Acts 19:38Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The people began to stir. All hurried to the public square where they usually assembled. Many shouted without themselves knowing what the matter was. Two of Paul's companions were seized.

The Greek people, who formed the main population of the city, generally cherished hatred toward the Jews living there as enemies of the gods. At a slight offense, popular hatred could easily flare into a riot, from which the Jews might suffer much.

In the present case, many still did not know the exact cause of the popular indignation. The Jews only heard that the people were agitated because of an insult inflicted by enemies of the gods. They at once referred the cause of this indignation to themselves.

A man named Alexander appeared, intending to give the people explanations and, if necessary, to lay the blame on the Christians. But the appearance of such a man, who himself belonged among the enemies of the popular religion, produced only stronger irritation. The shouting increased still more.

It seems, however, that only the rabble harbored these hostile dispositions toward the Apostle. The city authorities knew Paul's manner of life and activity during almost three years in Ephesus. This could not but give them a favorable judgment of Paul.

Some of the city rulers, who in that year administered religious affairs in Asia Minor, the Άσιάρχαι, and had supervision over the public games, even showed concern for his fate. They begged him not to appear before the people during this disturbance.

At last the city clerk succeeded in calming the turbulent crowd. He explained that satisfaction must be sought by lawful order. He said that it was impossible for anyone to rise against the great goddess of Ephesus, and that responsibility for the disturbance might be feared.

You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed the temple of Artemis nor blasphemed your goddess. If Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, there are court assemblies, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

If you seek anything further, it shall be settled in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being accused of riot because of what has happened today. There is no reason by which we could justify such a gathering."

This speech at once produced a striking effect. The tumult ceased. The wise speech of a man respected by all made the crowd repent of its senseless riot and fear its possible consequences. The guardian of order had hinted at these consequences in his speech, using flattery, intimidation, admonition, and reassurance by turns.

It vividly reminded them that Asia was a senatorial province, not an imperial one. Therefore it was governed by a proconsul with several officials, not by a propraetor with a legion of soldiers. They themselves were responsible for preserving good order.

They would certainly be considered guilty of disturbing the peace. A single day of disorder could affect their privileges unfavorably for many years.

In general, such a disturbance by the Ephesians was unworthy, as the guardian of order showed. The greatness of their temple had not suffered any insult. The disturbance was unjustified, since nothing could be proved against these persons.

It was unnecessary, since other and more lawful means of retribution were at hand. Finally, if neither pride nor justice could influence them, at least fear of the Romans could restrain them.

The people were greatly ashamed of their conduct, and the guardian of order was able to dismiss them from the theater.

By mentioning the possibility of complaints against one another, the defender seems to suggest that the side opposed to Demetrius might also have accusations to make. For example, he incited enmity and deliberately stirred up rebellion. This was, of course, provided for in Roman law.

He later hints at this with a clear threat in verse 40. Finally, he seems ready to allow that someone may indeed be guilty. Yet from this it is still more evident that the matter must be examined in court, not in the theater.