Acts 16:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:20 mean?

Acts 16:20 describes how Paul and Silas were brought before the city officials, called magistrates, and accused of causing serious trouble in the city simply because they were Jews. The accusers claimed that Paul and Silas were disturbing the peace and order of their community.

In this scene, local people who were upset with Paul and Silas dragged them to the authorities after Paul cast a spirit out of a slave girl, which angered her owners. The accusation was not just about their actions, but also highlighted their identity as Jews, showing a mix of prejudice and concern about outsiders disrupting local customs. This sets the stage for the officials’ harsh treatment of Paul and Silas in the following verses.

The Greek behind Acts 16:20

• "Magistrates" (στρατηγούς, stratēgous): This Greek word refers to the chief officials or city leaders in Philippi, who had authority to judge and punish. Knowing this helps us see that Paul and Silas were brought before the highest local authority, not just any official.
• "Trouble" (ἐκταράσσουσιν, ektarassousin): This word carries the sense of stirring up or deeply disturbing the city, not just causing a minor annoyance. The accusation paints Paul and Silas as a serious threat to public order.
• "Jews" (Ἰουδαῖοι, Ioudaioi): The mention of their Jewish identity shows that ethnic and religious prejudice played a role in the charges, suggesting the accusation was not only about their behavior but also about suspicion toward outsiders.

Why Acts 16:20 matters

• This verse highlights how accusations against Paul and Silas were rooted in both their actions and their identity as Jews, showing how prejudice could be used to stir up trouble against early Christians.
• The charge of "troubling the city" sets up the legal and social context for the harsh treatment Paul and Silas would soon face, helping readers understand the seriousness of the situation.
• By naming the magistrates and the public accusation, the verse connects the story to the broader theme in Acts of how the gospel often met resistance from both local authorities and the general population.