Acts 19:40

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
The town clerk of Ephesus delivers a stern warning to the riotous crowd, emphasizing the severe legal repercussions they face from Roman authorities for their unlawful assembly. He highlights the complete lack of legitimate justification for the "uproar" and "concourse," underscoring the irrationality and danger of mob rule and the potential for imperial intervention if order is not immediately restored.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 19:40 is the culmination of a dramatic episode in Ephesus, beginning with Paul's powerful ministry that led many to abandon idolatry and embrace Christ ([Acts 19:8-10](/acts/19-8-10 "Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). This spiritual awakening directly threatened the lucrative trade of Demetrius, a silversmith who crafted idols of Artemis, the patron goddess of Ephesus. Incited by Demetrius, a massive crowd, fueled by economic fear and religious fervor, surged into the city's grand theater, creating a chaotic and dangerous scene ([Acts 19:23-34](/acts/19-23-34 "The Riot in Ephesus")). The town clerk, a high-ranking Roman official responsible for civic order, intervenes at a critical juncture, attempting to de-escalate the situation and disperse the unruly mob, appealing to their fear of Roman reprisal rather than their reason.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major Roman provincial capital and a hub of pagan worship, home to the magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Roman law was exceptionally strict regarding unauthorized public assemblies, viewing them as potential sedition against the Empire. Local officials, like the town clerk, were held personally accountable by the Roman proconsuls for maintaining peace and order. Failure to control such a "concourse" could lead to severe penalties, including the loss of civic privileges for the city or even the execution of its leaders. The clerk's appeal to the crowd's fear of being "called in question" directly references this very real threat of Roman legal and military intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the **clash of kingdoms** – the peaceful, transformative advance of the Gospel against entrenched paganism and economic interests. It highlights the **danger of mob mentality**, where collective emotion overrides reason and justice, as evidenced by the crowd's inability to articulate a "cause" for their actions. Furthermore, it underscores the **providential role of governing authorities**, even pagan ones, in maintaining order and, in this case, inadvertently protecting the nascent Christian community from further harm. The town clerk's intervention, though motivated by pragmatic concerns for Roman law, ultimately serves to diffuse a situation that could have had devastating consequences for Paul and his companions, demonstrating how God can use secular structures to accomplish His purposes, as seen in [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Submission to Governing Authorities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **uproar (Greek, _stásis'_):** G4714. This term denotes more than mere noise; it signifies a standing up, a state of insurrection, sedition, or rebellion. In the context of Acts 19:40, it implies a dangerous civil disturbance that could invite severe punitive action from the Roman government, highlighting the gravity of the crowd's lawless assembly.
* **cause (Greek, _aítion'_):** G158. Referring to a reason or a fault, this word underscores the clerk's assertion that the riot lacked any legitimate, defensible basis in Roman law or civil order. It was an irrational outburst, not a justified grievance that could be presented in court.
* **concourse (Greek, _systrophḗ'_):** G4963. This word describes a twisting together, a tumultuous, disorderly gathering, often carrying the implication of a secret coalition or a mob mentality. It emphasizes the lack of legitimate purpose and the chaotic nature of the assembly, reinforcing the clerk's point about its indefensibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar,"**: The town clerk begins by stating the immediate and serious peril facing the city's leadership. The phrase "in danger to be called in question" (from G2793 _kindyneúō_ and G1458 _enkaléō_) directly refers to the legal accountability they face from higher Roman authorities. An "uproar" (G4714 _stásis_) was a severe breach of Roman peace, and local officials were held responsible for its suppression. The clerk is essentially warning the crowd that their actions are putting the entire city's standing with Rome at risk.
* **"there being no cause"**: This crucial phrase (G3367 _mēdeís_ "no" and G158 _aítion_ "cause") highlights the irrationality of the mob. The clerk asserts that there is no legitimate or justifiable reason for their assembly that could be presented in a legal defense. Their actions are purely emotional and chaotic, lacking any legal or moral foundation.
* **"whereby we may give an account of this concourse."**: Building on the previous clause, this emphasizes the complete indefensibility of the situation. The city's leaders would be unable to provide a "lógos" (G3056, "account" or "reasoned defense") for the "concourse" (G4963 _systrophḗ_, a disorderly, riotous gathering). This lack of a rational explanation or legal justification would leave them vulnerable to severe Roman penalties, including the loss of civic autonomy or even direct intervention by the proconsul.

