Acts 16:20
And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσαγαγόντες
brought
G4317
προσαγαγόντες
brought
Strong's:
G4317
Word #:
2 of 15
to lead towards, i.e., (transitively) to conduct near (summon, present), or (intransitively) to approach
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατηγοῖς
to the magistrates
G4755
στρατηγοῖς
to the magistrates
Strong's:
G4755
Word #:
5 of 15
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
Οὗτοι
These
G3778
Οὗτοι
These
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
7 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.Acts 28:22But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Historical Context
Philippi was a Roman colony (Acts 16:12) with strong imperial identity. Claudius had expelled Jews from Rome around AD 49 for disturbances concerning "Chrestus" (likely Christ). This verse reflects the social tension between Jewish Christian missionaries and Roman colonists, where economic interests and ethnic prejudice combined to oppose the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- When has advocating for justice or freedom made you appear as a "troubler" of the status quo?
- How do those who profit from exploitation use accusations of "disturbing the peace" to silence prophetic witness today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city (οὗτοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐκταράσσουσιν ἡμῶν τὴν πόλιν Ἰουδαῖοι ὑπάρχοντες)—The charge weaponizes ethnic prejudice against Paul and Silas. The Greek ektarassō (thoroughly disturb/throw into confusion) exaggerates the threat, while identifying them as Ioudaioi (Jews) frames the conflict as ethnic rather than economic.
This is historical irony: the slave-owners, who profited from demonic exploitation, accuse the liberators of disturbing civic peace. Their appeal to Roman magistrates invokes antisemitic sentiment (Jews had been expelled from Rome under Claudius just years earlier, Acts 18:2). The gospel always troubles exploitative systems—the same accusation would be made at Thessalonica (Acts 17:6).