Atos 19
J. Vernon McGee · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 19
Vernon McGee adds that "Christianity had no name for the churches at that time -- certainly no denominational name. It was simply called "that way." It was a new way, that is certain." (Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee) Steven
Atos 19
McGee - The temple of Diana was a great pagan temple, and it was the center of business. It was the bank of that day. It was also the center of sin. Gross immorality took place around it. It is true that religion can go to a lower level than anything else. (Ibid) Was bringing no little business to the craftsmen - Was bringing is in the imperfect tense indicating this was an ongoing business, day in and day out. Once again Luke shows his affinity for using litotes (see preceding passage), no little business, a figure of speech in which he makes an understatement to emphasize the success of the idolatry business. In other words Luke makes his point by stating a negative to further affirm the positive. William
Atos 19
Vernon McGee quips "you cannot step on a man's pocketbook without hearing him say, 'Ouch!'" (Amen or Oh my!) These he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades - The collusion among the members of the "chamber of commerce" will bring conflict and then confusion (mob scene). This would undoubtedly include not just the silversmiths but those who created the terra cotta shrines (of which a number have been found in archaeological digs). Trades (crafts)(5078)(techne from tikto = to bring forth) refers to an art, a trade, craft, skill, occupation, some an activity involving specialized training and skill. Gilbrant says "It is derived from tektōn, a “craftsman in wood, stone, or metal.”
Atos 19
McGee - The town clerk was, of course, a local official who told them that they were making too much out of this whole thing. He says, "Look at this great temple and at the great Diana. Nothing could happen to them. Nothing could be said against them!" Now, of course, they have been in ruins for nearly two thousand years. Robertson on town clerk - Ephesus was a free city and elected its own officers and the recorder or secretary was the chief magistrate of the city, though the proconsul of the province of Asia resided there. This officer is not a mere secretary of another officer or like the copyists and students of the law among the Jews, but the most influential person in Ephesus who drafted decrees with the aid of the stratēgoi, had charge of the city's money, was the power in control of the assembly, and communicated directly with the proconsul. Inscriptions at Ephesus give frequently this very title for their chief officer and the papyri have it also. The precise function varied in different cities. His name appeared on the coin at Ephesus issued in his year of office. Town clerk (1122)(grammateus from grapho = to write) in this context describes the chief executive officer of a governmental entity such as a town official secretary, town clerk. As used most commonly in the NT it described one skilled in Jewish law and theology, hence scribe, expert, scholar (Mt 2.4).