In consequence of these charges the disciples were repeatedly brought before the authorities; but their defense was so clear and sensible, and their statement of what they were teaching so calm and comprehensive, that a strong influence was exerted in their favor. Although the magistrates were prejudiced against them by the false statements they had heard, they dared not condemn them. They could but acknowledge that the teachings of Paul and Barnabas tended to make men virtuous, law-abiding citizens, and that the morals and order of the city would improve if the truths taught by the apostles were accepted.

Som følge af disse anklager blev disciplene gentagne gange bragt for domstolene, men deres forsvar var så klart og forstandigt, og deres redegørelse for, hvad det var, de lærte, så rolig og forståelig, at det i høj grad virkede til gunst for dem. Skønt myndighederne var forud indtaget imod dem på grund af de falske beretninger, de havde hørt, vovede de ikke at dømme dem. De var nødt til at indrømme, at Paulus og Barnabas lære stilede mod at gøre mennesker til gode, lovlydige borgere, og at byens moral og orden ville blive bedre, hvis man rettede sig efter de sandheder, som apostlene lærte.