Atos 19
Thomas Constable · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Constable - It is difficult to determine whether the “disciples” whom Paul found in Ephesus were Christians or not. They seem quite similar to Apollos (18:25–26) and may have been Old Testament saints or untaught Christians. Another possibility is that they were not believers at all but only seekers after the truth.762 The second alternative seems more probable to me. Elsewhere Luke used the word “disciple” to describe John’s followers (Luke 5:33; 7:18–19). Clearly these men were disciples of John the Baptist, not Jesus. Luke had used the term disciples to describe followers of John the Baptist “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers, the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same, but Yours eat and drink.”used the term disciples (Luke 5:33+) The disciples of John reported to him about all these things. 19 Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?” 20 When the men came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, ‘Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?’” (Luke 7:18-20+). Furthermore the name disciples was used in other contexts - For example the disciples of the Pharisees (Mark 2:18; Luke 5:33), the disciples of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14; 11:2; Luke 5:33; 7:18-19; 11:1; John 1:35; 3:25) and finally disciples of Jesus Christ were not even saved as they proved when they departed from following Him (see John 6:66). John
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Constable comments that "Demetrius' words establish the extent to which the gospel had penetrated Asia and the effect it had. There is no stronger testimony than the words of a critic who acknowledges the success of his adversary." And said, "Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business - When the Gospel begins to threaten one's pocket book, fireworks are soon to follow. One is reminded of Jesus' sobering question "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" (Mk 8:36) These men had rejected the knowledge of God and fallen into the trap of idolatry and made a very bad exchange (as they would discover one day in eternity!) as described by Paul in Romans For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. (Ro 1:18-23+) Know (present tense)(1987)(epistamai from epi = upon + histemi = to stand) means that they had fixed their minds on this economic problem and thus had intellectual apprehension and understanding of the significance of this information. In a word it meant "Bad for business!" Jack Arnold - This is a tremendous testimony to the power of Christ to change lives and destroy idols. Christ does the same thing with modern idols. Whether those idols be material things, drugs, sex, alcohol or whatevers these idols will topple when men meet the resurrected Christ. Each time a person comes to Christ for salvation, he affects his culture, and if enough people turn to the Savior, a whole culture can be changed. (Sermon) Prosperity (2142)(euporia from euporeo = to have plenty of anything from eu + poros = easy to pass through, easy to accomplish and so well off) means abundance, the result of having acquired wealth and thus wealth, good income, easy living. In short euporia speaks of a high standard of living achieved through one’s work, whether that work is easy or hard. BDAG = "having the means for something, ‘means’, then abundant means." Louw-Nida - "an easy means of gaining a profit from one's business." This is the only use in the Bible. Liddell-Scott - an easy way of doing a thing, facility or faculty for doing, c. inf., Thuc.; absol., Xen.: easy means of providing, Thuc., etc. 2. plenty, store, abundance, wealth, Xen.:-in pl. advantages, Isocr., Dem. II. the solution of doubts or difficulties, Xen., etc. Business (2039) see above ergasia Acts 19:26 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. NET Acts 19:26 And you see and hear that this Paul has persuaded and turned away a large crowd, not only in Ephesus but in practically all of the province of Asia, by saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all. GNT Acts 19:26 καὶ θεωρεῖτε καὶ ἀκούετε ὅτι οὐ μόνον Ἐφέσου ἀλλὰ σχεδὸν πάσης τῆς Ἀσίας ὁ Παῦλος οὗτος πείσας μετέστησεν ἱκανὸν ὄχλον λέγων ὅτι οὐκ εἰσὶν θεοὶ οἱ διὰ χειρῶν γινόμενοι. NLT Acts 19:26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren't really gods at all. And he's done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! KJV Acts 19:26 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: ESV Acts 19:26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. ASV Acts 19:26 And 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 are no gods, that are made with hands: CSB Acts 19:26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! NIV Acts 19:26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. NKJ Acts 19:26 "Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. NRS Acts 19:26 You also see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost the whole