Acts 16:21

"When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, are agitating our city"

Key Reflection

This statement reflects the prejudice and xenophobia prevalent in first-century society, where Jews were often seen with suspicion. The accusers exploited this bias to unjustly detain Paul and Silas, highlighting the broader themes of misunderstanding and persecution faced by early Christians.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. And teach customs. The word customs here (eyh) refers to religious rites or forms of worship. See Barnes "Ac 6:14". They meant to charge the apostles with introducing a new mode of worship and a new religion, which was unauthorized by the Roman laws. This was a cunning and artful accusation. It is perfectly evident that they cared nothing either for the religion of the Romans or of the Jews. Nor were they really concerned about any change of religion.

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