Acts 19 (NET)

Disciples of John the Baptist at Ephesus

1 While1 Apollos was in Corinth,2 Paul went through the inland3 regions4 and came to Ephesus.5 He6 found some disciples there7 2 and said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”8 They replied,9 “No, we have not even10 heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul11 said, “Into what then were you baptized?” “Into John’s baptism,” they replied.12 4 Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,13 that is, in Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, 6 and when Paul placed14 his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came15 upon them, and they began to speak16 in tongues and to prophesy.17 7 (Now there were about twelve men in all.)18

Paul Continues to Minister at Ephesus

8 So Paul19 entered20 the synagogue21 and spoke out fearlessly22 for three months, addressing23 and convincing24 them about the kingdom of God.25 9 But when26 some were stubborn27 and refused to believe, reviling28 the Way29 before the congregation, he left30 them and took the disciples with him,31 addressing32 them every day33 in the lecture hall34 of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all who lived in the province of Asia,35 both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.36

The Seven Sons of Sceva

11 God was performing extraordinary37 miracles by Paul’s hands, 12 so that when even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his body38 were brought39 to the sick, their diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.40 13 But some itinerant41 Jewish exorcists tried to invoke the name42 of the Lord Jesus over those who were possessed by43 evil spirits, saying, “I sternly warn44 you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 (Now seven sons of a man named45 Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.)46 15 But the evil spirit replied to them,47 “I know about Jesus48 and I am acquainted with49 Paul, but who are you?”50 16 Then the man who was possessed by51 the evil spirit jumped on52 them and beat them all into submission.53 He prevailed54 against them so that they fled from that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus,55 both Jews and Greeks; fear came over56 them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised.57 18 Many of those who had believed came forward,58 confessing and making their deeds known.59 19 Large numbers60 of those who had practiced magic61 collected their books62 and burned them up in the presence of everyone.63 When64 the value of the books was added up, it was found to total fifty thousand silver coins.65 20 In this way the word of the Lord66 continued to grow in power67 and to prevail.68

A Riot in Ephesus

21 Now after all these things had taken place,69 Paul resolved70 to go to Jerusalem,71 passing through Macedonia72 and Achaia.73 He said,74 “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”75 22 So after sending76 two of his assistants,77 Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia,78 he himself stayed on for a while in the province of Asia.79

23 At80 that time81 a great disturbance82 took place concerning the Way.83 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines84 of Artemis,85 brought a great deal86 of business87 to the craftsmen. 25 He gathered88 these89 together, along with the workmen in similar trades,90 and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity91 comes from this business. 26 And you see and hear that this Paul has persuaded92 and turned away93 a large crowd,94 not only in Ephesus95 but in practically all of the province of Asia,96 by saying97 that gods made by hands are not gods at all.98 27 There is danger not only that this business of ours will come into disrepute,99 but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis100 will be regarded as nothing,101 and she whom all the province of Asia102 and the world worship will suffer the loss of her greatness.”103

