Acts 19:23

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

And {G1161}{G2596} the same {G1565} time {G2540} there arose {G1096} no {G3756} small {G3641} stir {G5017} about {G4012} that way {G3598}.

It was at this time that a major furor arose concerning the Way.

About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.

And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way.

Commentary

Acts 19:23 (KJV)

"And the same time there arose no small stir about that way."

Context

This verse immediately follows a period of significant success for the Apostle Paul's ministry in Ephesus. For over two years, Paul had been powerfully preaching the Gospel, performing special miracles, and seeing many turn from pagan practices and Judaism to faith in Jesus Christ. A notable incident involving the sons of Sceva and the public burning of expensive magic books (Acts 19:19) had demonstrated the power of God's Word and the renunciation of idolatry and sorcery. This widespread impact began to threaten the established religious and economic systems of the city, setting the stage for the "stir" or uproar mentioned here.

Key Themes

  • Opposition to the Gospel: The verse highlights the inevitable conflict that arises when the truth of the Gospel challenges prevailing cultural, religious, or economic norms. The spread of Christianity directly impacted the livelihoods of those connected with pagan worship, particularly the cult of Artemis (Diana).
  • "The Way" as Early Christianity: The phrase "that way" (Greek: hē hodós) was an early descriptor used by both followers and opponents of Jesus' teachings. It signifies Christianity not just as a belief system, but as a distinct path or manner of life. This term is used elsewhere in Acts to refer to the Christian movement (Acts 9:2, Acts 24:14).
  • Disruption by Divine Truth: The success of the Gospel in Ephesus was so profound that it caused a major societal disturbance. This demonstrates that the message of Christ is not merely a passive philosophy but a dynamic force that can fundamentally alter lives and communities, often leading to resistance from those whose interests are threatened.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "no small stir" translates the Greek οὐκ ὀλίγος τάραχος (ouk olígos tarachos), which literally means "not a little commotion" or "considerable trouble." The use of a double negative emphasizes the magnitude and seriousness of the disturbance that erupted in Ephesus concerning "that way" (hē hodós).

Reflection

Acts 19:23 serves as a reminder that the faithful proclamation of the Gospel can be disruptive. When lives are transformed and allegiances shift from worldly systems to Christ, it often creates tension and opposition. The "stir" in Ephesus was primarily motivated by economic concerns tied to idolatry, but resistance to "the Way" can manifest in many forms. Believers today should not be surprised when their faith causes friction with prevailing cultural values or vested interests. This verse encourages us to understand the potential cost of following Christ and to stand firm in the face of opposition, just as the early Christians in Ephesus did.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 19:9 (3 votes)

    But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

  • Acts 24:22 (3 votes)

    ¶ And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of [that] way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:8 (2 votes)

    For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:10 (2 votes)

    Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

  • Acts 9:2 (2 votes)

    And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

  • Acts 22:4 (1 votes)

    And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

  • Acts 24:14 (1 votes)

    But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: