Acts 19:39

KJV

But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} ye enquire {G1934} any thing {G5100} concerning {G4012} other matters {G2087}, it shall be determined {G1956} in {G1722} a lawful {G1772} assembly {G1577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if there is something more you want, it will have to be settled in a lawful assembly.

Berean Standard Bible

But if you are seeking anything beyond this, it must be settled in a legal assembly.

American Standard Version

But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:39 captures a pivotal moment during the riot in Ephesus, where the pragmatic town clerk intervenes to de-escalate the volatile situation. His words underscore the importance of lawful procedure and civic order, asserting that any legitimate grievances or "other matters" should be addressed and resolved through the city's established, legal assembly rather than through an unruly, spontaneous mob. This declaration serves as a strategic maneuver to restore peace and prevent further Roman intervention, providentially protecting Paul and his companions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 19:39 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Paul's highly impactful ministry in Ephesus, particularly the climax of the riot instigated by Demetrius the silversmith. Paul's successful evangelism, leading many to abandon idol worship, directly threatened the lucrative trade of those who made silver shrines for Artemis (Diana). The preceding verses detail the escalating chaos: the seizure of Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, the mob's irrational shouts of "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" for two hours, and Paul's desire to address the crowd, which was wisely prevented by his friends and local officials. The town clerk's speech, beginning in [Acts 19:35](/acts/19-35 "Acts 19:35 - The Town Clerk's Address"), is a masterful rhetorical performance designed to pacify the enraged crowd and re-establish civic control, culminating in the dispersal of the assembly in [Acts 19:41](/acts/19-41 "Acts 19:41 - The Assembly Dispersed").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The worship of Artemis was deeply ingrained in the city's identity and economy, with silversmiths and other artisans profiting immensely from the pilgrimage and sale of religious artifacts. The "town clerk" (Greek: *grammateus*) was a powerful and respected civic official, typically the chief administrative officer responsible for maintaining public records, managing city affairs, and acting as a liaison with Roman authorities. His intervention was crucial because unauthorized public assemblies or riots could provoke severe Roman reprisals, potentially leading to the revocation of a city's privileges or even direct military occupation. The concept of a "lawful assembly" (Greek: *ekklesia*) refers to the official, legally constituted gathering of Ephesian citizens, distinct from the chaotic, spontaneous mob.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **clash of kingdoms** – the spiritual kingdom of God advancing against the idolatrous systems of the world, often provoking opposition, as seen in the uproar over Paul's ministry in [Acts 19:23-27](/acts/19-23-27 "Acts 19:23-27 - Demetrius Incites a Riot"). It powerfully demonstrates **God's sovereignty and providential protection**, as a pagan official is used to safeguard Paul and his companions, echoing themes of divine control over earthly rulers found in passages like [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). Furthermore, the town clerk's appeal to due process and legal order emphasizes the theme of **civic responsibility and the rule of law**, contrasting it sharply with the dangers of **mob mentality and chaos**, a principle that resonates with the call for order in the church found in [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order, Not Confusion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enquire (Greek, _epizētéō'_):** From *epí* (upon) and *zētéō* (to seek), meaning to search for, inquire, or demand. In this context, it implies a thorough investigation or a formal raising of a concern. The town clerk is suggesting that if there are legitimate issues or grievances, they should be properly sought out and presented through the correct channels, rather than being expressed through an unruly demonstration.
* **determined (Greek, _epilýō'_):** From *epí* (upon) and *lýō* (to loose, to solve). This word means to solve further, to explain, or to decide. It carries the sense of bringing a matter to a definitive resolution through legal or official means. The clerk promises that any "other matters" will be formally judged and settled by the appropriate authority, emphasizing a final, binding decision.
* **lawful (Greek, _énnomos'_):** From *en* (in) and *nómos* (law). This adjective means legal, legitimate, or subject to law. It directly contrasts the spontaneous, lawless nature of the riot with the established, legally recognized assembly. The clerk's use of this term highlights the distinction between an unruly crowd and a properly constituted civic body operating under the rule of law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters,"**: The town clerk presents a conditional clause, offering a path for legitimate grievances. He acknowledges that there might be actual concerns ("any thing concerning other matters") beyond the immediate outburst, but he implicitly demands that these be brought forward in a structured, formal manner ("if ye enquire"). This phrase serves to transition the crowd's focus from their current chaotic state to a more rational, legal approach.
* **"it shall be determined in a lawful assembly."**: This clause provides the solution and the proper venue for resolving any such "other matters." The passive voice "it shall be determined" implies that the decision will be made by the appropriate legal body, not by the mob. The "lawful assembly" (the *ekklesia* of citizens) is presented as the legitimate forum for deliberation and resolution, contrasting sharply with the current, illegal gathering and reinforcing the necessity of due process.