28 When104 they heard105 this they became enraged106 and began to shout,107 “Great is Artemis108 of the Ephesians!” 29 The109 city was filled with the uproar,110 and the crowd111 rushed to the theater112 together,113 dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. 30 But when Paul wanted to enter the public assembly,114 the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial authorities115 who were his friends sent116 a message117 to him, urging him not to venture118 into the theater. 32 So then some were shouting one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had met together.119 33 Some of the crowd concluded120 it was about121 Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front.122 Alexander, gesturing123 with his hand, was wanting to make a defense124 before the public assembly.125 34 But when they recognized126 that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison,127 “Great is Artemis128 of the Ephesians!” for about two hours.129 35 After the city secretary130 quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, what person131 is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the keeper132 of the temple of the great Artemis133 and of her image that fell from heaven?134 36 So because these facts135 are indisputable,136 you must keep quiet137 and not do anything reckless.138 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers139 nor blasphemers of our goddess.140 38 If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint141 against someone, the courts are open142 and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there.143 39 But if you want anything in addition,144 it will have to be settled145 in a legal assembly.146 40 For147 we are in danger of being charged with rioting148 today, since there is no cause we can give to explain149 this disorderly gathering.”150 41 After151 he had said152 this,153 he dismissed the assembly.154

119:1tn Grk “It happened that while.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. 219:1map For location see JP1-C2; JP2-C2; JP3-C2; JP4-C2. 319:1tn Or “interior.” 419:1tn BDAG 92 s.v. ἀνωτερικός has “upper τὰ ἀ. μέρη the upper (i.e. inland) country, the interior Ac 19:1.” 519:1map For location see JP1-D2; JP2-D2; JP3-D2; JP4-D2. 619:1tn Grk “and found.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence and the sequencing with the following verse the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun. 719:1tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text but is implied. 819:2tn The participle πιστεύσαντες (pisteusante") is taken temporally. 919:2tn Grk “they [said] to him” (the word “said” is implied in the Greek text). 1019:2tn This use of ἀλλά (alla) is ascensive and involves an ellipsis (BDAG 45 s.v. ἀλλά 3): “No, [not only did we not receive the Spirit,] but also we have not heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” However, this is lengthy and somewhat awkward in English, and the ascensive meaning can be much more easily represented by including the word “even” after the negation. Apparently these disciples were unaware of the provision of the Spirit that is represented in baptism. The language sounds like they did not know about a Holy Spirit, but this seems to be only linguistic shorthand for not knowing about the Spirit’s presence (Luke 3:15-18). The situation is parallel to that of Apollos. Apollos and these disciples represent those who “complete” their transition to messianic faith as Jews. 1119:3tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 1219:3tn Grk “they said.” 1319:4sn These disciples may have had their contact with John early on in the Baptist’s ministry before Jesus had emerged. This is the fifth time Luke links John the Baptist and Jesus (Acts 1:5; 11:16; 13:25; 18:25). 1419:6tn Or “laid.” 1519:6sn The coming of the Holy Spirit here is another case where the Spirit comes and prophesy results in Acts (see Acts 2). Paul’s action parallels that of Peter (Acts 8) and not just with Gentiles. 1619:6tn The imperfect verb ἐλάλουν (elaloun) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect. 1719:6tn The imperfect verb ἐπροφήτευον (eprofhteuon) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect. 1819:7sn This is a parenthetical note by the author. 1919:8tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 2019:8tn Grk “So entering the synagogue, he spoke out fearlessly.” The participle εἰσελθών (eiselqwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 2119:8sn See the note on synagogue in 6:9. 