of Asia this Paul has persuaded and drawn away a considerable number of people by saying that gods made with hands are not gods. YLT Acts 19:26 and ye see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but almost in all Asia, this Paul, having persuaded, did turn away a great multitude, saying, that they are not gods who are made by hands; You see and hear that not only in Ephesus - Ac 19:10,18-20 1Co 16:8,9 1Th 1:9 that gods made with hands are no gods at all - Ac 14:15 17:29 Ps 115:4-8 135:15-18 Isa 44:10-20 46:5-8 Jer 10:3-5,11,14,15 Ho 8:6 1Co 8:4 10:19,20 12:2 Ga 4:8 made: Ac 19:35 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia - This is an amazing testimony to the power and penetration of the Gospel and is in a sense a "pagan commentary" on Acts 19:20+ that "the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing." Willaim Neil rightly says that "vested interests were disguised as local patriotism-in this case also under the cloak of religious zeal." (The Acts of the Apostles - New Century Bible Commentary) See (present tense -beholding, observing) (2334)(theoreo from theaomai = to look at closely or attentively or contemplatively - even with a sense of wonder; cp theoros = a spectator) means that these businessmen were seeing, perceiving and understanding. They were looking with interest and purpose motivated by their pocket books! And so they were watching intensely or attentively, somewhat in amazement and shock at what was occurring. This Paul - Demetrius is being contemptuous!
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Constable points out that "A major boulevard, the Arcadian Way, ran from the harbor to the theater, and it was probably this artery that the ringleaders used to collect citizens on their march to the theater." (See excellent picture of Arcadian way leading to Amphitheater) Confusion (4799)(sugchusis/synchysis from sun = together + cheo = to pour) literally describes that which is poured together. It is a noun that speaks of a tumult as one sees with a disorderly mob reaction. This word emphasizes the riotous, uncertain, confusion of the crowd. Luke uses the related verb in Acts 19:32 ("the assembly was in confusion"). It was a city in an uproar with confusion, disorder, and anger that accompanied the mob scene. And they rushed with one accord into the theater - The ruins of this large amphitheater (see note) still remain today and it is estimated it could hold from 25-50,000 people. With a touch of irony Luke uses homothumadon (see below), the great word he uses to describe the unity and fellowship of believers (Acts 1:14; 2:1, 46; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 15:25) but now describes the unity of these evil men. They have one mind and one goal in mind and that is to preserve the reputation of Artemis and destroy the Christians. Does this not sound just like Satan who comes to "steal, kill and destroy" (Jn 10:10)? Rushed (3729)(hormao from horme = violent impulse from ornumi = to excite, arouse) means to set out, to rush headlong, violently, impetuously. It describes a "swift and violent forward motion uncontrolled by reason." (Friberg) It is so fitting that in Acts 7:57 hormao described a herd of Sanhedrin controlled by their rage rushing at Stephen, this same verb was used to describe a herd of swine controlled by evil spirits rushing to their death! There is not much difference between these two pictures and these raging Ephesians who rushed into the theater! In a word, all three groups of rushers were controlled by evil spirits and had destruction on their mind! One can smell the scent of Satan in all three situations!
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Constable - Some of these men were friends of Paul. This shows again that the attitude of many leaders was friendly to Christianity at this time. Their attitude doubtless reflected what was appropriate in the empire. The Asiarchs too wanted to prevent Paul from injury. "A sect whose leader had Asiarchs for friends cannot be dangerous to the state." Notice that Paul had made friends with leading men of the city; he did not keep a low profile as he evangelized. Related Resources: Fausset Bible Dictionary Asiarchs Holman Bible Dictionary Asiarchs Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Asiarch Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Asiarch - longest article International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Asiarch Friends (5384)(philos) means loved (loved one), dear, befriended, friendly, kind. Philos in this context means kindly disposed. Philos describes one having special interest in someone else. One who is on intimate terms or in close association with someone else As Christians there is a time to stand and fight, but there is also a time to stay put! There’s a time to speak up, stand up, but there is also a time to sit still! And repeatedly urged (parakaleo) him - Repeatedly urged is in the imperfect tense showing that the messengers sent had to repeated insist as Paul repeatedly protested.
