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Acts 19

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

And all the men were about twelve.

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

What does Acts 19:39 mean?

Explanation

Acts 19:39 refers to a statement made during a tumult in Ephesus where a town clerk addresses a crowd that is upset due to the impact that Paul's preaching has had on their local idol-making trade.

This statement by the town clerk suggests that issues not suitable for on-the-spot discussion should be resolved within the proper legal channels, specifically referring to a "lawful assembly." The verse implies the need for order and structure when dealing with civic matters, contrasting the chaotic nature of the gathering that prompted the statement.

The deeper meaning here might refer to the importance of due process and adherence to societal laws.

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Historical Context

Acts 19:39 is set in the city of Ephesus, an important trade center in the Roman province of Asia, and one of the largest cities in the eastern Mediterranean world.

Ephesus was particularly known for the Temple of Artemis, a major attraction and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

During Paul's missionary journeys, he spent significant time in Ephesus, preaching about Christianity, which threatened local craftsmen who profited from selling silver shrines of Artemis.

Their livelihoods being jeopardized led to a major conflict, resulting in a disorderly assembly in the city's theater.

The verse captures the town clerk's attempt to quell the disorder and restore civic order.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse is often cited to support the idea that Christians should respect civil authority and procedures.

It suggests that followers of Christ should seek to resolve disputes and address matters of concern through recognized legal means rather than through disorderly conduct.

This can also be interpreted as a call for Christians to be good citizens, engaging in society's legal frameworks to enact change or resolve conflicts.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this verse today can extend to encouraging individuals to engage with issues they are passionate about through lawful channels, such as voting, community meetings, and public forums, instead of resorting to riotous behavior or unlawful acts.

It reinforces respect for societal structures and due process, which can apply to various aspects of daily life including resolving workplace disputes, community issues, or even participating in civic activism in a constructive and lawful manner.

Cross-References

Romans 13:1: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

1 Corinthians 14:40: "Let all things be done decently and in order."
Titus 3:1: "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"
1 Peter 2:13-14: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term "lawful assembly" is translated from the word "ἐκκλησίαν νόμιμον" (ekklēsian nomimon). "ἐκκλησία" (ekklēsia) typically refers to a gathering or assembly, and is the word from which "church" is derived. "νόμιμον" (nomimon) roots in "νόμος" (nomos), meaning "law," thus, implying legality or according to law.

The phrase emphasizes not just any assembly, but one that is recognized by law as having the authority to decide matters. The use of "νόμιμον" stresses the proper legal procedures.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman societies, the idea of an "assembly" or "council" was common for community governance and decision-making.

The concept of addressing matters according to "lawful" or culturally sanctioned practices can be found in various other cultures, as in the Roman Senate or the Athenian democracy's assembly.

Comparatively, other religions also stress the importance of adhering to societal laws, such as Judaism's emphasis on following halakha (Jewish law) in societal matters.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective may not directly apply to this verse as it deals primarily with legal and social structures; however, the principles of order and structured processes are foundational to scientific inquiry.

The scientific method requires a systematic approach to research and problem-solving, similarly, the verse suggests a systematic approach to resolving societal issues.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentaries often highlight Acts 19:39 as an example of early Christians' interactions with secular authorities and legal systems.

They point out the town clerk's role in maintaining peace and civility, using it as an exemplar of how Christians might engage with public institutions.

Commentators like Matthew Henry note that the town clerk pacified the uproar not by condemning the accused or supporting the accusers, but by referring the matter to the proper authorities, which emphasizes the role of law and order above mob rule.

Acts 19

Acts 19

What does Acts 19:39 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 19:39 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?