Acts 19 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Acts 19 meaning explained in AI Summary

Powerful Ministry in Ephesus: Paul's ministry in Ephesus is marked by powerful signs and wonders, attracting many believers and impacting the local economy tied to idol worship.
Facing Opposition and Riots: This success also leads to opposition from local businesses threatened by Paul's message, resulting in riots.

Paul in Ephesus (Part of Paul's Third Missionary Journey)

Chapter 19 details Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus, a major city in Roman Asia (modern-day Turkey). It's a period marked by powerful miracles, spiritual confrontations, and the rapid spread of the Gospel, but also by opposition and unrest.

1. The Holy Spirit Comes Upon New Disciples (19:1-7): Paul encounters twelve disciples of John the Baptist who haven't received the Holy Spirit. He explains the difference between John's baptism of repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus. They are baptized again, receive the Holy Spirit, and begin speaking in tongues and prophesying.

2. Paul's Ministry in Ephesus (19:8-10): Paul preaches boldly in the synagogue for three months, but faces opposition. He moves his ministry to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, where he teaches for two years, reaching Jews and Greeks throughout the region.

3. Miraculous Healings and Exorcisms (19:11-12): God performs extraordinary miracles through Paul. Even handkerchiefs or aprons touched by him heal the sick and drive out demons, demonstrating God's power and spreading the Gospel further.

4. The Seven Sons of Sceva (19:13-17): Seven Jewish exorcists try to use Jesus' name to cast out a demon, but the demon recognizes their lack of faith and overpowers them. This event leads many to fear the Lord and confess their sins, burning their magical scrolls.

5. Opposition from Silversmiths (19:18-22): Paul's preaching threatens the livelihood of silversmiths who make shrines to Artemis, the goddess of Ephesus. Demetrius, a silversmith, incites a riot, fearing economic loss and the decline of Artemis worship.

6. The Riot in Ephesus (19:23-41): The city erupts in chaos as the mob gathers in the theater, dragging Paul's companions. The city clerk eventually calms the crowd, emphasizing the legality of Paul's actions and the absurdity of their accusations.

7. Paul Departs for Macedonia (19:41): After the riot subsides, Paul encourages the disciples and departs for Macedonia, continuing his missionary journey.

Key Themes:

Power of the Holy Spirit: The chapter emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers for ministry, evidenced by speaking in tongues, prophecy, and miraculous healings.
Spread of the Gospel: Despite opposition, the Gospel spreads rapidly through Paul's preaching and the accompanying miracles, impacting individuals and challenging cultural norms.
Spiritual Warfare: The conflict with the sons of Sceva and the silversmiths highlights the spiritual battle between the Gospel and opposing forces.
God's Sovereignty: Even amidst chaos and opposition, God remains in control, using even challenging situations to advance His purposes.

Acts 19 showcases the transformative power of the Gospel, the challenges faced by early Christians, and the unwavering commitment of Paul to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

Acts 19 bible study ai commentary

The Gospel's power demonstrably triumphs over incomplete faith, demonic forces, occult practices, and idolatrous economies. In Ephesus, a major center of paganism, the name of Jesus is magnified through genuine conversions and powerful miracles, leading to both costly repentance from the populace and a violent, financially-motivated backlash from the city's idol-makers. The Word of God, however, prevails mightily, proving its supremacy over all competing spiritual and worldly powers.

Acts 19 context

Ephesus was a prominent, wealthy port city in the Roman province of Asia (modern Turkey). It was a cultural, religious, and commercial crossroads. Its main feature was the colossal Temple of Artemis (known to the Romans as Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This made the city a major pilgrimage site and supported a large industry of idol-making and religious trinkets. Ephesus was also notorious for its deep involvement in magic, sorcery, and the occult. Magical formulas and incantations known as "Ephesian Letters" (Ephesia Grammata) were famous throughout the ancient world, believed to hold protective and supernatural power. This context of deep-seated pagan worship and occultism is the direct backdrop for the conflicts and triumphs in this chapter.

