Magistrate

“So the five men departed and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living securely, like the Sidonians, tranquil and unsuspecting. There was nothing lacking in the land and no oppressive ruler. And they were far away from the Sidonians and had no alliance with anyone.”

“And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them.”

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say.”

“Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison.”

“They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil”

“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods.”

“When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order: “Release those men.””

“So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.”