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Constable - The crowd's reaction to Alexander showed distinct hostility toward him. Apparently Alexander was a leading unbelieving Jew who wanted the crowd to understand that even though Paul was a Jew the local Jewish community did not approve of him (cf. Acts 18:12-17). However, like Gallio in Corinth, this crowd did not distinguish between Christianity and Judaism. Both faiths stood against idolatry. Concluded (4822)(sumbibazo from sun = together + bibazo = to make to go up) means to bring together, to make or cause to go or come together, to join together, and all of these meanings occur in both a literal and figurative sense. Figuratively in an intellectual sense, sumbibazo meant to mentally put together -- to draw a conclusion in the face of evidence, “to conclude in one’s mind by putting facts together," to give thought to something in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision (Acts 16:10+) Had put him forward (4261)(proballo from pro = before, in front of + ballo = throw) literally means throw before and so to cause Alexander to come forward. Apparently some pushed him forward to speak in the theater. And having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly - Alexander was rapidly waving his hand up and down to get a hearing. Luke frequently mentions motioning with the hand (Acts 12:17; Acts 13:16; Acts 21:40), presumably to get the attention and in this case to cause the mob to stop shouting so they could hear. Intending (desiring, wishing) (2309)(thelo) primarily refers to exercising one's will with underlying sense of to desire, to want or to wish. Alexander apparently was willing to speak even though he had been pushed forward. Make...defense (626)(apologeomai from apo = from + logos = speech) literally means, “to talk one’s self off from" and thus to speak in one's own defense, defend oneself. BDAG - "to speak in one’s own defense against charges presumed to be false," Apologia was a technical word used in the Greek law courts and was used of an attorney who talked his client off from a charge preferred against him. In short it refers to a speech given in defense.
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Constable - He stated there was no danger whatsoever that people would conclude that Artemis was a goddess made with hands since everyone knew the image of her in her famous temple had fallen from heaven. "Do nothing rash" is still good advice. The town clerk was not a Christian, but he was a wise and diplomatic man. Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis - The town clerk was reminding the citizens of Ephesus, that they (the city) were in effect the caretakers and preservers of the temple in the goddess’ honor. Inscriptions. There are coins dating back into the First Century A.D. which confirm, in language almost identical to Luke’s, Ephesus’ proud claim to be the neōkoros of Diana (Artemis). Guardian of the temple (3511)(neokoros from neos - Attic of naos or temple + koreo = to sweep clean) literally means literally a temple sweeper and then temple keeper and is used only here in the NT. It was an official of a temple who also had charge of the decorations. In additions the title of "Guardian of the temple" or "temple keeper" was an honor which the Roman government bestowed on selected cities that possessed temples of the imperial cult (See Imperial cult of ancient Rome) Vine on neokoros - Coin inscriptions show that it was an honorary title given to certain cities, especially in Asia Minor, where the cult of some god or of a deified human potentate had been established, here to Ephesus in respect of the godde ss Artemis. Apparently the imperial cult also existed at Ephesus. Josephus applies the word to Jews as worshipers, but this is not the meaning in Acts 19. Gilbrant - The noun neōkoros can be found in classical Greek literature from the Fourth Century B.C. to describe lowly laborers or slaves whose responsibility it was to keep pagan temples swept and clean, hence a “temple sweeper.” The word also assumed a more positive position of “temple keeper,” one who was put in charge of the regular operation and maintenance of a temple. In literature from the First Century A.D. the word had been appropriated by some cities, especially in Asia Minor, as a