Acts 19:1-7

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

In-depth-analysis

"Some disciples": The term (mathētēs) usually means Christian believers. However, their answers reveal an incomplete understanding. They were followers of Jesus in the way John the Baptist had taught, but they were not yet incorporated into the post-Pentecost church.
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?": Paul's question connects belief in Christ directly to the reception of the Spirit. This was the normative Christian experience. Their negative answer signals a major deficiency in their faith.
"John's baptism": This was a preparatory baptism of repentance, pointing forward to the Messiah. It was not the Christian baptism into the name and redemptive work of Jesus, which is accompanied by the gift of the Spirit.
Re-baptism: This is one of the only instances of re-baptism in the New Testament. It was necessary because their first baptism was of a different nature and covenant. They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, signifying their full identification with Him.
"Spoke in tongues and prophesied": The coming of the Spirit is accompanied by external, charismatic signs, mirroring events at Pentecost (Acts 2:4) and at Cornelius's house (Acts 10:44-46). This validates their genuine conversion and reception of the Spirit. The number twelve may be symbolic, perhaps representing a new spiritual nucleus in Ephesus, like the twelve apostles.

Bible references

Acts 2:38: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (The standard for Christian conversion and baptism).
John 1:33: "The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’” (John's own testimony that his baptism was incomplete).
Eph 1:13: "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth... When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit." (Paul's later teaching to this very city, confirming the link between belief and the Spirit's sealing).
1 Cor 12:13: "For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body..." (Explains that Christian baptism is a spiritual incorporation into the Church).

Cross references

Acts 18:24-26 (Apollos also knew only John's baptism until instructed), Matt 3:11 (John contrasting his water baptism with Jesus' Spirit baptism), Acts 8:14-17 (Samaritans receiving the Spirit through the apostles' laying on of hands after baptism), Gal 3:2 (The Spirit received by faith).

Polemics: This narrative subtly corrects any groups who may have still exclusively followed John the Baptist. It establishes that John's movement was preparatory and is now superseded by the fullness of the Gospel, which includes the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Christian experience is Trinitarian.

Acts 19:8-10

Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

In-depth-analysis

Synagogue ministry: Paul follows his consistent pattern of going "to the Jew first" (Rom 1:16). He argues and persuades, showing his method was based on reason and Old Testament evidence.
"The Way": One of the earliest names for Christianity, emphasizing that it is more than a belief system—it's a path or way of life centered on Jesus (Acts 9:2, 24:14).
"Lecture hall of Tyrannus": When rejected by the synagogue, Paul moves his ministry to a neutral, public venue. Some ancient manuscripts add that he taught from the fifth to the tenth hour (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). This was typically the hottest part of the day when people took a siesta, suggesting Paul worked his trade (tentmaking) in the morning and taught when the hall was available, demonstrating incredible stamina and dedication.
"All the... province of Asia heard": Ephesus was the capital. People from all over the province would travel there for business and legal matters. Paul’s daily teaching over two years created a hub from which the gospel radiated out, likely leading to the founding of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, etc.).

Bible references

Acts 17:2: "As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures." (Paul's consistent ministry method).
Acts 9:2: "and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way..." (An early use of this name for the faith).
2 Tim 2:24-25: "And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed..." (Paul's methodology of patient, persuasive instruction).

Cross references

Acts 13:46 (Turning to Gentiles after Jewish rejection), Acts 18:6 (Similar rejection in Corinth), Rom 1:16 (Gospel to the Jew first).

Acts 19:11-12

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

In-depth-analysis

"Extraordinary miracles": The Greek is literally "not the ordinary" (ou tas tychousas) miracles. Luke emphasizes their unusual nature to show the unique power of God at work in this pagan stronghold.
"God did... through Paul": Luke is careful to credit God as the source of the power, with Paul being the channel.
"Handkerchiefs and aprons": These were likely sweat-rags (soudaria) used during manual labor and work aprons (simikinthia), linking the miracles to Paul’s tentmaking trade. The power was not in the objects themselves, but in the faith of the people and the sovereign power of God. This would have directly confronted the Ephesian use of magical amulets and charms, showing where true power resides.

Bible references

Acts 5:15-16: "people brought the sick... so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by... and all of them were healed." (A parallel miracle through the apostle Peter, authenticating apostolic authority).
Mark 5:27-29: "She came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak... Immediately her bleeding stopped." (The woman healed by touching Jesus' garment).
2 Kings 4:29: "Elisha told Gehazi... 'Take my staff in your hand and run... Lay my staff on the boy’s face.'" (An Old Testament precedent for power being transmitted via an object associated with a man of God).

