Acts 19 31

Acts 19:31 kjv

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.

Acts 19:31 nkjv

Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.

Acts 19:31 niv

Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.

Acts 19:31 esv

And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater.

Acts 19:31 nlt

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.

Acts 19 verses

Acts 19 31 Meaning

Acts 19:31 conveys that a group of influential officials from the Roman province of Asia, who held friendly relations with the Apostle Paul, urgently advised him not to endanger himself by entering the tumultuous assembly gathered in the Ephesian theater. This intervention served as a divinely appointed protection for Paul during a dangerous anti-Christian riot.

Acts 19 31 Context

Acts 19 is primarily set in Ephesus, a significant city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its grand Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul's two-year ministry there was incredibly fruitful, leading many to turn from idolatry to Christ, so much so that it began to impact the local economy, particularly for those involved in the cult of Artemis. This disruption culminated in a large-scale riot instigated by Demetrius, a silversmith who made idols, fearing loss of trade and the diminishing influence of their goddess. The riot spilled into the public theater, where citizens gathered to discuss public matters or hold assemblies, often becoming chaotic. Verse 31 takes place at the height of this dangerous uproar, as Paul, ever bold, was considering entering the theater to address the mob. The intervention of these officials prevented him from potentially facing grave harm or death.

Acts 19 31 Word analysis

• Some of the Asia's officials (Τινὲς δὲ καὶ τῶν Ἀσιαρχῶν – Tines de kai ton Asiarchōn)
  • Asiarchōn (Ἀσιαρχῶν): Plural of Asiarchēs (ἀσιάρχης). These were high-ranking provincial officials in the Roman province of Asia. They were wealthy, prominent citizens chosen annually from among the provincial elite to preside over the emperor cult and to finance public games and festivals. Their role intertwined religious duties with civic leadership, making them extremely influential figures. Their intervention on Paul's behalf signifies the unusual and powerful protection afforded to him. It indicates Paul had established an unusual level of rapport and respect with leading non-Christian figures in Ephesus, perhaps due to his wisdom, conduct, or simply divine favor.
• who were friends of Paul (ὄντες αὐτῷ φίλοι – ontes autō philoi)
  • philoi (φίλοι): "Friends." This term indicates a personal relationship of goodwill and mutual respect, not merely acquaintances. The existence of such a bond between the zealous apostle and high-ranking pagan officials highlights divine providence and the unexpected ways God protects His servants. It also speaks to Paul's ability to relate to diverse people.
• sent word (πέμψαντες – pempsantes)
  • From pempō (πέμπω), meaning "to send, dispatch." A definitive action taken by the Asiarchs to convey their urgent message to Paul.
• to him (πρὸς αὐτὸν – pros auton): Clearly indicating Paul as the specific recipient of their warning.
• imploring him (παρεκάλουν – parekaloun)
  • From parakaleō (παρακαλέω), meaning "to call to one's side, urge, implore, comfort, exhort." The imperfect tense here indicates a strong, earnest, and persistent plea, not just a casual suggestion. They were earnestly appealing to Paul.
• not to venture into the theater (μὴ δοῦναι ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὸ θέατρον – mē dounai heauton eis to theatron)
  • mē dounai heauton (μὴ δοῦναι ἑαυτὸν): Literally, "not to give himself into." This idiomatic expression emphatically means "not to entrust oneself, not to expose oneself, not to risk one's life." It conveys a warning against voluntary exposure to danger.
  • theatron (θέατρον): "Theater." In the Greco-Roman world, the theater was not exclusively for entertainment; it often served as a major public assembly place for civic meetings, legal proceedings, and sometimes for popular demonstrations and riots, as was the case here. Its layout (amphitheater) made it an effective echo chamber for collective emotional outbursts.

Acts 19 31 Bonus section

The nature of the "friendship" between Paul and the Asiarchs is a testament to Paul's character and God's working. It's improbable that these pagan officials became Christians; rather, they might have respected Paul's integrity, wisdom, or intellectual prowess, perhaps gained from his public lectures in the Hall of Tyrannus. They were probably also civic leaders who recognized Paul's Roman citizenship and likely sought to maintain order and prevent further civil disturbance in the city, viewing Paul's entrance into the volatile mob as an unnecessary escalation that could further destabilize the situation and implicate themselves. Their advice, therefore, was both out of personal regard for Paul and a civic responsibility. This event reminds believers that God's protection is not always miraculous fire from heaven but often comes through seemingly ordinary, human interactions, or the inclination of the hearts of powerful individuals (Ps 105:14).

Acts 19 31 Commentary

Acts 19:31 vividly portrays God's protective hand over His servant, Paul, amidst escalating persecution. The intervention of the Asiarchs is remarkable, as these were powerful non-Christian, likely pagan, officials whose roles might typically align them with maintaining the very cult that Paul's ministry was undermining. Their friendship with Paul, and their earnest warning, highlights God's sovereign control over even the hearts of secular authorities, turning potential adversaries into instruments of protection (Prov 21:1). It underscores the principle that God often works through natural means and human relationships to accomplish His divine purposes. Paul, while courageous and zealous, also exhibited prudence, understanding that to deliberately throw himself into such a volatile mob could be presumptuous and would jeopardize his ministry. This verse shows a balance between faith and wisdom, illustrating that while God calls for boldness, He also provides and expects discerning judgment in dangerous situations. This moment demonstrates how God provides unexpected allies and guides His servants, preventing premature death or harm that would impede the spread of the Gospel.