proud title affirming that they had established and were maintaining temples to their patron gods or goddesses, or to the emperor (cf. Liddell-Scott). Thus, they had become temple “guardians” or “wardens.” (Ibid) And of the image which fell down from heaven - Presumably this refers to a meteorite but we cannot be more specific. Whatever it was this statement says that to the Ephesians this was a work of deity and had divine implications. Thus they justified their pagan worship of an idol. This indicates they had some sense of the fact that there is a God in Heaven even though their understanding was warped and perverted because they had chosen willfully to suppress the truth about God so that they might justify (in their foolish darkened hearts) their unrighteous behavior (Ro 1:18-21+). John Polhill notes that "Meteorites were often associated with the worship of the Mother Goddess [Artemis]. The most famous of these was the sacred stone taken from Pessinus to Rome in 204 b.c. A meteorite also seems to have been associated with the cult of the Taurian Artemis. Although there is no evidence beyond this text for such a sacred stone being connected with the Ephesian cult, it is altogether likely that one existed, given this common association of the mother goddess with a "stone from heaven." (NAC) Jack Andrews has a pithy remark - They were staking their eternal well-being on a rock that fell from the heavens! Christians stake their eternal well-being on the Rock that came from Heaven! NET Note - The expression fell from heaven adds a note of apologetic about the heavenly origin of the goddess. The city’s identity and well-being was wrapped up with this connection, in their view. Many interpreters view her image that fell from heaven as a stone meteorite regarded as a sacred object. Pierson - “This chapter teaches us all a permanent lesson: that when disciples have a true revival, society gets a revolution. When the Spirit moves mightily upon children of God we may look for other mighty movements among unbelievers, and need not be surprised if the devil himself comes down, having great wrath, as though he knew that his time were short.” Fell down from heaven (1356)(diopetes from Dios = chief god of Greeks - Jupiter = Zeus the "sky god" + pipto = to fall) means "fallen from Zeus," (or 'the sky') or an image that fell from the statue of Jupiter. BDAG writes that "meteorites viewed as heaven-sent cult objects." Acts 19:36 "So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash. NET Acts 19:36 So because these facts are indisputable, you must keep quiet and not do anything reckless. GNT Acts 19:36 ἀναντιρρήτων οὖν ὄντων τούτων δέον ἐστὶν ὑμᾶς κατεσταλμένους ὑπάρχειν καὶ μηδὲν προπετὲς πράσσειν. NLT Acts 19:36 Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash. KJV Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. ESV Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. ASV Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash. CSB Acts 19:36 Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. NIV Acts 19:36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. NKJ Acts 19:36 "Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. NRS Acts 19:36 Since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. YLT Acts 19:36 these things, then, not being to be gainsaid, it is necessary for you to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. you ought to keep calm: Ac 5:35-39 Pr 14:29 25:8 Acts 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CITY CLERK CALLING FOR RESTORATION OF ORDER So, since these are undeniable facts - What are these...facts? The greatness of Artemis was secure. Undeniable (368)(anantirretos from a = without + anti = against + ereo = to speak) means not to be spoken against or contradicted and hence indisputable. You ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash - It is needful to keep quiet. Keep calm (2687)see katastello Rash (reckless)(4312)(propetes from propípto = fall forward in turn from pró = forward + pípto = fall) is literally falling forward or headlong. It was used to describe one slipping down in bed. Figuratively as used here, it gives a vivid picture of pagan Ephesians marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation or caution. They plunge ahead without forethought in their impetuous deeds.