2219:8tn Or “boldly.” 2319:8tn Although the word διελέξατο (dielexato; from διαλέγομαι, dialegomai) is frequently translated “reasoned,” “disputed,” or “argued,” this sense comes from its classical meaning where it was used of philosophical disputation, including the Socratic method of questions and answers. However, there does not seem to be contextual evidence for this kind of debate in Acts 19:8. As G. Schrenk (TDNT 2:94-95) points out, “What is at issue is the address which any qualified member of a synagogue might give.” Other examples of this may be found in the NT in Matt 4:23 and Mark 1:21. 2419:8tn Or “addressing them persuasively.” The two participles διαλεγόμενος and πείθων (dialegomeno" and peiqwn) can be understood as a hendiadys (so NIV, NRSV), thus, “addressing them persuasively.” 2519:8sn To talk about Jesus as the Christ who has come is to talk about the kingdom of God. This is yet another summary of the message like that in 18:28. 2619:9tn BDAG 1105-6 s.v. ὡς 8.b lists this use as a temporal conjunction. 2719:9tn Or “some became hardened.” See BDAG 930 s.v. σκληρύνω b and Acts 7:51-53. 2819:9tn Or “speaking evil of.” BDAG 500 s.v. κακολογέω has “speak evil of, revile, insult…τὶ someth. τὴν ὁδόν the Way (i.e. Christian way of life) Ac 19:9.” 2919:9sn The Way refers to the Christian movement (Christianity). Luke frequently refers to it as “the Way” (Acts 9:2; 18:25-26; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). 3019:9tn Grk “leaving them, he took.” The participle ἀποστάς (apostas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 3119:9tn The words “with him” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. 3219:9tn Although the word διελέξατο (dielexato; from διαλέγομαι, dialegomai) is frequently translated “reasoned,” “disputed,” or “argued,” this sense comes from its classical meaning where it was used of philosophical disputation, including the Socratic method of questions and answers. However, there does not seem to be contextual evidence for this kind of debate in Acts 19:9. As G. Schrenk (TDNT 2:94-95) points out, “What is at issue is the address which any qualified member of a synagogue might give.” Other examples of this may be found in the NT in Matt 4:23 and Mark 1:21. 3319:9tn BDAG 437 s.v. ἡμέρα 2.c has “every day” for this phrase in this verse. 3419:9tn The “lecture hall” was a place where teachers and pupils met. The term is a NT hapax legomenon (BDAG 982 s.v. σχολή). L&N 7.14 notes, “it is better to use a translation such as ‘lecture hall’ rather than ‘school,’ since one does not wish to give the impression of the typical classroom situation characteristic of present-day schools.” 3519:10tn Grk “Asia”; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia. The words “the province of” are supplied to indicate to the modern reader that this does not refer to the continent of Asia.sn The expression all who lived in the province of Asia is good Semitic hyperbole (see Col 1:7, “all the world”). The message was now available to the region. 3619:10sn The word of the Lord is a technical expression in OT literature, often referring to a divine prophetic utterance (e.g., Gen 15:1, Isa 1:10, Jonah 1:1). In the NT it occurs 15 times: 3 times as ῥῆμα τοῦ κυρίου (rJhma tou kuriou; Luke 22:61, Acts 11:16, 1 Pet 1:25) and 12 times as λόγος τοῦ κυρίου (logo" tou kuriou; here and in Acts 8:25; 13:44, 48, 49; 15:35, 36; 16:32; 19:20; 1 Thess 1:8, 4:15; 2 Thess 3:1). As in the OT, this phrase focuses on the prophetic nature and divine origin of what has been said. 3719:11tn BDAG 1019 s.v. τυγχάνω 2.d states, “δυνάμεις οὐ τὰς τυχούσας extraordinary miracles Ac 19:11.” 3819:12tn Or “skin” (the outer surface of the body). 3919:12tn Or “were taken.” It might be that as word went out into the region that since the sick could not come to Paul, healing was brought to them this way. The “handkerchiefs” are probably face cloths for wiping perspiration (see BDAG 934 s.v. σουδάριον) while the “aprons” might be material worn by workmen (BDAG 923-24 s.v. σιμικίνθιον). 4019:12tn The words “of them” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. 