Cross references

Acts 14:3 (God confirming His word with signs and wonders), 2 Cor 12:12 (Signs of a true apostle), Mark 16:17-18 (Promise of signs following believers).

Acts 19:13-20

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

In-depth-analysis

Itinerant Jewish exorcists: Magic and exorcism were practiced by some in first-century Judaism, often syncretistically mixing holy names with pagan formulas.
"Jesus whom Paul preaches": They attempt to use the name of Jesus as a magical formula, divorcing it from faith and relationship. They see it as a new, more powerful spell.
"Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?": This is a profound theological statement from a demon. "Know" (ginōskō) implies experiential knowledge of Jesus's absolute authority. "Recognize" (epistamai) implies knowing about Paul and the authority vested in him. "Who are you?" is a statement of their complete lack of spiritual standing. Authority is not a formula; it is delegated through relationship.
Costly repentance: The burning of magic scrolls, valued at 50,000 drachmas (a drachma was a day's wage for a laborer, so this represented over 135 man-years of labor), was a radical and public demonstration of genuine repentance. They didn't sell them; they destroyed them, completely cutting ties with their past.
Result: The failure of the counterfeit led to fear of God and reverence for Jesus's name. The word grew not just in numbers, but "in power" (kata kratos), meaning it prevailed mightily.

Bible references

Deut 18:10-12: "Let no one be found among you who... practices divination or sorcery... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD." (The background for why converts to Yahweh would destroy magical items).
Phil 2:9-10: "...the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth..." (The ultimate authority of Jesus's name).
Matt 7:22-23: "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not... in your name drive out demons?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you...’" (The danger of using Jesus's name without knowing Him).

Cross references

Mark 9:38 (Disciples see an outsider using Jesus' name successfully), Luke 10:17 (Demons subject to the disciples in His name), Acts 8:18-21 (Simon Magus trying to buy God's power).

Polemics: This event is a direct polemic against the magical worldview of Ephesus. It starkly contrasts the transactional, formula-based approach of magic with the relational, faith-based authority of the Kingdom of God. True spiritual power cannot be co-opted or wielded as a tool; it flows from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Acts 19:21-22

After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

In-depth-analysis

"Paul decided...": The phrase is literally "Paul placed in the Spirit" (etheto ho Paulos en tō pneumati). This was not a mere whim but a Spirit-led conviction.
Strategic Itinerary: Paul's plan outlines the rest of his missionary career as recorded in Acts: travel through Greece (Macedonia and Achaia) to deliver the collection for the poor, visit Jerusalem, and then go to the heart of the empire, Rome.
"I must visit Rome": The word "must" (dei) often indicates divine necessity in Luke-Acts. Paul saw spreading the gospel to Rome as a divine imperative, a strategic goal for reaching the whole world.

Bible references

Rom 1:13-15: "I planned many times to come to you... I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks... I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome." (Paul’s own writings confirming his long-held desire).
Rom 15:25-26: "Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution..." (Confirms the purpose of his trip through Macedonia and Achaia).
Acts 23:11: "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'" (God's direct confirmation of Paul's plan).

Cross references

Acts 20:16 (Paul hurrying to Jerusalem), Acts 21:10-14 (Prophecies of Paul's suffering in Jerusalem).

Acts 19:23-41

About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there... [he instigated a riot, dragging Paul's companions into the theater]... The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? ...you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash... Take them to court... there are the proconsuls. They can press charges. ...We are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Romans... After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

In-depth-analysis

Economic motivation: Demetrius's primary concern is not religious piety but financial loss. The gospel was threatening his livelihood. He cleverly couches his economic complaint in terms of civic pride and religious devotion to stir up the crowd.
"The Way" vs. Idolatry: This is the climactic clash. The truth of the Gospel, which states that "gods made by human hands are no gods at all," directly strikes at the foundation of the Ephesian economy and identity.
The Theater: A massive structure holding around 25,000 people. It was the place for public assemblies, making it the perfect venue for a city-wide mob.
Alexander the Jew: Put forward by the Jews, likely to publicly dissociate the Jewish community from Paul's controversial sect of Christians, lest the mob's anger turn on all Jews.
Asiarchs: Wealthy, influential leaders of the provincial council of Asia. The fact that some were "friends of Paul" shows the influence he had gained across different social strata.
The Town Clerk (grammateus): A high-ranking and politically savvy city official. His speech is a masterclass in crowd control. He affirms their civic pride, minimizes the threat, points to proper legal procedures, and introduces the fear of Roman reprisal. He de-escalates a volatile situation without taking a side on the religious issue. His mention of the image "which fell from heaven" (diopetous) reflects the local belief that their cult object was a meteorite, giving it divine origin.

