When they bring you before synagogues and the magistrates and authorities, do not trouble yourselves about how to defend yourselves or what to say,

But when her owners saw their chance of profit was gone, they caught hold of Paul and Silas and dragged them before the magistrates in the forum.

Magistrates are no terror to an honest man, though they are to a bad man. If you want to avoid being alarmed at the government-authorities, lead an honest life and you will be commended for it;

for the same reason as you pay taxes ??since magistrates are God's officers, bent upon the maintenance of order and authority.