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Constable - Gaius and Aristarchus had done nothing worthy of punishment. They had neither physically damaged anything nor had they spoken against Artemis. Robbing temples and blaspheming other gods were common accusations that Gentiles made against Jews, including Jewish Christians, in antiquity. Nor blasphemers of our goddess - The town clerk adds that the believers did not slander or defame Artemis. NET Note - There was no formal crime with which Paul could be charged. He had the right to his religion as long as he did not act physically against the temple. Since no overt act had taken place, the official wanted the community to maintain the status quo on these religious matters. The remarks suggest Paul was innocent of any civil crime. Acts 19:38 "So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. NET Acts 19:38 If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against someone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there. GNT Acts 19:38 εἰ μὲν οὖν Δημήτριος καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ τεχνῖται ἔχουσι πρός τινα λόγον, ἀγοραῖοι ἄγονται καὶ ἀνθύπατοί εἰσιν, ἐγκαλείτωσαν ἀλλήλοις. NLT Acts 19:38 "If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges. KJV Acts 19:38 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. ESV Acts 19:38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. ASV Acts 19:38 If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another. CSB Acts 19:38 So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. NIV Acts 19:38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. NKJ Acts 19:38 "Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. NRS Acts 19:38 If therefore Demetrius and the artisans with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges there against one another. YLT Acts 19:38 if indeed, therefore, Demetrius and the artificers with him with any one have a matter, court days are held, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another. Demetrius: Ac 19:24 have a complaint Ac 18:14 De 17:8 1Co 6:1 Acts 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TOWN CLERK TELLS THEM TAKE YOUR CASE TO COURT So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man - Complaint is logos, a "word" against them. The courts are in session - "if Demetrius and his workers have an accusation against someone, the courts are open." And proconsuls are available - As noted below the proconsuls were the provincial governors. Wikipedia adds "A proconsul was an official of ancient Rome who acted on behalf of a consul. A proconsul was typically a former consul. The term is also used in recent history for officials with delegated authority." Proconsuls (KJV = "deputy")(5119)(anthupatos from anti = instead of + hupatos = highest, supreme, consul) literally means instead of a consul. A proconsul was a governor of a senatorial province in the Roman Empire. The Greeks used to word consul because after the expulsion of the kings, the consuls had the supreme or highest authority in the Roman government. "A proconsul, a person sent as governor into a Roman province with consular power which was very intensive. Augustus, at the beginning of his reign, divided the provinces into two parts; one of which he gave wholly over to the people, and the other which he reserved for himself. After this, the governors who were sent into the first division bore the name of proconsuls though they were denied the whole military power, and so fell short of the old proconsuls." (Complete Word Study Dictionary) Let them bring charges against one another (1458)(egkaleo from en = in + kaleo = ) means to call in as one would a debt or demand, to bring to account, to accuse. Egkaleo in classic Greek was legal technical term meaning “to bring charges against, prosecute.” Egkaleo - 7x - accused(4), accusing(1), bring a charge(1), bring charges against(1). Acts 19:38; Acts 19:40; Acts 23:28; Acts 23:29; Acts 26:2; Acts 26:7; Rom. 8:33 Egkaleo in the Septuagint - Ex. 22:9; Pr. 19:5; Zech. 1:4 Acts 19:39 But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. NET Acts 19:39 But if you want anything in addition, it will have to be settled in a legal assembly. GNT Acts 19:39 εἰ δέ τι περαιτέρω ἐπιζητεῖτε, ἐν τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐπιλυθήσεται. NLT Acts 19:39 And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly. KJV Acts 19:39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. ESV Acts 19:39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. ASV Acts 19:39 But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. CSB Acts 19:39 But if you want something else, it must be decided in a legal assembly. NIV Acts 19:39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. NKJ Acts 19:39 "But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. NRS Acts 19:39 If there is anything further you want to know, it must be settled in the regular assembly. YLT Acts 19:39 'And if ye seek after anything concerning other matters, in the legal assembly it shall be determined; Acts 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TOWN CLERK REITERATES THE LEGAL ROUTE But if you want anything beyond this - "Anything more than this." It shall be settled in the lawful assembly - "In a legal meeting of citizens." Refers to a legal meeting of the citizens, which normally took place three times each month. John