Bible references

Isa 44:17: "From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, ‘Save me! You are my god!’" (An OT prophetic mockery of the very business Demetrius is defending).
Ps 115:4-8: "Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands... Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." (The classic biblical indictment of idolatry).
1 John 5:21: "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." (A core tenet of the early church).
Rev 2:1-7: Christ's letter to the church in Ephesus years later, showing that while they endured and resisted evil, they had left their first love. The events of Acts 19 formed the crucible in which this church was forged.

Cross references

Jer 10:3-5 (Futility of idols), Acts 16:16-19 (Economic backlash against Paul in Philippi), Acts 17:16 (Paul distressed by the idolatry in Athens).

Polemics: This whole section is a narrative polemic. It portrays pagan worship as irrational, mob-driven, violent, and ultimately motivated by greed. In contrast, Paul's ministry (even in his absence from the scene) is rooted in truth, and order is restored by secular reason, which inadvertently protects the Christians. It exposes the hollowness of idolatry when its economic foundation is threatened.

Acts chapter 19 analysis

The Supremacy of Jesus' Name: The central theme is the authority inherent in Jesus' name. It is superior to the baptism of John, more powerful than occult formulas used by exorcists, and ultimately triumphs over the famed cult of Artemis. The name holds honor because the Person holds all power.
Contrasting Powers: Luke masterfully contrasts God's genuine power with its counterfeits.| Divine Power (via Paul) | Counterfeit/Opposing Power || :--- | :--- || Holy Spirit through laying on of hands | Empty ritual of John's baptism || Extraordinary, healing miracles | Impotent magical incantations (Sceva) || Genuine, costly repentance | Economic self-interest disguised as piety (Demetrius) || Reasoned discourse ("The Way") | Irrational mob frenzy |
The Unstoppable Gospel: Despite opposition from established religion (synagogue), entrenched occultism (sorcerers), and powerful economic interests (silversmiths), the chapter's refrain is "the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" (v. 20). It cannot be contained.
The Spiritual Nature of Truth: The demon's statement, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize," is a window into the spiritual realm. It reveals that spiritual beings recognize lines of authority. True authority is not self-appointed or formulaic; it is delegated from Christ.
Foundation of the Ephesian Church: This chapter details the "founding moment" of what would become a hugely significant church. Paul's long, two-year ministry of daily teaching established the deep theological roots that he would later write to in his Epistle to the Ephesians, which deals with cosmic powers, unity in the Spirit, and putting off the old self—themes that resonate perfectly with the events of Acts 19.

Acts 19 summary

Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus showcases the overwhelming power of the Gospel. He brings disciples who only knew John's baptism into the fullness of faith with the Holy Spirit. God performs extraordinary miracles through him, which lead to a failed attempt by Jewish exorcists to co-opt Jesus' name, resulting in widespread reverence for Christ and a massive, costly burning of magic books. The Gospel's success threatens the idol-making industry, leading to a city-wide riot started by a silversmith named Demetrius. A wise town clerk ultimately disperses the mob, demonstrating how the Word of God prevails mightily over all spiritual and economic opposition.

Acts 18 AI Acts 20 AI

Acts 19 AI Image Audio and Video

Acts chapter 19 kjv

¹ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
² He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
³ And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
⁴ Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
⁵ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
⁷ And all the men were about twelve.
⁸ And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
⁹ 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.
¹⁰ And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
¹¹ And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
¹² So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
¹³ Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
¹⁴ And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
¹⁵ And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
¹⁶ And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
¹⁷ And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
¹⁸ And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
¹⁹ Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
²⁰ So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
²¹ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
²² So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
²³ And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
²⁴ For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
²⁵ Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
²⁶ Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
²⁷ So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
²⁸ And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
²⁹ And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
³⁰ And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
³¹ And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
³² Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
³³ And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
³⁴ But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
³⁵ And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
³⁶ Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
³⁷ For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
³⁸ Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
³⁹ But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
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.
⁴¹ And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts chapter 19 nkjv

