Acts 19:30

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

And {G1161} when {G1014} Paul {G3972} would {G1014} have entered {G1525} in {G1519} unto the people {G1218}, the disciples {G3101} suffered {G1439} him {G846} not {G3756}.

Sha’ul himself wanted to appear before the crowd, but the talmidim wouldn’t let him.

Paul wanted to go before the assembly, but the disciples would not allow him.

And when Paul was minded to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

Acts 19:30 KJV: "And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not."

Context of Acts 19:30

This verse is situated during a climactic moment in Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his extensive and highly effective ministry in Ephesus. Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis (also known as Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul's preaching of the Gospel had been so successful that it led many to abandon the worship of idols and burn their magical books (Acts 19:19). This spiritual revival, however, threatened the livelihood of Demetrius, a silversmith who made miniature silver shrines of Artemis. He incited a massive riot, gathering a furious crowd of craftsmen and citizens in the city's large theatre. The mob was in a frenzy, chanting "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" (Acts 19:28). In the midst of this dangerous tumult, Paul, with his characteristic courage and zeal, was prepared to enter the theatre to address the agitated mob. However, his loyal disciples, recognizing the extreme peril of the situation, intervened to prevent him from exposing himself to the angry crowd.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Protection of Leaders: The disciples' action highlights the vital role of the community in protecting its spiritual leaders from unnecessary peril. They understood the value of Paul's life and ministry, prioritizing his safety over his immediate desire to confront the mob.
  • Prudence vs. Zeal: While Paul's unwavering zeal for the Gospel and his willingness to face danger were evident and commendable, the disciples demonstrated crucial prudence. This verse illustrates that not every situation, despite noble intentions, calls for direct confrontation, especially when it jeopardizes a valuable life for the sake of a potentially futile or counterproductive engagement.
  • Community Care and Solidarity: This passage beautifully illustrates the deep care, mutual respect, and solidarity within the early Christian community. The disciples' firm refusal to let Paul enter was an act of love and protection, showcasing their commitment to one another's well-being and the preservation of key figures in the burgeoning church.
  • Divine Providence: Although not explicitly stated as divine intervention, the disciples' strategic intervention can be viewed as an instrument of divine providence, safeguarding Paul for future ministry and preventing a premature end to his impactful work. God often uses human agents and wise counsel to protect His servants.

Linguistic Insight

The King James Version's phrase "suffered him not" comes from the Greek ouk eiasan (οὐκ εἴασαν), which literally means "they did not permit him" or "they did not allow him." This is not merely a polite suggestion but conveys a strong, decisive act of prevention or restraint. It indicates that the disciples firmly held Paul back, refusing to let him proceed into what was clearly a perilous and potentially deadly situation.

Practical Application

Acts 19:30 offers valuable lessons for believers and leaders today:

  • Discernment in Ministry: This verse encourages leaders and believers alike to seek and exercise wisdom and discernment in ministry. Not all battles are meant to be fought head-on, and there are times when strategic withdrawal or restraint is the wisest course of action for the greater good of the mission.
  • Valuing Wise Counsel: Just as Paul, despite his courage, listened to his disciples, we should be open to the counsel of trusted friends, mentors, and fellow believers. Those who care for our well-being can often offer a crucial perspective on dangerous or challenging situations, as Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
  • Mutual Care within the Church: The passage underscores the importance of looking out for one another within the body of Christ, especially those in leadership roles. Protecting, supporting, and praying for those who minister is a vital and loving aspect of Christian community.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 21:39

    But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

  • 2 Samuel 18:2

    And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

  • 2 Samuel 18:3

    But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now [thou art] worth ten thousand of us: therefore now [it is] better that thou succour us out of the city.

  • Acts 17:22

    ¶ Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

  • Acts 17:31

    Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

  • 2 Samuel 21:17

    But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.

  • Acts 14:14

    [Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
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