Acts 16:19

Gains. Gr. ergasia (see on ch. 19:24, 25). Men may tolerate strange religions or the speculations of philosophers, but they would be roused to violence by anything that threatens their business (cf. on ch. 19:23-28). Such circumstances must have been in the background of many persecutions of the early church.

Was gone. The occurrence of the same Greek verb as is used in the previous verse for “came out,” emphasizes that in each case the action was the same; the men’s business and the spirit of divination had both passed away.

Paul and Silas. The two were the most prominent members of the missionary party, and both were Jews (cf. v. 20). Luke and Timothy escaped, possibly because of their Gentile appearance (see Vol. V, p. 664; v. 1).

Drew. Gr. helko, “to drag [by force],” used also in Acts 21:30; James 2:6.

Marketplace. Gr. agora (see on Matt. 11:16). It corresponded to the Roman Forum, and was the center, not only of social and business life, but also of the administration of justice.

Rulers. Gr. archontes, “commanders,” “chiefs,” “rulers”; in general, “authorities.” Particular members of this group are designated in the next verse.