20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city.
20 and pulled them into a court with the accusation, "These men are disturbing the peace - dangerous Jewish agitators
20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city;
20 "The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!" they shouted to the city officials.
21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice."
21 subverting our Roman law and order."
21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe."
21 "They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice."
(Read Acts 16:16-24)
Satan, though the father of lies, will declare the most important truths, when he can thereby serve his purposes. But much mischief is done to the real servants of Christ, by unholy and false preachers of the gospel, who are confounded with them by careless observers. Those who do good by drawing men from sin, may expect to be reviled as troublers of the city. While they teach men to fear God, to believe in Christ, to forsake sin, and to live godly lives, they will be accused of teaching bad customs.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 16:20
Commentary on Acts 16:16-24
(Read Acts 16:16-24)
Satan, though the father of lies, will declare the most important truths, when he can thereby serve his purposes. But much mischief is done to the real servants of Christ, by unholy and false preachers of the gospel, who are confounded with them by careless observers. Those who do good by drawing men from sin, may expect to be reviled as troublers of the city. While they teach men to fear God, to believe in Christ, to forsake sin, and to live godly lives, they will be accused of teaching bad customs.