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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 16:21 by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/16-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/44_Act_16_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 16:21 - Paul and Silas Imprisoned" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/16-20.htm" title="Acts 16:20">◄</a> Acts 16:21 <a href="/acts/16-22.htm" title="Acts 16:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and preach customs that it is not lawful for us, being Romans, to accept nor to practice."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and they are proclaiming customs that are not lawful for us to accept or to practice, <i>since</i> we are Romans.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and are proclaiming customs that are not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They are publicly teaching customs which are unlawful for us, as Romans, to accept or observe.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and are promoting customs that are not legal for us as Romans to adopt or practice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and are promoting customs that are not legal for us as Romans to adopt or practice.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They are telling us to do things we Romans are not allowed to do." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />and they're advocating customs that we can't accept or practice as Roman citizens."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They are teaching customs that are against our law; we are Roman citizens, and we cannot accept these customs or practice them." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and are advocating customs that we're not allowed to accept or practice as Romans."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us to accept or practice, since we are Romans." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />They are Jews, and are teaching customs which we, as Romans, are not permitted to adopt or practise."<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and advocate customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they proclaim customs that are not lawful for us to receive nor to do, being Romans.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and preach customs that it is not lawful for us, being Romans, to accept nor to practice."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they proclaim customs that are not lawful for us to receive nor to do, being Romans.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they announce customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, nor do, being Romans.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And preach a fashion which it is not lawful for us to receive nor observe, being Romans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they are announcing a way which is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, since we are Romans.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they preach customs to us which are not lawful for us to accept and practice, because we are Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“And they are preaching to us customs which are not allowable for us to receive and do, because we are Romans.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />and they teach customs which it is not lawful for us, who are Romans, to receive or to observe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />and they proclaimed customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, or to do, being Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and enjoin customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to practise, being Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />They are Jews, and are teaching customs which we, as Romans, are not permitted to adopt or practise."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />and are declaring customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />which it is not lawful for us to receive, nor practise, who are Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/16-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5382" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Paul and Silas Imprisoned</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">by</a> <a href="/greek/2605.htm" title="2605: katangellousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.">promoting</a> <a href="/greek/1485.htm" title="1485: ethē (N-ANP) -- A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage.">customs</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">that</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1832.htm" title="1832: exestin (V-PIA-3S) -- It is permitted, lawful, possible. ">are unlawful</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">for us</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/4514.htm" title="4514: Rhōmaiois (Adj-DMP) -- Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman.">Romans</a> <a href="/greek/3858.htm" title="3858: paradechesthai (V-PNM/P) -- To receive, accept, acknowledge. From para and dechomai; to accept near, i.e. Admit or delight in.">to adopt</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiein (V-PNA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">practice.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Acts 17:6-7</a></span><br />But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5-6</a></span><br />We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13-14</a></span><br />where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-2.htm">Luke 23:2</a></span><br />And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12</a></span><br />From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/3-12.htm">Daniel 3:12</a></span><br />But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-13.htm">Daniel 6:13</a></span><br />Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4</a></span><br />Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8</a></span><br />Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3-4</a></span><br />For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. / Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:14-16</a></span><br />For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, / who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, / hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-15.htm">Matthew 28:15</a></span><br />So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-3.htm">Mark 15:3</a></span><br />And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-5.htm">Luke 23:5</a></span><br />But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-48.htm">John 11:48</a></span><br />If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/26-3.htm">Acts 26:3</a></b></br> Especially <i>because I know</i> thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3</a></b></br> For the customs of the people <i>are</i> vain: for <i>one</i> cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/14-17.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/job/15-5.htm">Adopt</a> <a href="/john/16-7.htm">Advocate</a> <a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Advocating</a> <a href="/acts/16-17.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/acts/6-14.htm">Customs</a> <a href="/acts/16-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/16-20.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/8-37.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/acts/14-16.htm">Permitted</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/john/15-14.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/acts/16-17.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/acts/16-17.htm">Proclaiming</a> <a href="/acts/11-1.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/acts/15-38.htm">Right</a> <a href="/acts/2-10.htm">Romans</a> <a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/acts/11-14.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/acts/15-35.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/10-28.htm">Unlawful</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/22-18.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/galatians/5-10.htm">Adopt</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Advocate</a> <a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Advocating</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Customs</a> <a href="/acts/16-30.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/17-1.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/19-39.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/acts/21-37.htm">Permitted</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Proclaiming</a> <a href="/acts/18-27.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Right</a> <a href="/acts/16-37.htm">Romans</a> <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/acts/17-19.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/18-13.htm">Unlawful</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-7.htm">and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-14.htm">convert Lydia,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-16.htm">and cast out a spirit of divination;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-19.htm">for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-25.htm">The prison doors are opened.