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

ACTS 16:21KJV
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Acts 16:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:21 mean?

Acts 16:21 records an accusation made against Paul and Silas, claiming they were teaching customs that were not lawful for Romans to accept or practice. The verse shows that the local people were upset because Paul and Silas were introducing beliefs and practices that clashed with Roman law and traditions.

In this scene, the complaint is brought by local citizens of Philippi, a Roman colony, to the city magistrates after Paul and Silas had cast out a spirit from a slave girl. The accusers emphasize their Roman identity and argue that what Paul and Silas are teaching is not just different, but actually illegal for Romans to follow, highlighting the tension between the new Christian message and established Roman customs.

The Greek behind Acts 16:21

  • The word "customs" (ἔθη, ethē) refers to established practices or traditions, especially those tied to religion or culture. Here, it underscores that the issue was not just about new ideas, but about practices seen as foreign and potentially disruptive.
  • The phrase "not lawful" (οὐκ ἔξεστιν, ouk exestin) means something is not permitted or allowed by law. The accusers are stressing that what Paul and Silas are doing is not just unusual, but actually forbidden for Romans.
  • The word "Romans" (Ῥωμαίοις, Rhōmaiois) is used to highlight the civic and legal identity of the people making the accusation. This shows that the conflict is not just religious, but also about loyalty to Roman law and identity.

Why Acts 16:21 matters

  • Acts 16:21 clarifies that the opposition to Paul and Silas was not only religious but also political and cultural, rooted in the desire to protect Roman identity and law.
  • The verse helps explain why the authorities reacted so strongly, as the accusation framed the Christian message as a threat to public order and Roman values.
  • This moment sets the stage for the legal troubles Paul and Silas face in Philippi, highlighting the challenges early Christians encountered when their message clashed with local laws and customs.

Where else these words appear

“receive” Greek G3858 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
  • Acts 22:18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
  • 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

“customs” Greek G1485 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
  • John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
  • Acts 25:16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

“Romans” Greek G4514 · used in 13 verses

  • John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
  • Acts 22:25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
  • Acts 23:27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

“teach” Greek G2605 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
  • Acts 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.