Thought for the Week

Paul is in Philippi. As I said two weeks ago, it was likely a fairly anti-Semitic town. So, when the masters of the formerly demon-possessed, slave girl Paul had healed came to the magistrates their first words were, "These men are Jews."

Already there was a prejudice toward Paul and Silas. They then said they were teaching customs that are unlawful for Romans to practice. So there was not much need to bring any other accusations. Of course having the crowd of onlookers and bystanders join in the attack on Paul and Silas just added to the likelihood of guilt. So, realistically there was no...