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-31.htm">The jailor is converted,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/16-35.htm">and they are delivered.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>by promoting customs</b><br>The accusation against Paul and Silas was that they were introducing customs that were foreign to Roman law and culture. In the Roman Empire, religious practices were closely tied to the state, and any new or foreign customs were often viewed with suspicion. This reflects the tension between the early Christian message and the prevailing Roman religious and social norms. The term "customs" here can refer to religious practices, beliefs, or social behaviors that were seen as contrary to Roman traditions.<p><b>that are unlawful for us Romans</b><br>The emphasis on "us Romans" highlights the pride and identity associated with Roman citizenship. Roman law was highly regarded, and anything perceived as a threat to its order was taken seriously. The Roman Empire had a pantheon of gods and a well-established religious system, and the introduction of a new faith that claimed exclusivity, like Christianity, was seen as potentially subversive. This reflects the broader theme in Acts of the Gospel challenging existing power structures and cultural norms.<p><b>to adopt or practice.”</b><br>The concern was not just about belief but about the adoption and practice of these customs. Roman society was highly structured, and any deviation from accepted practices could be seen as a threat to social order. The early Christians were often accused of being atheists because they did not worship the Roman gods, and their practices, such as the Lord's Supper, were misunderstood and misrepresented. This phrase underscores the legal and cultural challenges faced by the early church as it spread throughout the Roman Empire.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_and_silas.htm">Paul and Silas</a></b><br>Two key figures in the early Christian church, missionaries spreading the Gospel. They are central to the events in <a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Acts 16</a>, having been imprisoned for their actions in Philippi.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a></b><br>A Roman colony in Macedonia where Paul and Silas were preaching. It was a significant city in the spread of Christianity due to its strategic location and Roman influence.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/roman_citizens.htm">Roman Citizens</a></b><br>The accusers of Paul and Silas, who were concerned about maintaining Roman customs and laws. Their complaint highlights the tension between Roman law and the new Christian teachings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/magistrates.htm">Magistrates</a></b><br>The local authorities in Philippi who were responsible for maintaining order and enforcing Roman law. They played a role in the arrest and punishment of Paul and Silas.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>The people of Philippi who were stirred up against Paul and Silas, influenced by the accusations of the Roman citizens.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_tensions.htm">Cultural Tensions</a></b><br>The early church often faced conflicts with prevailing cultural and legal norms. Christians today may also encounter situations where their beliefs conflict with societal expectations or laws.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_witnessing.htm">Courage in Witnessing</a></b><br>Paul and Silas demonstrated boldness in their mission, even when facing legal repercussions. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith and witness, regardless of opposition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority.htm">Understanding Authority</a></b><br>While Christians are called to respect and submit to governing authorities, there is a higher allegiance to God's kingdom. This requires discernment in situations where earthly laws conflict with divine commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a></b><br>Following Christ may lead to persecution or misunderstanding. Believers should be prepared for the challenges that come with living out their faith in a secular world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>The early church often faced opposition together, highlighting the importance of community and mutual support among believers in times of trial.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_were_paul_and_silas_jailed.htm">Why were Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_paul's_ritual_conflict_with_faith_alone.htm">Acts 21:17-26 - Does Paul's participation in Jewish purification rituals conflict with the New Testament teaching on salvation by faith alone?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_col._2_14_align_with_ot_laws.htm">Colossians 2:14 says the debt of sin was canceled; how does this reconcile with Old Testament laws still observed by many early believers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_helped_jesus_carry_the_cross.htm">Who assisted Jesus in carrying the cross?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">And teach customs.</span>--The word is used as including ritual as well as social habits, and seems to have been specially used of the whole system of Jewish life. (See Notes on <a href="/acts/6-14.htm" title="For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.">Acts 6:14</a>; <a href="/acts/15-1.htm" title="And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brothers, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.">Acts 15:1</a>; <a href="/acts/21-21.htm" title="And they are informed of you, that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.">Acts 21:21</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Being Romans.</span>--The people of Philippi, as a <span class= "ital">colonia, </span>had a right to claim the title of Roman citizens, which could not have been claimed by those who were merely inhabitants of a Greek city, such as Thessalonica or Corinth. (See Note on <a href="/acts/16-12.htm" title="And from there to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.">Acts 16:12</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> <span class="accented">- Set forth</span> for <span class="accented">teach</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">it is</span> for <span class="accented">are</span>, A.V.; or <span class="accented">for neither</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Romans</span>; in a special sense, as members of a colony. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/16-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[by]</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">promoting</span><br /><span class="grk">καταγγέλλουσιν</span> <span class="translit">(katangellousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2605.htm">Strong's 2605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">customs</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔθη</span> <span class="translit">(ethē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1485.htm">Strong's 1485: </a> </span><span class="str2">A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἃ</span> <span class="translit">(ha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">are unlawful</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔξεστιν</span> <span class="translit">(exestin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1832.htm">Strong's 1832: </a> </span><span class="str2">It is permitted, lawful, possible. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">for us</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Romans</span><br /><span class="grk">Ῥωμαίοις</span> <span class="translit">(Rhōmaiois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4514.htm">Strong's 4514: </a> </span><span class="str2">Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to adopt</span><br /><span class="grk">παραδέχεσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(paradechesthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3858.htm">Strong's 3858: </a> </span><span class="str2">To receive, accept, acknowledge. From para and dechomai; to accept near, i.e. Admit or delight in.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[or]</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐδὲ</span> <span class="translit">(oude)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">practice.”</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(poiein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/16-21.htm">Acts 16:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/16-21.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 16:21 And set forth customs which it (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/16-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 16:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 16:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/16-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 16:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 16:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>