Abstract
The charges against Paul and Silas at Philippi are normally taken to be disturbing the peace and introducing a foreign cult. But such charges do not fit the context. In particular, they are not appropriate given the action that precipitated them, namely, the exorcism of the prophesying slave-girl. Therefore, this essay suggests that the recorded charges are probably redactional. If the precipitating action is taken as the starting point it is clear that the actual charge would have been using magic to cause property damage and loss of livelihood. However, since Luke considers magic to have a satanic origin and he presents Christians as opposing magic he cannot allow Paul and Silas to be accused of it. Therefore, he plays down the accusation of magic and presents charges that can easily be refuted.
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