Acts 16:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The accusers claim the missionaries are teaching customs unlawful for Romans to receive or observe.
What Does Acts 16:21 Mean?
The second charge wraps prejudice in patriotism: foreign teachers pressing a religion no loyal Roman may adopt. It is shrewdly aimed at a colony fiercely proud of its Roman identity, and the crowd will take the bait.
The irony waits until morning: the men accused of being un-Roman are themselves Roman citizens, beaten without trial in Rome's own name (v. 37). Tribunals stampeded by prejudice misjudge; but the gospel undermines no people's true good. It plants the deepest order there is, the love of God and neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 16:21
What does Acts 16:21 mean?
The accusers claim the missionaries are teaching customs unlawful for Romans to receive or observe.