4119:13tn Grk “some Jewish exorcists who traveled about.” The adjectival participle περιερχομένων (periercomenwn) has been translated as “itinerant.” 4219:13tn Grk “to name the name.” 4319:13tn Grk “who had.” Here ἔχω (ecw) is used of demon possession, a common usage according to BDAG 421 s.v. ἔχω 7.a.α. 4419:13sn The expression I sternly warn you means “I charge you as under oath.” 4519:14tn Grk “a certain Sceva.” 4619:14sn Within the sequence of the narrative, this amounts to a parenthetical note by the author. 4719:15tn Grk “answered and said to them.” The expression, redundant in English, has been simplified to “replied.” 4819:15tn Grk “Jesus I know about.” Here ᾿Ιησοῦν (Ihsoun) is in emphatic position in Greek, but placing the object first is not normal in contemporary English style. 4919:15tn BDAG 380 s.v. ἐπίσταμαι 2 has “know, be acquainted with τινά…τὸν Παῦλον Ac 19:15.” Here the translation “be acquainted with” was used to differentiate from the previous phrase which has γινώσκω (ginwskw). 5019:15sn But who are you? This account shows how the power of Paul was so distinct that parallel claims to access that power were denied. In fact, such manipulation, by those who did not know Jesus, was judged (v. 16). The indirect way in which the exorcists made the appeal shows their distance from Jesus. 5119:16tn Grk “in whom the evil spirit was.” 5219:16tn Grk “the man in whom the evil spirit was, jumping on them.” The participle ἐφαλόμενος (efalomeno") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. L&N 15.239 has “ἐφαλόμενος ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐπ᾿ αὐτούς ‘the man jumped on them’ Ac 19:16.” 5319:16tn Grk “and beating them all into submission.” The participle κατακυριεύσας (katakurieusa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. According to W. Foerster, TDNT 3:1098, the word means “the exercise of dominion against someone, i.e., to one’s own advantage.” These exorcists were shown to be powerless in comparison to Jesus who was working through Paul. 5419:16tn BDAG 484 s.v. ἰσχύω 3 has “win out, prevail…κατά τινος over, against someone Ac 19:16.” 5519:17map For location see JP1-D2; JP2-D2; JP3-D2; JP4-D2. 5619:17tn Grk “fell on.” BDAG 377 s.v. ἐπιπίπτω 2 has “φόβος ἐ. ἐπί τινα fear came upon someone…Ac 19:17.” 5719:17tn Or “exalted.” 5819:18tn Grk “came”; the word “forward” is supplied in the translation to clarify the meaning and to conform to the contemporary English idiom. 5919:18tn Or “confessing and disclosing their deeds.” BDAG 59 s.v. ἀναγγέλλω 2 has “W. ἐξομολογεῖσθαι: ἀ. τὰς πράξεις αὐτο'ν make their deeds known Ac 19:18.”sn Making their deeds known. Ephesus was a major pagan religious center with much syncretistic “magical” practice. Coming to Jesus changed the lives and attitudes of these believers, creating a social impact. 6019:19tn BDAG 472 s.v. ἱκανός 4.a has “many, quite a few” for ἱκανοί (Jikanoi) in this verse. 6119:19tn On this term see BDAG 800 s.v. περίεργος 2. 6219:19tn Or “scrolls.” 6319:19tn Or “burned them up publicly.” L&N 14.66 has “‘they brought their books together and burned them up in the presence of everyone’ Ac 19:19.” 6419:19tn Grk “and when.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun. 6519:19tn Or “fifty thousand silver drachmas” (about $10,000 US dollars). BDAG 128 s.v. ἀργύριον 2.c states, “ἀργυρίου μυριάδας πέντε 50,000 (Attic silver) drachmas Ac 19:19.” Another way to express the value would be in sheep: One drachma could buy one sheep. So this many drachmas could purchase a huge flock of sheep. A drachma also equals a denarius, or a day’s wage for the average worker. So this amount would be equal to 50,000 work days or in excess of 8,300 weeks of labor (the weeks are calculated at six working days because of the Jewish cultural context). The impact of Christianity on the Ephesian economy was considerable (note in regard to this the concerns expressed in 19:26-27). 