¹ And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples
² he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit."
³ And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism."
⁴ Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."
⁵ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
⁶ And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
⁷ Now the men were about twelve in all.
⁸ And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
⁹ But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
¹⁰ And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
¹¹ Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,
¹² so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
¹³ Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches."
¹⁴ Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
¹⁵ And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"
¹⁶ Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
¹⁷ This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
¹⁸ And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.
¹⁹ Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.
²⁰ So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
²¹ When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."
²² So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
²³ And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.
²⁴ For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen.
²⁵ He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade.
²⁶ Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.
²⁷ So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship."
²⁸ Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"
²⁹ So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions.
³⁰ And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.
³¹ Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.
³² Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
³³ And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.
³⁴ But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"
³⁵ And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: "Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?
³⁶ Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly.
³⁷ For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.
³⁸ Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
³⁹ But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.
⁴⁰ For we are in danger of being called in question for today's uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering."
⁴¹ And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts chapter 19 niv

¹ While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples
² and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
³ So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied.
⁴ Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."
⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
⁶ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
⁷ There were about twelve men in all.
⁸ Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
⁹ But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.
¹⁰ This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
¹¹ God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,
¹² so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
¹³ Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out."
¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"
¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
¹⁷ When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
¹⁸ Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.
¹⁹ A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.
²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
²¹ After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit Rome also."
²² He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
²³ About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.
²⁴ A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there.
²⁵ He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: "You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business.
²⁶ And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.
²⁷ There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."
²⁸ When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
²⁹ Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together.
³⁰ Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him.
³¹ Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.
³² The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.
³³ The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people.
³⁴ But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
³⁵ The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: "Fellow Ephesians, doesn't all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?
³⁶ Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash.
³⁷ You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess.
³⁸ If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges.
³⁹ If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly.
⁴⁰ As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it."
⁴¹ After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts chapter 19 esv

¹ And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.
² And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
³ And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism."
⁴ And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus."
⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
⁷ There were about twelve men in all.
⁸ And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
⁹ But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.
¹⁰ This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
¹¹ And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,
¹² so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
¹³ Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims."
¹⁴ Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.
¹⁵ But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?"
¹⁶ And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
¹⁷ And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.
¹⁸ Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.
¹⁹ And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.
²⁰ So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
²¹ Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."
²² And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
²³ About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way.
²⁴ For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen.
²⁵ These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, "Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.
²⁶ And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods.
²⁷ And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship."
²⁸ When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
²⁹ So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel.
³⁰ But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him.
³¹ And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater.
³² Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
³³ Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd.
³⁴ But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
³⁵ And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky?
³⁶ Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.
³⁷ For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess.
³⁸ If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
³⁹ But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
⁴⁰ For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion."
⁴¹ And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts chapter 19 nlt

¹ While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.
² "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" he asked them. "No," they replied, "we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
³ "Then what baptism did you experience?" he asked. And they replied, "The baptism of John."
⁴ Paul said, "John's baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus."
⁵ As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
⁶ Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied.
⁷ There were about twelve men in all.
⁸ Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God.
⁹ But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus.
¹⁰ This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia ? both Jews and Greeks ? heard the word of the Lord.
¹¹ God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles.
¹² When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
¹³ A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, "I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!"
¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this.
¹⁵ But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?"
¹⁶ Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
¹⁷ The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored.
¹⁸ Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices.
¹⁹ A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars.
²⁰ So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
²¹ Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. "And after that," he said, "I must go on to Rome!"
²² He sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia while he stayed awhile longer in the province of Asia.
²³ About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way.
²⁴ It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy.
²⁵ He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: "Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business.
²⁶ But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren't really gods at all. And he's done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province!
²⁷ Of course, I'm not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I'm also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis ? this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world ? will be robbed of her great prestige!"
²⁸ At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
²⁹ Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia.
³⁰ Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn't let him.
³¹ Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
³² Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn't even know why they were there.
³³ The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak.
³⁴ But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
³⁵ At last the mayor was able to quiet them down enough to speak. "Citizens of Ephesus," he said. "Everyone knows that Ephesus is the official guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, whose image fell down to us from heaven.
³⁶ Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash.
³⁷ You have brought these men here, but they have stolen nothing from the temple and have not spoken against our goddess.
³⁸ "If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges.
³⁹ And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly.
⁴⁰ I am afraid we are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Roman government, since there is no cause for all this commotion. And if Rome demands an explanation, we won't know what to say."
⁴¹ Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed.