Acts 19:40 meaning
In the tumultuous episode in Ephesus, the town clerk intervened during a riot sparked by a conflict over the worship of Artemis. His address to the crowd highlights the delicate balance between civic duty and religious fervor prevalent in that society. He urged the citizens to quell their chaotic assembly, reminding them of the legal repercussions they might face for their actions. The clerk emphasized that there was no valid cause for the uproar they had created and that they risked drawing the attention of provincial authorities, which could lead to serious consequences for the city.
His wise counsel not only served to restore order but also reflects a broader theme of the early Christian experience: the coexistence of faith and civic responsibility. This incident underscores the need for Christians to act within the law while pursuing their mission, reminding believers that they should engage in peaceful discourse rather than chaotic unrest. The town clerk's appeal to legality and order resonates with contemporary notions of societal structure versus personal belief, urging a thoughtful approach to faith in the public realm, as seen in Acts 19:40.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Acts 19:30-41 meaning. Paul tries to enter the theater where his friends are held captive, but he is not allowed inside. The mob inside the theater is so large and frenzied that many there don’t understand what the cause of the riot is. They shout “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” for two hours until a city clerk comes. The clerk shames the mob for disrupting the city. He defends the two disciples whom the mob has captured, noting that these men have committed no crimes. The city clerk commands everyone to go home, or else Rome will come and occupy the city in full force to prevent future riots.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Luke 8:40-42 meaning. Jesus returns to Capernaum from the country of the Gerasenes to a welcoming crowd. Jairus, the father of a dying girl begs Jesus to come to his home and heal his daughter. Jesus agrees and heads to the man’s home as He is swarmed by a pressing crowd.
- Matthew 28:19-20 meaning. The Great Commission (continued) Jesus commissions and commands His disciples to make more disciples of all nations. They are to accomplish this by going to the nations, baptizing new disciples in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and by teaching new disciples to do the things Jesus commanded them. The Great Commission ends with Jesus promising to be with them until His return.
- Acts 9:36-43 meaning. There is a believer in the coastal city of Joppa named Tabitha. She is well known to be charitable and kind. But she falls ill and dies. The disciples of Joppa send for Peter, who is not far in the town of Lydda. He comes to Joppa and prays for Tabitha. He tells her to arise, and she wakes up from death. Her resurrection becomes well known throughout the city, and many believe in Jesus because of it. Peter remains in Joppa for a time.