6619:20sn The word of the Lord is a technical expression in OT literature, often referring to a divine prophetic utterance (e.g., Gen 15:1, Isa 1:10, Jonah 1:1). In the NT it occurs 15 times: 3 times as ῥῆμα τοῦ κυρίου (rJhma tou kuriou; Luke 22:61, Acts 11:16, 1 Pet 1:25) and 12 times as λόγος τοῦ κυρίου (logo" tou kuriou; here and in Acts 8:25; 13:44, 48, 49; 15:35, 36; 16:32; 19:10; 1 Thess 1:8, 4:15; 2 Thess 3:1). As in the OT, this phrase focuses on the prophetic nature and divine origin of what has been said. 6719:20tn The imperfect verb ηὔξανεν (huxanen) has been translated as a progressive imperfect, as has the following verb ἴσχυεν (iscuen). 6819:20sn The word of the Lord…to prevail. Luke portrays the impact of Christianity in terms of the Lord’s transforming power in the lives of individuals. 6919:21tn Grk “all these things had been fulfilled.” 7019:21tn Grk “Paul purposed in [his] spirit” (an idiom). According to BDAG 1003 s.v. τίθημι 1.b.ε the entire idiom means “to resolve” (or “decide”): “ἔθετο ὁ Παῦλος ἐν τῷ πνεύματι w. inf. foll. Paul resolved 19:21.” 7119:21map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4. 7219:21sn Macedonia was the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece. 7319:21sn Achaia was the Roman province of Achaia located across the Aegean Sea from Ephesus. Its principal city was Corinth. 7419:21tn Grk “Achaia, saying.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence and the awkwardness in English of having two participial clauses following one another (“passing through…saying”), the participle εἰπών (eipwn) has been translated as a finite verb and a new sentence begun here in the translation. 7519:21sn This is the first time Paul mentions Rome. He realized the message of Christianity could impact that society even at its heights.map For location see JP4-A1. 7619:22tn The aorist participle ἀποστείλας (aposteila") has been taken temporally reflecting action antecedent to that of the main verb (ἐπέσχεν, epescen). 7719:22tn Grk “two of those who ministered to him.” 7819:22sn Macedonia was the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece. 7919:22tn Grk “Asia”; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia. The words “the province of” are supplied to indicate to the modern reader that this does not refer to the continent of Asia. 8019:23tn Grk “There happened at that time.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Instead the verb “took place” has been supplied in the translation. 8119:23tn BDAG 512 s.v. κατά B.2.a, “in definite indications of time…Of the past: κ. ἐκεῖνον τὸν καιρόν at that time, then…Ac 12:1; 19:23.” 8219:23tn Grk “no little disturbance” (an idiom; see BDAG 991 s.v. τάραχος 2). 8319:23sn The Way refers to the Christian movement (Christianity). 8419:24tn BDAG 665 s.v. ναός 1.a states, “Specif. of temples: of replicas of the temple of Artemis at Ephesus 19:24…but here, near ἱερόν vs. 27…ναός can be understood in the more restricted sense shrine, where the image of the goddess stood.” 8519:24sn Artemis was the name of a Greek goddess worshiped particularly in Asia Minor, whose temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was located just outside the city of Ephesus. 8619:24tn Grk “brought not a little business” (an idiom). 8719:24sn A great deal of business. The charge that Christianity brought economic and/or social upheaval was made a number of times in Acts: 16:20-21; 17:6-7; 18:13. 8819:25tn Grk “gathering.” The participle συναθροίσας (sunaqroisa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 8919:25tn Grk “whom”; because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) has been replaced with a pronoun (“these”) and a new sentence begun in the translation. 9019:25sn Workmen in similar trades. In effect, Demetrius gathered the Ephesian chamber of commerce together to hear about the threat to their prosperity. 9119:25tn Another possible meaning is “that this business is an easy way for us to earn a living.” 9219:26tn Grk “persuading.” The participle πείσας (peisa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 9319:26tn Or “misled.” 9419:26tn BDAG 472 s.v. ἱκανός 3.a has “of pers. ὄχλος a large crowd…Ac 11:24, 26; 19:26.” 9519:26map For location see JP1-D2; JP2-D2; JP3-D2; JP4-D2. 9619:26tn Grk “Asia”; see the note on this word in v. 22. 9719:26tn The participle λέγων (legwn) has been regarded as indicating instrumentality. 