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and they're advocating customs that we can't accept or practice as Roman citizens."

Good News Translation
They are teaching customs that are against our law; we are Roman citizens, and we cannot accept these customs or practice them."

International Standard Version
and are advocating customs that we're not allowed to accept or practice as Romans."

Majority Standard Bible
by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”

NET Bible
and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us to accept or practice, since we are Romans."

New Heart English Bible
and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans."

Webster's Bible Translation
And teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

Weymouth New Testament
They are Jews, and are teaching customs which we, as Romans, are not permitted to adopt or practise."

World English Bible
and advocate customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they proclaim customs that are not lawful for us to receive nor to do, being Romans.”

Berean Literal Bible
and preach customs that it is not lawful for us, being Romans, to accept nor to practice."

Young's Literal Translation
and they proclaim customs that are not lawful for us to receive nor to do, being Romans.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they announce customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, nor do, being Romans.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And preach a fashion which it is not lawful for us to receive nor observe, being Romans.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they are announcing a way which is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, since we are Romans.”

New American Bible
and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”

New Revised Standard Version
and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they preach customs to us which are not lawful for us to accept and practice, because we are Romans.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And they are preaching to us customs which are not allowable for us to receive and do, because we are Romans.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and they teach customs which it is not lawful for us, who are Romans, to receive or to observe.

Godbey New Testament
and they proclaimed customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, or to do, being Romans.

Haweis New Testament
and enjoin customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to practise, being Romans.

Mace New Testament
as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise.

Weymouth New Testament
They are Jews, and are teaching customs which we, as Romans, are not permitted to adopt or practise."

Worrell New Testament
and are declaring customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.

Worsley New Testament
which it is not lawful for us to receive, nor practise, who are Romans.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul and Silas Imprisoned
20They 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.” 22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods.…

Cross References
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 24:5-6
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, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.

Acts 6:13-14
where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

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.”

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.”

Daniel 3:12
But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Daniel 6:13
Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.”

Jeremiah 38:4
Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.”

Esther 3:8
Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.

1 Peter 4:3-4
For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. / Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, / who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, / hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.

Matthew 28:15
So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.

Mark 15:3
And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things.

Luke 23:5
But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

John 11:48
If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”


Treasury of Scripture

And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

Acts 26:3
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Jeremiah 10:3
For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

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Accept Adopt Advocate Advocating Announce Customs Forth Jews Lawful Observe Permitted Practice Practise Proclaim Proclaiming Receive Right Romans Rules Teach Teaching Unlawful
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Accept Adopt Advocate Advocating Announce Customs Forth Jews Lawful Observe Permitted Practice Practise Proclaim Proclaiming Receive Right Romans Rules Teach Teaching Unlawful
Acts 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.














by advocating customs
The phrase "by advocating customs" refers to the actions of Paul and Silas, who were accused of promoting practices that were foreign to Roman traditions. The Greek word for "customs" is "ἔθη" (ethē), which can also mean habits or practices. In the context of the Roman Empire, customs were deeply tied to religious and civic identity. The Romans were known for their polytheistic beliefs and their integration of religion into public life. The introduction of new religious practices, especially those that challenged the status quo, was often met with suspicion and hostility. This accusation against Paul and Silas highlights the tension between the nascent Christian faith and the established Roman religious customs.

that are unlawful
The term "unlawful" in this context is derived from the Greek word "ἀθέμιτος" (athemitos), meaning forbidden or not permitted by law. The Roman legal system was complex and multifaceted, with laws that governed both public and private life. The accusation implies that the teachings of Paul and Silas were not just foreign but also in direct violation of Roman law. This reflects the broader theme in Acts of the early Christian movement's struggle against legal and societal barriers. The charge of unlawfulness was a serious one, as it suggested that the new faith was not just different but subversive to the Roman order.

for us Romans
The phrase "for us Romans" emphasizes the identity and pride of the Roman citizens making the accusation. Roman citizenship was a coveted status, conferring numerous rights and privileges. It also carried with it a sense of duty to uphold Roman laws and traditions. The distinction of being Roman was significant, as it set citizens apart from the many other peoples within the empire. This phrase underscores the cultural and legal divide between the Roman accusers and the Jewish-Christian missionaries. It also highlights the broader theme of Acts, where the gospel transcends cultural and national boundaries, challenging the exclusivity of Roman identity.

to accept or practice
The words "to accept or practice" indicate the dual nature of the accusation: not only were the customs foreign, but they were also deemed inappropriate for Roman citizens to even consider. The Greek words "παραδέχεσθαι" (paradechesthai) and "ποιεῖν" (poiein) suggest both mental assent and physical enactment. This reflects the comprehensive nature of Roman law, which sought to regulate both belief and behavior. The early Christian message, which called for a transformation of both heart and action, was seen as a threat to this system. This phrase captures the essence of the conflict between the transformative power of the gospel and the rigid structures of Roman society.

(21) And teach customs.--The word is used as including ritual as well as social habits, and seems to have been specially used of the whole system of Jewish life. (See Notes on Acts 6:14; Acts 15:1; Acts 21:21.)

Being Romans.--The people of Philippi, as a colonia, had a right to claim the title of Roman citizens, which could not have been claimed by those who were merely inhabitants of a Greek city, such as Thessalonica or Corinth. (See Note on Acts 16:12.)

Verse 21. - Set forth for teach, A.V.; it is for are, A.V.; or for neither, A.V. Romans; in a special sense, as members of a colony.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[by]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

promoting
καταγγέλλουσιν (katangellousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2605: To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.

customs
ἔθη (ethē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1485: A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage.

that
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

are unlawful
ἔξεστιν (exestin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible.

for us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Romans
Ῥωμαίοις (Rhōmaiois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4514: Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman.

to adopt
παραδέχεσθαι (paradechesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 3858: To receive, accept, acknowledge. From para and dechomai; to accept near, i.e. Admit or delight in.

[or]
οὐδὲ (oude)
Conjunction
Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.

practice.”
ποιεῖν (poiein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.


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NT Apostles: Acts 16:21 And set forth customs which it (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
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