Acts 19:40

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

For {G1063}{G2532} we are in danger {G2793} to be called in question {G1458} for {G4012} this day's {G4594} uproar {G4714}, there being {G5225} no {G3367} cause {G158} whereby {G4012}{G3739} we may {G1410} give {G591} an account {G3056} of this {G5026} concourse {G4963}.

For we are in danger of being accused of rioting on account of what has happened today. There is no justification for it; and if we are asked, we will be unable to give any reasonable explanation for this disorderly gathering.”

For we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting for today’s events, and we have no justification to account for this commotion.”

For indeed we are in danger to be accused concerning this day’s riot, there being no cause for it: and as touching it we shall not be able to give account of this concourse.

Commentary

Context of Acts 19:40

Acts 19:40 is spoken by the town clerk (or city recorder) of Ephesus, a prominent Roman official, during a chaotic and dangerous riot. This uproar was incited by Demetrius, a silversmith who made idols of the goddess Artemis (Diana), and other craftsmen. Their livelihood was threatened by the rapid spread of the Gospel through Paul's ministry in Ephesus, which led many to abandon idolatry. The crowd, fueled by religious zeal and economic fear, had rushed into the city's great theater, creating a volatile situation. The town clerk intervenes to restore order, appealing to the crowd's fear of Roman authority and the legal repercussions of such an unauthorized assembly.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fear of Roman Authority: The primary motivation for the town clerk's intervention is the practical concern over legal accountability. Roman law strictly forbade unlawful assemblies and sedition, and the local authorities would be held responsible for maintaining peace. The clerk shrewdly reminds the crowd of the severe consequences if their actions were reported to the proconsuls in Rome.
  • Illegitimacy of Mob Rule: The verse highlights the irrationality and danger of an unthinking mob. The clerk points out that there is "no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse," meaning the riot had no legitimate legal or social justification in the eyes of Roman law. Their actions were pure chaos, without a defensible reason.
  • The Gospel's Impact on Society: While not directly stated in this verse, the underlying tension is the profound impact of the Gospel challenging entrenched pagan practices and economic systems. The spread of Christianity threatened the worship of Artemis and the lucrative idol-making business, leading to this violent backlash.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong terms to describe the situation:

  • "Uproar" (Greek: stasis): This word signifies not just noise, but a state of insurrection, sedition, or rebellion. It implies a dangerous civil disturbance that could invite severe punitive action from the Roman government.
  • "Concourse" (Greek: systrophe): This term denotes a tumultuous, disorderly gathering, often with the implication of conspiracy or a mob mentality. It emphasizes the lack of legitimate purpose for the assembly.

Practical Application

Acts 19:40 offers several modern applications:

  • Respect for Law and Order: The verse underscores the importance of lawful conduct and respecting governing authorities, even when disagreeing with them. Disorderly conduct often undermines a cause rather than advancing it.
  • Consequences of Unchecked Passion: It serves as a reminder that uncontrolled emotions and mob mentality can lead to irrational actions with severe, unintended consequences, both for individuals and the community.
  • Defending the Truth Peacefully: While the Gospel often challenges societal norms, this incident shows the wisdom of pursuing its spread through peaceful means and reasoned argument, rather than resorting to or provoking civil unrest. The town clerk's appeal to reason, though motivated by fear of Roman reprisal, ultimately served to protect the apostles and the burgeoning Christian community in Ephesus.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 1:41

    ¶ And Adonijah and all the guests that [were] with him heard [it] as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore [is this] noise of the city being in an uproar?

  • Acts 21:31

    And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

  • Acts 21:38

    Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

  • Acts 20:1

    ¶ And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto [him] the disciples, and embraced [them], and departed for to go into Macedonia.

  • Matthew 26:5

    But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.

  • Acts 17:5

    But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

  • Acts 17:8

    And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.
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