Acts 19:23

KJV

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161}{G2596} the same {G1565} time {G2540} there arose {G1096} no {G3756} small {G3641} stir {G5017} about {G4012} that way {G3598}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was at this time that a major furor arose concerning the Way.

Berean Standard Bible

About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.

American Standard Version

And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:23 marks a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry in Ephesus, signaling the emergence of significant opposition to the burgeoning Christian movement, referred to as "that way." Following a period of profound spiritual impact and widespread conversions, the Gospel's transformative power began to disrupt the deeply entrenched economic and religious systems of the city, particularly those connected to the veneration of the goddess Artemis, leading to a considerable public disturbance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a remarkably successful period of Paul's ministry in Ephesus, detailed in [Acts 19:8-20](/acts/19-8-20 "Paul's Ministry and Miracles in Ephesus"). For over two years, Paul had been teaching in the hall of Tyrannus, leading to the widespread dissemination of the Gospel throughout Asia. The narrative highlights God performing "extraordinary miracles" through Paul ([Acts 19:11](/acts/19-11 "God did extraordinary miracles by Paul")), including the expulsion of demons. A dramatic incident involving the Jewish exorcists, the sons of Sceva, underscored the authority of Jesus' name over evil spirits ([Acts 19:13-17](/acts/19-13-17 "The Sons of Sceva Incident")). This divine vindication led many new believers to confess their former occult practices and publicly burn their expensive magic books ([Acts 19:18-19](/acts/19-18-19 "Many Confess and Burn Magic Books")), demonstrating a profound turning away from idolatry and sorcery. The success of "the word of the Lord" ([Acts 19:20](/acts/19-20 "The Word of the Lord Grew Mightily")) was so profound that it directly threatened the established pagan economy and culture, setting the stage for the "stir" described in this verse, which escalates into the full-blown riot of [Acts 19:24-41](/acts/19-24-41 "The Riot in Ephesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its wealth, commerce, and, most notably, the colossal Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The cult of Artemis was not merely a religious practice but a fundamental pillar of Ephesian identity and economy. Silversmiths, like Demetrius, thrived by crafting miniature silver shrines and idols of Artemis, which pilgrims purchased as souvenirs or votive offerings. The city's prosperity was deeply intertwined with this idolatrous industry. Paul's successful proclamation of the Gospel, which declared that "gods made by human hands are not gods at all" ([Acts 19:26](/acts/19-26 "Demetrius's Complaint About Idols")), directly undermined the theological foundations and economic viability of this pagan system. This created a volatile environment where religious fervor, economic self-interest, and civic pride converged, leading to the violent backlash against the Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **disruptive power of the Gospel**. The message of Christ is not a passive philosophy but a dynamic, transformative force that fundamentally challenges existing worldviews, economic structures, and cultural norms. Its success inevitably leads to confrontation when it exposes and threatens vested interests. Secondly, it underscores the **inevitability of opposition to the Gospel**. As Christianity spreads and gains adherents, it often encounters resistance from those whose power, prestige, or livelihood is threatened by its truth. This "stir" is a manifestation of the spiritual conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Lastly, the phrase "that way" introduces a significant theme: **"The Way" as an early designation for Christianity**. This term, used by both followers and opponents, emphasizes Christianity not merely as a set of beliefs but as a distinct path, a new manner of life, and a specific course of conduct. This designation is consistently used throughout Acts, as seen in passages like [Acts 9:2](/acts/9-2 "Saul Seeks to Arrest Followers of The Way") where Saul sought letters to Damascus to arrest followers "of the Way," and [Acts 24:14](/acts/24-14 "Paul's Defense of The Way") where Paul himself acknowledges worshipping God "according to the Way."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _gínomai_):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to happen," or "to become." In this context, it emphasizes that the "stir" was not a static condition but an active event that manifested or developed. It implies a dynamic emergence of conflict, indicating that the opposition was a direct consequence of the Gospel's impact, rather than a pre-existing state.
* **stir (Greek, _tárachos_):** Meaning "a disturbance," "commotion," or "tumult," this word denotes a state of agitation and unrest. The use of this term highlights that the opposition was not minor or isolated but a significant public upheaval, characterized by confusion, disorder, and public outcry. It sets the stage for the full-blown riot that follows.
* **way (Greek, _hodós_):** Literally referring to a "road" or "path," this word is used figuratively in Acts to denote a "mode or means of life," or a specific "course of conduct or belief." In this verse and throughout Acts, "the Way" became a distinctive and widely recognized early designation for the Christian movement. It underscored that following Jesus was not just about intellectual assent to doctrines but involved a radical reorientation of one's entire life and allegiance, a new path distinct from prevailing pagan or Jewish traditions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the same time":** This phrase immediately connects the ensuing disturbance to the period of Paul's highly effective ministry in Ephesus. It signifies that the "stir" was a direct, contemporary reaction to the profound impact the Gospel was having on the city.
* **"there arose no small stir":** This is a classic example of litotes, a rhetorical device using a double negative ("no small") to affirm a positive ("very great" or "considerable"). It emphatically conveys the magnitude and seriousness of the disturbance, indicating that the commotion was far from insignificant; it was a major public outcry and a significant challenge to the Christian movement.
* **"about that way":** This clause precisely identifies the object and cause of the "stir." The disturbance was specifically "about" or "concerning" the Christian movement, which was known by its early, distinctive designation, "the Way." This highlights that the opposition was directly targeted at the followers of Jesus and their unique lifestyle and teachings.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and build narrative tension. The most prominent is **Litotes**, found in the phrase "no small stir" (οὐκ ὀλίγος τάραχος). By using a double negative ("not a little commotion"), the text emphasizes the *great* magnitude and seriousness of the disturbance, making it more impactful than a simple statement like "a great stir." This rhetorical understatement serves to amplify the actual effect. Furthermore, the phrase "that way" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**. "The Way" is not merely a literal path but stands in for the entire Christian movement, its teachings, and its distinct lifestyle. This concise phrase encapsulates the identity of early believers and the core of what was being opposed. Lastly, this verse serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. It subtly builds narrative tension, hinting at the escalating conflict that will culminate in the dramatic riot orchestrated by Demetrius and the silversmiths later in the chapter, thus preparing the reader for the significant confrontation to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:23 profoundly illustrates the inherent disruptive nature of the Gospel when it confronts established systems and idolatry. The "stir" in Ephesus was not merely a social inconvenience but a theological clash: the truth of the one living God, proclaimed through Christ, directly challenged the economic and cultural foundations built upon the worship of false gods. This highlights that genuine spiritual transformation, when it takes root in a community, will inevitably expose and threaten the vested interests—whether economic, political, or religious—that thrive in opposition to God's kingdom. The opposition faced by "the Way" is a testament to its power and effectiveness, demonstrating that the Gospel is not a passive philosophy but an active, world-altering force.

