Acts 19:30 kjv
And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
Acts 19:30 nkjv
And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.
Acts 19:30 niv
Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him.
Acts 19:30 esv
But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him.
Acts 19:30 nlt
Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn't let him.
Acts 19 30 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 20:24 | But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course... | Paul's zealous disregard for personal safety. |
| Phil 2:30 | ...because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service | Epaphroditus' risk-taking for ministry; care. |
| 2 Cor 11:23-27 | In labours more abundant, in stripes above measure... perils by the heathen, in perils in the city... | Paul's frequent experiences of danger/persecution. |
| Prov 22:3 | A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. | Wisdom in avoiding foreseeable danger. |
| Matt 10:16 | Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. | Jesus' command for wisdom and prudence in ministry. |
| Acts 21:12-14 | ...both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem... | Disciples trying to prevent Paul from danger. |
| Acts 23:16 | And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle... | God using human intervention to protect Paul. |
| 2 Tim 4:11 | Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. | Paul's value for ministry companions. |
| Ps 33:18-19 | Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death... | God's protective oversight. |
| Jer 1:19 | And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee... | Divine promise of protection in ministry. |
| Acts 14:19-20 | And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium... drew Paul out of the city, supposing he had been dead. | Paul surviving a stoning and continuing ministry. |
| 1 Thess 2:2 | But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold... | Paul's perseverance despite persecution. |
| Acts 13:50 | But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution... | Example of opposition instigated by hostile forces. |
| Acts 20:23 | Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. | Paul was aware of impending suffering. |
| Lk 4:29-30 | ...they led him unto the brow of the hill... that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way. | Jesus avoiding danger until His appointed time. |
| Jn 7:30 | Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. | Jesus protected by divine timing. |
| Acts 16:6-7 | Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach... | Holy Spirit sometimes redirects or prevents action for a greater purpose. |
| Rom 15:30-31 | Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake... that ye strive together with me in your prayers... that I may be delivered... | Paul seeking prayer for deliverance from danger. |
| Gen 50:20 | But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good... | God's sovereignty working through human intentions. |
| Isa 41:10 | Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee... | Divine assurance of strength and help. |
| 1 Jn 4:1 | Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God... | Call for discernment, including in dangerous situations. |
| Lk 22:31-32 | And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you... But I have prayed for thee... | Protection through divine intercession for ministry. |
Acts 19 verses
Acts 19 30 Meaning
Acts 19:30 describes Paul's strong desire and attempt to enter the tumultuous theater in Ephesus to address the agitated crowd. However, his faithful disciples, recognizing the extreme danger to his life, firmly prevented him from doing so, prioritizing his safety for the continuation of his vital ministry.
Acts 19 30 Context
Acts chapter 19 details Paul's impactful three-year ministry in Ephesus, where the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed, leading many to forsake paganism. This success directly threatened the thriving local idol-making industry, especially those who crafted silver shrines of Artemis (Diana), the patron goddess of Ephesus whose temple was a world wonder. Demetrius, a leading silversmith, instigated a riot, gathering his craftsmen and rousing the city's populace into a frenzy. The mob seized Gaius and Aristarchus, two of Paul's Macedonian companions, dragging them into the city's vast theater. Acts 19:30 directly follows this incident, depicting Paul's characteristic courage and desire to confront the escalating public disorder, even as the danger was clear and imminent. The larger context of the riot showcases the collision between the power of the gospel and entrenched idolatry combined with economic interests.
Acts 19 30 Word analysis
- And when Paul: (Καὶ Παῦλος – Kai Paulos) Paul's identity as the prominent missionary to the Gentiles. The "And when" sets up a sequence, indicating Paul's immediate response to the commotion.
- would have entered in: (ἤθελεν εἰσελθεῖν – ēthelen eiselthein) This uses the imperfect tense of thelō ("to wish, to intend, to be willing") combined with the aorist infinitive of eiserchomai ("to enter, to go in"). It expresses a strong, ongoing desire or firm intention on Paul's part that was in the process of being executed but was ultimately prevented. It implies not just a thought, but a concrete move toward the theater. Paul’s courage and zeal for the truth are evident, even in the face of grave personal danger.
- unto the people: (πρὸς τὸν δῆμον – pros ton dēmon) Dēmon refers to the assembled populace, specifically the citizens or common people of a locality. In this context, it signifies the chaotic, emotionally charged, and highly volatile mob gathered in the theater, whose cries centered around their goddess Artemis (Acts 19:28, 34). This was not a rational assembly but an enraged multitude, making Paul's intended entry an act of immense boldness, perhaps bordering on recklessness.
- the disciples: (οἱ μαθηταί – hoi mathētai) This refers to Paul's fellow believers, followers of Christ in Ephesus or those traveling with him. This includes Luke, the writer of Acts, and potentially leaders like Timothy, Gaius, and Aristarchus (though the latter two were already inside the theater). Their action reflects deep love and concern for Paul's life and the continuation of his irreplaceable ministry.
- suffered him not: (οὐκ εἴων αὐτόν – ouk eiōn auton) Eiaō means "to permit, to allow, to suffer." The imperfect tense, negated by ouk, implies their persistent, emphatic, and successful intervention. They didn't just suggest; they actively restrained him, indicating their resolute opposition to his attempt to enter. Their prevention saved Paul from potentially certain harm or death, demonstrating spiritual prudence.
- Words-group Analysis:
- "Paul would have entered in... the disciples suffered him not": This juxtaposition vividly illustrates Paul’s apostolic zeal and courage balanced against the prudent love and concern of the believing community around him. It underscores the principle that even the most zealous leader benefits from the counsel and intervention of others who may possess greater objectivity in moments of danger. This protective action ensured Paul could continue his work (cf. Acts 20:24).
- "unto the people, the disciples": This highlights the immediate threat presented by the mob versus the protective bond of fellowship among believers. The 'people' here represent an irrational, hostile force, whereas 'the disciples' embody solidarity and watchful care within the Christian community, crucial for sustaining ministry.
Acts 19 30 Commentary
Acts 19:30 presents a crucial moment where Paul's characteristic boldness, often pushing him to the brink of danger for the gospel's sake, is providentially checked by his caring companions. Faced with a hostile mob in the theater, Paul felt compelled to address them, perhaps to defend the companions already captured, preach truth, or diffuse the tension. However, his disciples recognized the extreme peril this would entail. Their action, forceful yet born of love, prevented a potentially tragic loss. This incident underscores a vital lesson for ministry: while courage and unwavering commitment are essential, God often works through the prudence and protective care of others to preserve His servants for ongoing work. It is not always God's will for a minister to rush headlong into every danger, but rather to serve according to divine wisdom, sometimes delivered through the counsel of fellow believers.
Bonus Section
- The intervention of "certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends" (Acts 19:31), advising Paul not to enter the theater, further validates the disciples' assessment of the danger. These Asiarchs were wealthy and influential provincial officials responsible for civic and religious life, including the imperial cult. Their warning underscores that Paul's life was truly in peril, and their unexpected intervention hints at God's providential care working through unlikely human agents.
- This event serves as an example of God’s protective hand not always being manifested miraculously but often through the sound judgment and caring actions of fellow believers. It highlights that zeal for God should be tempered with wisdom and discernment, and that taking counsel from trusted individuals can be a divinely guided act.