Acts 19:39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Everyone 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 chief population of the city, generally nourished hatred for the Jews living there as enemies of the gods. Popular hatred, at a slight offense, could easily flare into a revolt from which the Jews might suffer much. In the present case, many still did not know the actual cause of the people's indignation. The Jews heard only that the people were agitated because of an insult inflicted by enemies of the gods. They immediately took the cause of this indignation to be themselves. A certain man named Alexander appeared to give the people an explanation and, if necessary, to lay the blame on the Christians. But the appearance of such a man, himself belonging to the enemies of the popular religion, only produced stronger irritation. The shouting increased still more. It seems, however, that only the rabble nourished these hostile dispositions toward the Apostle. The city officials knew Paul's manner of life and work during almost three years in Ephesus. This could not fail to give them a favorable judgment of Paul. Some of the rulers of the city, who in that year administered religious affairs in Asia Minor, the Asiarchs, and had oversight of the public games, even showed concern for his fate. They begged him not to appear before the people during this disturbance. Finally, the city recorder succeeded in calming the riotous crowd. He explained that satisfaction must be sought according to lawful procedure. He said that no one could be rising against the great goddess of Ephesus, and that they might fear being held accountable for the disturbance.

If Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, there are court days and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being accused of riot concerning what has happened today, since there is no reason by which we could justify this gathering.' This speech at once produced a striking effect. The confusion ceased. The prudent speech of a man respected by all made the crowd repent of its senseless revolt and fear its possible consequences. The guardian of order had hinted at these consequences in his speech, acting by turns through flattery, intimidation, admonition, and reassurance. His speech 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. For that reason they themselves were responsible for preserving good order. They would certainly be judged guilty of disturbing the peace. One day of disorder could harm their privileges for many years. In general, as the guardian of order showed, such confusion on the part of the Ephesians was unworthy, since the greatness of their temple had suffered no insult. It was unjustified, since nothing could be proved against these men. It was needless, 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 might restrain them. The people were deeply ashamed of their conduct, and the guardian of order was able to dismiss them from the theater.

The proconsuls dealt with lawsuits of the wealthy and with criminal offenses.' By mentioning the possibility of complaints against one another, the defender seems to imply that the party opposed to Demetrius might also have grounds for accusation. For example, Demetrius had incited hostility and deliberately stirred up a revolt. This, of course, was foreseen by Roman law, as the speaker later indicates with a clear threat in verse 40. Finally, he seems ready to allow that someone may indeed be guilty. Yet from this it becomes still clearer that the matter must be examined in court, not in the theater.