* [Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Jesus Brings Division") - "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword."
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "The World Will Hate You") - "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you... If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you."
* [1 Peter 4:12](/1_peter/4-12 "Do Not Be Surprised by Fiery Trials") - "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:23 serves as a timeless reminder that the faithful proclamation and embodiment of the Gospel can, and often will, be disruptive to prevailing cultural norms and vested interests. For believers today, this means we should not be surprised when our commitment to Christ and His "Way" leads to friction, misunderstanding, or even outright opposition from the world around us. Whether it challenges economic systems built on injustice, cultural values that contradict biblical truth, or personal lifestyles that reject God's design, the Gospel's light inevitably exposes darkness. Our call is not to seek conflict, but to live authentically according to "the Way," understanding that the "stir" is often a sign of the Gospel's effectiveness and the Spirit's work. This verse encourages us to stand firm, discerning the true spiritual nature of opposition, and to remember that the transforming power of Christ is worth any cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does following "the Way" of Christ challenge the prevailing norms or economic interests in my own community or culture today?**
* **How do I typically respond when my faith leads to "stir" or opposition from those around me, and what can I learn from the early Christians in Ephesus?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the power and impact of the Gospel when it is faithfully proclaimed and lived out, even in the face of resistance?**

### FAQ
**Why was early Christianity referred to as "the Way"?**

Answer: The designation "the Way" (Greek: *hē hodós*) for early Christianity emphasized that following Jesus was not merely about intellectual assent to a set of doctrines, but about adopting a distinct lifestyle, a specific path of discipleship and conduct. It conveyed a sense of movement, journey, and a new manner of living that set believers apart from both pagan and traditional Jewish practices. This term highlighted the comprehensive nature of conversion, signifying a radical reorientation of one's entire life under the lordship of Christ. Jesus himself declared, "I am [the way, and the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). No one comes to the Father except through me," underscoring that He is the singular path to God.

**What was the primary cause of the "no small stir" in Ephesus?**

Answer: The primary cause of the "stir" in Ephesus was multifaceted, but largely rooted in economic and religious concerns. As Paul's ministry led to widespread conversions, people abandoned the worship of Artemis, directly impacting the lucrative trade of silversmiths who made idols and shrines of the goddess. Demetrius, a prominent silversmith, articulates this concern in [Acts 19:24-27](/acts/19-24-27 "Demetrius's Complaint About Idols"), fearing not only the loss of their livelihood but also the diminishing prestige of Artemis and her magnificent temple. Thus, the "stir" was a reaction born out of economic self-interest intertwined with a defense of traditional pagan religion and civic pride, as the Gospel challenged the very identity and prosperity of Ephesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "stir" that arose in Ephesus concerning "that way" finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Long before the Ephesian riot, Jesus, as [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), caused "no small stir" throughout His earthly ministry. His radical teachings challenged the religious establishment, His miracles disrupted societal norms, and His claims to divinity provoked intense opposition, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The "stir" in Ephesus is therefore a direct continuation of the conflict initiated by Christ's advent: the light of God's truth exposing the darkness of idolatry and sin ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "Light Has Come Into the World")). The persecution faced by the early church, including the Ephesian "stir," is a participation in the suffering of Christ ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), yet it also serves to advance His kingdom. Despite the opposition, the Gospel continued to spread, fulfilling Christ's Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "The Great Commission")) and demonstrating that no human or demonic resistance can ultimately thwart the triumphant reign of the resurrected Christ, who is building His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). The "stir" is a testament to the living Christ's ongoing work, powerfully transforming lives and challenging the kingdoms of this world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 19:9

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Acts 24:22

¶ And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of [that] way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

2 Corinthians 1:8

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

2 Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

Acts 9:2

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Acts 22:4

And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Acts 24:14

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: