Discovery BoxActs 19:5-41
Context19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, 19:6 and when Paul placed 1 his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came 2 upon them, and they began to speak 3 in tongues and to prophesy. 4 19:7 (Now there were about twelve men in all.) 5
19:8 So Paul 6 entered 7 the synagogue 8 and spoke out fearlessly 9 for three months, addressing 10 and convincing 11 them about the kingdom of God. 12 19:9 But when 13 some were stubborn 14 and refused to believe, reviling 15 the Way 16 before the congregation, he left 17 them and took the disciples with him, 18 addressing 19 them every day 20 in the lecture hall 21 of Tyrannus. 19:10 This went on for two years, so that all who lived in the province of Asia, 22 both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. 23
19:11 God was performing extraordinary 24 miracles by Paul’s hands, 19:12 so that when even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his body 25 were brought 26 to the sick, their diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 27 19:13 But some itinerant 28 Jewish exorcists tried to invoke the name 29 of the Lord Jesus over those who were possessed by 30 evil spirits, saying, “I sternly warn 31 you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 19:14 (Now seven sons of a man named 32 Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.) 33 19:15 But the evil spirit replied to them, 34 “I know about Jesus 35 and I am acquainted with 36 Paul, but who are you?” 37 19:16 Then the man who was possessed by 38 the evil spirit jumped on 39 them and beat them all into submission. 40 He prevailed 41 against them so that they fled from that house naked and wounded. 19:17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, 42 both Jews and Greeks; fear came over 43 them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. 44 19:18 Many of those who had believed came forward, 45 confessing and making their deeds known. 46 19:19 Large numbers 47 of those who had practiced magic 48 collected their books 49 and burned them up in the presence of everyone. 50 When 51 the value of the books was added up, it was found to total fifty thousand silver coins. 52 19:20 In this way the word of the Lord 53 continued to grow in power 54 and to prevail. 55
19:21 Now after all these things had taken place, 56 Paul resolved 57 to go to Jerusalem, 58 passing through Macedonia 59 and Achaia. 60 He said, 61 “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 62 19:22 So after sending 63 two of his assistants, 64 Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, 65 he himself stayed on for a while in the province of Asia. 66
19:23 At 67 that time 68 a great disturbance 69 took place concerning the Way. 70 19:24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines 71 of Artemis, 72 brought a great deal 73 of business 74 to the craftsmen. 19:25 He gathered 75 these 76 together, along with the workmen in similar trades, 77 and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity 78 comes from this business. 19:26 And you see and hear that this Paul has persuaded 79 and turned away 80 a large crowd, 81 not only in Ephesus 82 but in practically all of the province of Asia, 83 by saying 84 that gods made by hands are not gods at all. 85 19:27 There is danger not only that this business of ours will come into disrepute, 86 but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis 87 will be regarded as nothing, 88 and she whom all the province of Asia 89 and the world worship will suffer the loss of her greatness.” 90
19:28 When 91 they heard 92 this they became enraged 93 and began to shout, 94 “Great is Artemis 95 of the Ephesians!” 19:29 The 96 city was filled with the uproar, 97 and the crowd 98 rushed to the theater 99 together, 100 dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. 19:30 But when Paul wanted to enter the public assembly, 101 the disciples would not let him. 19:31 Even some of the provincial authorities 102 who were his friends sent 103 a message 104 to him, urging him not to venture 105 into the theater. 19:32 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. 106 19:33 Some of the crowd concluded 107 it was about 108 Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front. 109 Alexander, gesturing 110 with his hand, was wanting to make a defense 111 before the public assembly. 112 19:34 But when they recognized 113 that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison, 114 “Great is Artemis 115 of the Ephesians!” for about two hours. 116 19:35 After the city secretary 117 quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, what person 118 is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the keeper 119 of the temple of the great Artemis 120 and of her image that fell from heaven? 121 19:36 So because these facts 122 are indisputable, 123 you must keep quiet 124 and not do anything reckless. 125 19:37 For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers 126 nor blasphemers of our goddess. 127 19:38 If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint 128 against someone, the courts are open 129 and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there. 130 19:39 But if you want anything in addition, 131 it will have to be settled 132 in a legal assembly. 133 19:40 For 134 we are in danger of being charged with rioting 135 today, since there is no cause we can give to explain 136 this disorderly gathering.” 137 19:41 After 138 he had said 139 this, 140 he dismissed the assembly. 141
[19:6] 2 sn 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.
[19:6] 3 tn The imperfect verb ἐλάλουν (elaloun) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect.
[19:6] 4 tn The imperfect verb ἐπροφήτευον (eprofhteuon) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect.
[19:7] 5 sn This is a parenthetical note by the author.
[19:8] 6 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[19:8] 7 tn 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.
[19:8] 8 sn See the note on synagogue in 6:9.
[19:8] 10 tn 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.
[19:8] 11 tn 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.”
[19:8] 12 sn 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.
[19:9] 13 tn BDAG 1105-6 s.v. ὡς 8.b lists this use as a temporal conjunction.
[19:9] 14 tn Or “some became hardened.” See BDAG 930 s.v. σκληρύνω b and Acts 7:51-53.
[19:9] 15 tn 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.”
[19:9] 16 sn 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).
[19:9] 17 tn Grk “leaving them, he took.” The participle ἀποστάς (apostas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
[19:9] 18 tn The words “with him” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
[19:9] 19 tn 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.
[19:9] 20 tn BDAG 437 s.v. ἡμέρα 2.c has “every day” for this phrase in this verse.
[19:9] 21 tn 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.”
[19:10] 22 tn 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.
[19:10] 23 sn 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.
[19:11] 24 tn BDAG 1019 s.v. τυγχάνω 2.d states, “δυνάμεις οὐ τὰς τυχούσας extraordinary miracles Ac 19:11.”
[19:12] 25 tn Or “skin” (the outer surface of the body).
[19:12] 26 tn 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).
[19:12] 27 tn The words “of them” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
[19:13] 28 tn Grk “some Jewish exorcists who traveled about.” The adjectival participle περιερχομένων (periercomenwn) has been translated as “itinerant.”
[19:13] 29 tn Grk “to name the name.”
[19:13] 30 tn Grk “who had.” Here ἔχω (ecw) is used of demon possession, a common usage according to BDAG 421 s.v. ἔχω 7.a.α.
[19:13] 31 sn The expression I sternly warn you means “I charge you as under oath.”
[19:14] 32 tn Grk “a certain Sceva.”
[19:14] 33 sn Within the sequence of the narrative, this amounts to a parenthetical note by the author.
[19:15] 34 tn Grk “answered and said to them.” The expression, redundant in English, has been simplified to “replied.”
[19:15] 35 tn 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.
[19:15] 36 tn 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).
[19:15] 37 sn 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.
[19:16] 38 tn Grk “in whom the evil spirit was.”
[19:16] 39 tn 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.”
[19:16] 40 tn 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.
[19:16] 41 tn BDAG 484 s.v. ἰσχύω 3 has “win out, prevail…κατά τινος over, against someone Ac 19:16.”
[19:17] 42 map For location see JP1 D2; JP2 D2; JP3 D2; JP4 D2.
[19:17] 43 tn Grk “fell on.” BDAG 377 s.v. ἐπιπίπτω 2 has “φόβος ἐ. ἐπί τινα fear came upon someone…Ac 19:17.”
[19:18] 45 tn Grk “came”; the word “forward” is supplied in the translation to clarify the meaning and to conform to the contemporary English idiom.
[19:18] 46 tn 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.”
[19:19] 47 tn BDAG 472 s.v. ἱκανός 4.a has “many, quite a few” for ἱκανοί (Jikanoi) in this verse.
[19:19] 48 tn On this term see BDAG 800 s.v. περίεργος 2.
[19:19] 50 tn 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.”
[19:19] 51 tn 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.
[19:19] 52 tn 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).
[19:20] 53 sn 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.
[19:20] 54 tn The imperfect verb ηὔξανεν (huxanen) has been translated as a progressive imperfect, as has the following verb ἴσχυεν (iscuen).
[19:20] 55 sn 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.
[19:21] 56 tn Grk “all these things had been fulfilled.”
[19:21] 57 tn 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.”
[19:21] 58 map For location see Map5 B1; Map6 F3; Map7 E2; Map8 F2; Map10 B3; JP1 F4; JP2 F4; JP3 F4; JP4 F4.
[19:21] 59 sn Macedonia was the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece.
[19:21] 60 sn Achaia was the Roman province of Achaia located across the Aegean Sea from Ephesus. Its principal city was Corinth.
[19:21] 61 tn 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.
[19:21] 62 sn This is the first time Paul mentions Rome. He realized the message of Christianity could impact that society even at its heights.
[19:22] 63 tn The aorist participle ἀποστείλας (aposteila") has been taken temporally reflecting action antecedent to that of the main verb (ἐπέσχεν, epescen).
[19:22] 64 tn Grk “two of those who ministered to him.”
[19:22] 65 sn Macedonia was the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece.
[19:22] 66 tn 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.
[19:23] 67 tn 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.
[19:23] 68 tn 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.”
[19:23] 69 tn Grk “no little disturbance” (an idiom; see BDAG 991 s.v. τάραχος 2).
[19:23] 70 sn The Way refers to the Christian movement (Christianity).
[19:24] 71 tn 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.”
[19:24] 72 sn 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.