9819:26tn The words “at all” are not in the Greek text but are implied.sn Gods made by hands are not gods at all. Paul preached against paganism’s idolatry. Here is a one-line summary of a speech like that in Acts 17:22-31. 9919:27tn Or “come under public criticism.” BDAG 101 s.v. ἀπελεγμός has “come into disrepute Ac 19:27.” 10019:27sn Artemis was the name of a Greek goddess worshiped particularly in Asia Minor, whose temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was located just outside the city of Ephesus. 10119:27tn BDAG 597 s.v. λογίζομαι 1.b has “εἰς οὐθὲν λογισθῆναι be looked upon as nothing…Ac 19:27.” 10219:27tn Grk “Asia”; see the note on this word in v. 22. 10319:27tn Or “her magnificence.” BDAG 488 s.v. καθαιρέω 2.b has “καθαιρεῖσθαι τῆς μεγαλειότητος αὐτῆς suffer the loss of her magnificence Ac 19:27”; L&N 13.38 has “‘and to have her greatness done away with’ Ac 19:27.”sn Suffer the loss of her greatness. It is important to appreciate that money alone was not the issue, even for the pagan Ephesians. The issue was ultimately the dishonor of their goddess to whom they were devoted in worship. The battle was a “cosmic” one between deities. 10419:28tn Grk “And when.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 10519:28tn Grk “And hearing.” The participle ἀκούσαντες (akousante") has been taken temporally. 10619:28tn Grk “they became filled with rage” (an idiom). The reaction of the Ephesians here is like that of the Jews earlier, though Luke referred to “zeal” or “jealousy” in the former case (Acts 7:54). 10719:28tn Grk “and began shouting, saying.” The imperfect verb ἔκραζον (ekrazon) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect. The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant in English and has not been translated. 10819:28sn Artemis was a Greek goddess worshiped particularly in Asia Minor, whose temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was located just outside the city of Ephesus. 10919:29tn Grk “And the.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 11019:29tn L&N 39.43 has “‘the uproar spread throughout the whole city’ (literally ‘the city was filled with uproar’) Ac 19:29.” BDAG 954 s.v. σύγχυσις has “confusion, tumult.” 11119:29tn Grk “they”; the referent (the crowd) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 11219:29sn To the theater. This location made the event a public spectacle. The Grand Theater in Ephesus (still standing today) stood facing down the main thoroughfare of the city toward the docks. It had a seating capacity of 25,000. 11319:29tn Grk “to the theater with one accord.” 11419:30tn Or “enter the crowd.” According to BDAG 223 s.v. δῆμος 2, “in a Hellenistic city, a convocation of citizens called together for the purpose of transacting official business, popular assembly…εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὸν δ. go into the assembly 19:30.” 11519:31tn Grk “Asiarchs” (high-ranking officials of the province of Asia). 11619:31tn Grk “sending”; the participle πέμψαντες (pemyante") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 11719:31tn The words “a message” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader. 11819:31tn BDAG 242-43 s.v. δίδωμι 11 has “to cause (oneself) to go, go, venture somewhere (cp. our older ‘betake oneself’)…Ac 19:31.” The desire of these sympathetic authorities was surely to protect Paul’s life. The detail indicates how dangerous things had become. 11919:32tn Or “had assembled.” 12019:33tn Or “Some of the crowd gave instructions to.” 12119:33tn The words “it was about” are not in the Greek text but are implied; ᾿Αλέξανδρον (Alexandron) is taken to be an accusative of general reference. 12219:33tn BDAG 865 s.v. προβάλλω 1 has “to cause to come forward, put forward…τινά someone…push someone forward to speak in the theater…Ac 19:33.” 12319:33tn Or “motioning.” 12419:33sn The nature of Alexander’s defense is not clear. It appears he was going to explain, as a Jew, that the problem was not caused by Jews, but by those of “the Way.” However, he never got a chance to speak. 12519:33tn Or “before the crowd.” According to BDAG 223 s.v. δῆμος 2, “in a Hellenistic city, a convocation of citizens called together for the purpose of transacting official business, popular assembly…ἀπολογεῖσθαι τῷ δ. make a defense before the assembly vs. 33.” 