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Constable - the mayor reminded the citizens that if the provincial authorities concluded that there was no good reason for their rioting they could impose penalties on the city. Shall be settled (1956)(epiluo from epi = upon, used to intensify + luo = to loose, unbind, untie) means literally to "loose upon," to release, to set free, to loose, and figuratively was used to clarify the parables (only use Mk 4:34+), to explain or interpret them. In the only other NT use in Acts 19:39+ it meant resolving, deciding or putting an end to a dispute ("it shall be settled in the lawful assembly.") Acts 19:40 "For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today's events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering." NET Acts 19:40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause we can give to explain this disorderly gathering." 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly. GNT Acts 19:40 καὶ γὰρ κινδυνεύομεν ἐγκαλεῖσθαι στάσεως περὶ τῆς σήμερον, μηδενὸς αἰτίου ὑπάρχοντος περὶ οὗ [οὐ] δυνησόμεθα ἀποδοῦναι λόγον περὶ τῆς συστροφῆς ταύτης. καὶ ταῦτα εἰπὼν ἀπέλυσεν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν. NLT Acts 19:40 I am afraid we are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Roman government, since there is no cause for all this commotion. And if Rome demands an explanation, we won't know what to say." 41 Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed. KJV Acts 19:40 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. 41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. ESV Acts 19:40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion." 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. ASV Acts 19:40 For indeed we are in danger to be accused concerning this day's riot, there being no cause for it: and as touching it we shall not be able to give account of this concourse. 41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. CSB Acts 19:40 In fact, we run a risk of being charged with rioting for what happened today, since there is no justification that we can give as a reason for this disorderly gathering." 41 After saying this, he dismissed the assembly. NIV Acts 19:40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of today's events. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it." 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly. NKJ Acts 19:40 "For we are in danger of being called in question for today's uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering." 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. NRS Acts 19:40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion." 41 When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly. YLT Acts 19:40 for we are also in peril of being accused of insurrection in regard to this day, there being no occasion by which we shall be able to give an account of this concourse;' 41 and these things having said, he dismissed the assembly. For indeed we are in danger of being accused - Ac 17:5-8 of a riot in connection with today's events - Ac 20:1 21:31,38 1Ki 1:41 Mt 26:5 Acts 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TOWN CLERK SOBERLY WARNS The were in danger of being accused by the Romans of causing an insurrection - an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government. For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today's events - They were running a risk with this unruly gathering, treading on thin ice as the saying goes! Clearly local Roman leaders feared insurrections. This would threaten Roman rule and invite Roman retaliation on the city, which was not a good thing! The Romans put people to death who engaged in riots against the state. Are in danger (present tense)(2793)(kinduneuo from kindunos = danger from kineo = to move, put in motion) means they were in peril, facing danger or running the risk a risk of the disciplining wrath of Rome. Luke had used this same verb earlier Acts 19:27 where Demetrius reasoned "Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence.” How ironic! How interesting and just like our sovereign God to turn the tables - in v27 it was Paul who was in potential danger and now it is the pagans who are potential danger! And it is notable that Paul was never found guilty by any Roman official, neither here or later. Being accused (1458) see egkaleo Riot (4714) (stasis from histemi = to stand) means first a stance or posture (Heb 9:8), then figuratively sedition, an insurrection or an uprising, the very accusation made against Paul (Acts 24:5). Since there is no real cause for it - As he as just stated in v37 that Gaius and Aristarchus were "neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess." And in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering - "since there is no cause concerning which we can give account concerning this disorderly gathering." NLT - "And if Rome demands an explanation, we won't know what to say."
Atos 19
Constable has an interesting note - One wonders if the cooling of the Ephesian Christians' love for Jesus Christ that took place in later years connects to the zeal for Artemis that characterized this community (cf. Rev. 2:1-7+). The apostle John wrote the following about 40 years (estimate) after this event at Ephesus... “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: 2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 4‘ But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place–unless you repent. 6‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’ Warren