#### Literary Devices
The town clerk's speech in Acts 19:40 is a masterclass in **Rhetoric** and **Persuasion**. He skillfully employs an appeal to **Logos** (reason) by pointing out the lack of "cause" and "account" for the assembly, highlighting its irrationality. Simultaneously, he leverages **Pathos** (emotion), specifically fear, by reminding the crowd of the "danger" of Roman reprisal. There is also an element of **Irony** in the situation: the very people claiming to defend the honor of their goddess are doing so through unlawful and disorderly means, which could bring the wrath of the Roman Empire upon their city, thus undermining their stated purpose. The entire scene serves as a dramatic illustration of the **Clash of Worldviews**, where the peaceful, logical advance of the Gospel is met with the chaotic, emotional resistance of entrenched paganism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:40 speaks to the intricate relationship between divine providence and human governance. While the riot was a direct result of the Gospel's impact on pagan society, God used the pragmatic intervention of a secular official to protect His servants and ensure the continued spread of His kingdom. This highlights that God's sovereignty extends even over chaotic human events and that He can utilize unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. The verse also implicitly champions lawful and orderly conduct, even in the face of opposition, suggesting that the advancement of God's truth is best served by peaceful, reasoned witness rather than mob violence or civil unrest. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of respecting governing authorities.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "Submission to Government and Masters")
* [Titus 3:1-2](/titus/3-1-2 "Be Submissive to Rulers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:40 serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked emotion and mob mentality, contrasting it sharply with the order and reason that should characterize the Christian life. In an age often marked by polarization and rapid emotional responses, this verse calls believers to exercise discernment, pursue peace, and engage with society through thoughtful, lawful means. It challenges us to consider whether our actions, even when motivated by conviction, are defensible and constructive, or merely contribute to chaos. Furthermore, it encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that He can work through secular structures and unexpected individuals to protect His people and advance His kingdom, even when circumstances seem volatile. Our witness for Christ is most compelling when it is marked by wisdom, respect for order, and a clear conscience before God and man.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when my beliefs or values are challenged in a way that incites strong emotions?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to participate in "mob mentality" (online or offline) rather than engaging in reasoned discourse?**
* **How does my conduct reflect respect for lawful authority, even when I disagree with its policies or decisions?**
* **What "account" can I give for the way I live my life and engage with the world, particularly in moments of conflict or opposition?**

### FAQ
**Why was the town clerk so concerned about the "uproar" and "concourse"?**

Answer: The town clerk's primary concern stemmed from the strict Roman laws against unauthorized public assemblies. Such gatherings were viewed as potential sedition or rebellion against the Empire. As a high-ranking local official, he was personally responsible for maintaining civic order in Ephesus. If the riot escalated or was reported to the Roman proconsuls, he and the city could face severe penalties, including the loss of civic freedoms, punitive taxes, or even direct military intervention. His intervention was a pragmatic move to protect himself and the city from Roman wrath, as he recognized there was "no cause" ([Acts 19:40](/acts/19-40 "Acts 19:40 - The Town Clerk's Warning")) that could justify the mob's actions to Roman authorities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 19:40 describes a chaotic scene where human reason and order are restored by a pagan official, it ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate bringer of true order and the one who gives a perfect "account" for humanity. The mob's "uproar" and lack of "cause" stand in stark contrast to the purposeful and redemptive work of Jesus. He did not incite riots or gather tumultuous crowds for His mission; rather, He taught with authority, lived a life of perfect obedience, and willingly submitted to unjust earthly authorities, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). Unlike the Ephesian mob, whose actions were indefensible, Christ's sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate "account" for sin, a perfectly legitimate and divinely ordained "cause" for redemption ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Christ's Sacrifice for Sin")). Furthermore, Jesus, as the incarnate "Logos" (G3056, "Word" or "reason") of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), brings divine order to a chaotic world, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and establishing a kingdom founded on righteousness, not on the baseless "concourse" of human passion.

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

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.