[19:24] 73 tn Grk “brought not a little business” (an idiom).
[19:24] 74 sn 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.
[19:25] 75 tn Grk “gathering.” The participle συναθροίσας (sunaqroisa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
[19:25] 76 tn 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.
[19:25] 77 sn Workmen in similar trades. In effect, Demetrius gathered the Ephesian chamber of commerce together to hear about the threat to their prosperity.
[19:25] 78 tn Another possible meaning is “that this business is an easy way for us to earn a living.”
[19:26] 79 tn Grk “persuading.” The participle πείσας (peisa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
[19:26] 81 tn BDAG 472 s.v. ἱκανός 3.a has “of pers. ὄχλος a large crowd…Ac 11:24, 26; 19:26.”
[19:26] 82 map For location see JP1 D2; JP2 D2; JP3 D2; JP4 D2.
[19:26] 83 tn Grk “Asia”; see the note on this word in v. 22.
[19:26] 84 tn The participle λέγων (legwn) has been regarded as indicating instrumentality.
[19:26] 85 tn The words “at all” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
[19:27] 86 tn Or “come under public criticism.” BDAG 101 s.v. ἀπελεγμός has “come into disrepute Ac 19:27.”
[19:27] 87 sn 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.
[19:27] 88 tn BDAG 597 s.v. λογίζομαι 1.b has “εἰς οὐθὲν λογισθῆναι be looked upon as nothing…Ac 19:27.”
[19:27] 89 tn Grk “Asia”; see the note on this word in v. 22.
[19:27] 90 tn 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.”
[19:28] 91 tn 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.
[19:28] 92 tn Grk “And hearing.” The participle ἀκούσαντες (akousante") has been taken temporally.
[19:28] 93 tn 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).
[19:28] 94 tn 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.
[19:28] 95 sn 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.
[19:29] 96 tn 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.
[19:29] 97 tn 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.”
[19:29] 98 tn Grk “they”; the referent (the crowd) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[19:29] 99 sn 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.
[19:29] 100 tn Grk “to the theater with one accord.”
[19:30] 101 tn 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.”
[19:31] 102 tn Grk “Asiarchs” (high-ranking officials of the province of Asia).
[19:31] 103 tn Grk “sending”; the participle πέμψαντες (pemyante") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
[19:31] 104 tn 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.
[19:31] 105 tn 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.
[19:32] 106 tn Or “had assembled.”
[19:33] 107 tn Or “Some of the crowd gave instructions to.”
[19:33] 108 tn 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.
[19:33] 109 tn 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.”
[19:33] 110 tn Or “motioning.”
[19:33] 111 sn 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.
[19:33] 112 tn 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.”
[19:34] 113 tn Grk “But recognizing.” The participle ἐπιγνόντες (epignonte") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
[19:34] 114 tn Grk “[they shouted] with one voice from all of them” (an idiom).
[19:34] 115 sn 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).
[19:34] 116 sn 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.
[19:35] 117 tn Or “clerk.” The “scribe” (γραμματεύς, grammateu") was the keeper of the city’s records.
[19:35] 118 tn This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo").
[19:35] 119 tn See BDAG 670 s.v. νεωκόρος. The city is described as the “warden” or “guardian” of the goddess and her temple.
[19:35] 120 sn 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.
[19:35] 121 tn Or “from the sky” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”).
[19:36] 122 tn Grk “these things.”
[19:36] 123 tn 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.”
[19:36] 124 tn Grk “it is necessary that you be quiet.”
[19:36] 125 tn 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.
[19:37] 126 tn Or perhaps, “desecrators of temples.”
[19:37] 127 sn 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.
[19:38] 128 tn BDAG 600 s.v. λόγος 1.a.ε has “ἔχειν πρός τινα λόγον have a complaint against someone…19:38.”
[19:38] 129 tn L&N 56.1 has ‘if Demetrius and his workers have an accusation against someone, the courts are open’ Ac 19:38.”
[19:38] 130 tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text but is implied. The official’s request is that the legal system be respected.
[19:39] 131 tn Or “anything more than this.”
[19:39] 133 tn 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.
[19:40] 134 tn Grk “For indeed.” The ascensive force of καί (kai) would be awkward to translate here.
[19:40] 135 tn 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.
[19:40] 136 tn 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.
[19:40] 137 tn Or “commotion.” BDAG 979 s.v. συστροφή 1 gives the meaning “a tumultuous gathering of people, disorderly/seditious gathering or commotion…Ac 19:40.”
[19:41] 138 tn 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.
[19:41] 139 tn Grk “And saying.” The participle εἰπών (eipwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
[19:41] 140 tn Grk “these things.”
[19:41] 141 sn Verse 41 in the English text is included as part of verse 40 in the standard critical editions of the Greek NT.
