Acts 16:20

"and when they had brought them unto the magistrates, they said, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city" "Magistrates" "The collegiate magistrates of. Roman colony were commonly called duumivirs, but sometimes they preferred the more dignified title of praetors--The Greek work rendered 'magistrate' in the above verse is equivalent to the Latin praetor" (Bruce p. 335). "These men, being Jews" Notice that their real complaint against Paul and Silas is dropped and. false charge is issued instead. "Noting that were 'Jews' appears to be an attempt to prejudice the court before any evidence was given" (Reese p. 584). Hatred against Jews was always near the surface in any Gentile community and especially one like this that was so "Roman". "Exceedingly trouble our city" Disturbing the peace and Rome frowned upon any disturbances in the provinces (Acts 19:40).