But the Jews became jealous, and gathering together some worthless men from the rabble in the marketplace, they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. They attacked Jason's house, trying to find Paul and Silas to bring them out to the assembly.

But when Paul wanted to enter the public assembly, the disciples would not let him.

So then some were shouting one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had met together.

Some of the crowd concluded it was about Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front. Alexander, gesturing with his hand, was wanting to make a defense before the public assembly.

But if you want anything in addition, it will have to be settled in a legal assembly.

After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

The next day, because the commanding officer wanted to know the true reason Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole council to assemble. He then brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

When he said this, an argument began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.