#### Literary Devices
The town clerk's speech, of which [Acts 19:39](/acts/19-39 "Acts 19:39 - Lawful Assembly") is a part, masterfully employs several literary devices. **Rhetoric** is central, as the clerk skillfully uses logical appeals (logos), appeals to the city's reputation, and appeals to the potential consequences of their actions to persuade the agitated crowd. His speech is a prime example of **Understatement** when he refers to the riot as "other matters," downplaying the severity of the mob's actions to create an opening for de-escalation. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the "unlawful" and chaotic mob assembly and the "lawful assembly" (the official *ekklesia*) where matters should properly be determined. This contrast serves to delegitimize the current riot and reassert the authority of established civic order. Furthermore, the clerk's pragmatic approach and focus on legal procedure demonstrate a form of **Civic Wisdom**, highlighting the importance of order and due process over emotional, irrational outbursts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:39, while spoken by a pagan official, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work even in secular affairs and chaotic circumstances. The town clerk's intervention, driven by civic prudence, providentially protects Paul and his companions and prevents further harm to the nascent Christian community in Ephesus. This event underscores the biblical principle that governing authorities, even those unaware of God's purposes, can be instruments in His hands to maintain order, restrain evil, and facilitate the spread of the gospel. It reminds believers that God is not confined to sacred spaces but works through all aspects of human society, often using unexpected means to accomplish His will and safeguard His people.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:39 offers profound lessons for believers today regarding our engagement with society and our trust in divine providence. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in mob mentality, where emotion and irrationality can quickly override reason and justice. For us, this means exercising discernment and wisdom, refusing to be swept away by popular opinion or emotional fervor, whether in civic discourse or within the church. Instead, we are called to uphold principles of order, due process, and respectful engagement, advocating for justice and truth through established, lawful channels. The passage also provides immense comfort, demonstrating that even in the most tumultuous and seemingly hostile environments, God remains sovereign. He can use anyone, even secular officials, to protect His people and advance His kingdom purposes. This encourages us to pray for our leaders, respect the rule of law (where it does not conflict with God's higher law), and trust that God is at work, orchestrating events for His glory and our good, even when circumstances appear chaotic.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the town clerk's appeal to "lawful assembly" challenge modern tendencies towards "cancel culture" or mob justice?**
* **In what ways can believers today actively promote order and due process within their communities and spheres of influence?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty in events like the Ephesus riot strengthen your faith when facing seemingly chaotic or unjust situations in your own life or in the world?**
* **What is the balance between advocating for Christian truth and respecting the established civic order, even when that order is secular?**

### FAQ

**What was the "lawful assembly" the town clerk referred to?**

Answer: The "lawful assembly" (Greek: *ekklesia*) referred to the official, legally constituted assembly of the citizens of Ephesus. Unlike the spontaneous, unruly mob that had gathered, this was a recognized civic body with the authority to deliberate and make decisions on city matters. It was the proper forum for addressing grievances, passing laws, and conducting official business, distinct from an unauthorized riot. The town clerk was essentially telling the crowd to disperse and bring their concerns through the proper, legal channels.

**Why was the town clerk so keen to disperse the riot?**

Answer: The town clerk was highly motivated to disperse the riot primarily to prevent Roman intervention. As a Roman provincial city, Ephesus enjoyed certain freedoms and self-governance, but these privileges were contingent on maintaining public order. A large, uncontrolled riot like the one instigated by Demetrius could be interpreted by Roman authorities as a sign of instability or rebellion. Such an interpretation could lead to severe consequences for the city, including the loss of its autonomy, the imposition of direct Roman rule, or even military occupation. The clerk's actions were a pragmatic effort to protect the city's status and avoid Roman reprisal, as he explicitly states in [Acts 19:40](/acts/19-40 "Acts 19:40 - Danger of Roman Reprisal").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 19:39 describes a secular intervention, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The riot in Ephesus, driven by economic threat and idolatry, represents the chaotic opposition of the world to the advancing kingdom of God. Yet, even in this tumult, Christ's sovereign rule is evident. Just as the town clerk brings order to chaos through an appeal to lawful assembly, Christ is the ultimate source of all true order and justice, establishing a kingdom where peace reigns supreme, not through human decrees but through divine authority. The gospel, which Paul preached and which provoked this riot, is the message of Christ's triumph over sin, death, and idolatry, leading to a new, spiritual "assembly" – the Church – which is called out of the world's chaos to live under His perfect law. The protection afforded to Paul and his companions foreshadows Christ's ongoing work to preserve His people and ensure the unstoppable advance of His mission, despite earthly opposition, until the day when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), bringing ultimate order to all creation.

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.