16:20 {12} And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
(12) Covetousness pretends a desire for common peace and godliness.
16:20 To the magistrates. Roman officers, two in number, called duumviri, or praetors.
These men, being Jews. A great prejudice against Jews at this time existed in Europe. Near this time, Claudius Caesar expelled all Jews from Rome (Ac 18:2).
Do exceedingly trouble our city. Raise disturbances.
16:20 Being Jews - A nation peculiarly despised by the Romans.
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.
