Acts 19:38

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

Wherefore {G3303}{G3767} if {G1487} Demetrius {G1216}, and {G2532} the craftsmen {G5079} which are with {G4862} him {G846}, have {G2192} a matter {G3056} against {G4314} any man {G5100}, the law {G60} is open {G71}, and {G2532} there are {G1526} deputies {G446}: let them implead {G1458} one another {G240}.

So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and the judges are there — let them bring charges and counter-charges.

So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there.

If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.

Acts 19:38 KJV is part of the Townclerk's speech in Ephesus, delivered during a tumultuous riot instigated by Demetrius, a silversmith, and his fellow craftsmen.

Context

This verse comes at the climax of a major disturbance in the city of Ephesus, detailed in Acts chapter 19. Demetrius, whose livelihood depended on making silver shrines for the goddess Artemis (Diana), stirred up a large crowd against the apostle Paul and his companions. He argued that Paul's preaching, which declared that "gods made with hands are no gods at all," threatened their trade and the very worship of their great goddess. The city was filled with confusion, and Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, were dragged into the theatre. The Townclerk, a chief magistrate, intervened to disperse the mob and restore order. In this specific verse, he addresses Demetrius and the craftsmen directly, offering a solution to their grievances through established legal channels.

Key Themes

  • Upholding Law and Order: The Townclerk emphasizes the existence of proper legal channels and the authority of the Roman administration. He reminds the rioters that disputes should be settled in court, not through mob violence. This highlights the importance of civil authority in maintaining societal stability, a principle also echoed in passages like Romans 13:1-7.
  • Rejection of Mob Rule: The passage strongly condemns the chaotic and unjust nature of a mob. The Townclerk points out that their current assembly is disorderly and could lead to accusations of rioting from Roman authorities, potentially resulting in severe penalties from the Roman government.
  • Due Process: The phrase "the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another" underscores the principle of due process. It insists that accusations be brought before legitimate authorities and resolved through established legal procedures, ensuring fairness and preventing arbitrary actions or vigilantism.

Linguistic Insights

The term "implead" (Greek: enkaleō) is a legal term meaning "to bring a charge against," "to accuse," or "to go to law." The Townclerk is essentially telling Demetrius and his associates to "sue one another" or "bring their case before the courts." This highlights the formality and legality of the suggested course of action, contrasting sharply with the wild, informal actions of the mob they had created.

Significance and Application

Acts 19:38 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking justice through legitimate means rather than resorting to vigilantism or emotional outbursts. For believers, it underscores the respect for civil authority and the rule of law, even when facing opposition or injustice. It encourages patience and trust in established systems, rather than engaging in disruptive or violent behavior. The Townclerk's wisdom in diffusing the situation by appealing to reason and law is a model for handling disputes in a just and orderly manner, promoting peaceful resolution and upholding the principles of fairness in society.

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 13:7

    Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

  • Acts 18:14

    And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O [ye] Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:1

    ¶ Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

  • Deuteronomy 17:8

    ¶ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

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