John Gill Commentary Acts 17:8

"And they troubled the multitude and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things." — Acts 17:8 (ASV)

And they troubled the people, and the rulers of the city , &c.] Fearing some revolution would be made, and some new king, or rather tyrant, would start up, and usurp a power over them; or that they should come under some suspicion or charge with the Roman government, and should be called to an account, for admitting such men and tenets among them; with such fears were they possessed,

when they heard these things ; alleged against the apostle and his company.