12619:34tn Grk “But recognizing.” The participle ἐπιγνόντες (epignonte") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 12719:34tn Grk “[they shouted] with one voice from all of them” (an idiom). 12819:34sn Artemis was a Greek goddess worshiped particularly in Asia Minor, whose temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was located just outside the city of Ephesus, 1.25 mi (2 km) northeast of the Grand Theater. Dimensions were 418 ft by 239 ft (125 m by 72 m) for the platform; the temple proper was 377 ft by 180 ft (113 m by 54 m). The roof was supported by 117 columns, each 60 ft (18 m) high by 6 ft (1.8 m) in diameter. The Emperor Justinian of Byzantium later took these columns for use in construction of the Hagia Sophia, where they still exist (in modern day Istanbul). 12919:34sn They all shouted…for about two hours. The extent of the tumult shows the racial and social tensions of a cosmopolitan city like Ephesus, indicating what the Christians in such locations had to face. 13019:35tn Or “clerk.” The “scribe” (γραμματεύς, grammateu") was the keeper of the city’s records. 13119:35tn This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo"). 13219:35tn See BDAG 670 s.v. νεωκόρος. The city is described as the “warden” or “guardian” of the goddess and her temple. 13319:35sn Artemis was a Greek goddess worshiped particularly in Asia Minor, whose temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was located just outside the city of Ephesus. 13419:35tn Or “from the sky” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”).sn 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. 13519:36tn Grk “these things.” 13619:36tn The genitive absolute construction with the participle ὄντων (ontwn) has been translated as a causal adverbial participle. On the term translated “indisputable” see BDAG 68-69 s.v. ἀναντίρρητος which has “not to be contradicted, undeniable.” 13719:36tn Grk “it is necessary that you be quiet.” 13819:36tn L&N 88.98 has “pertaining to impetuous and reckless behavior – ‘reckless, impetuous.’…‘so then, you must calm down and not do anything reckless’ Ac 19:36.” The city secretary was asking that order be restored. 13919:37tn Or perhaps, “desecrators of temples.” 14019:37sn Nor blasphemers of our goddess. 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. 14119:38tn BDAG 600 s.v. λόγος 1.a.ε has “ἔχειν πρός τινα λόγον have a complaint against someone…19:38.” 14219:38tn L&N 56.1 has ‘if Demetrius and his workers have an accusation against someone, the courts are open’ Ac 19:38.” 14319:38tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text but is implied. The official’s request is that the legal system be respected. 14419:39tn Or “anything more than this.” 14519:39tn Or “resolved.” 14619:39tn Or “in a legal meeting of the citizens.” L&N 30.81 has “ἐν τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐπιλυθήσεται ‘it will have to be settled in a legal meeting of the citizens’ Ac 19:39.” This meeting took place three times a year. 14719:40tn Grk “For indeed.” The ascensive force of καί (kai) would be awkward to translate here. 14819:40tn The term translated “rioting” refers to a revolt or uprising (BDAG 940 s.v. στάσις 2, 3). This would threaten Roman rule and invite Roman intervention. 14919:40tn Or “to account for.” Grk “since there is no cause concerning which we can give account concerning this disorderly gathering.” The complexity of the Greek relative clause (“which”) and the multiple prepositions (“concerning”) have been simplified in the translation consistent with contemporary English style. 15019:40tn Or “commotion.” BDAG 979 s.v. συστροφή 1 gives the meaning “a tumultuous gathering of people, disorderly/seditious gathering or commotion…Ac 19:40.” 15119:41tn Grk “And after.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 15219:41tn Grk “And saying.” The participle εἰπών (eipwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 15319:41tn Grk “these things.” 15419:41sn Verse 41 in the English text is included as part of verse 40 in the standard critical editions of the Greek NT.