Acts 19:36 kjv
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
Acts 19:36 nkjv
Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly.
Acts 19:36 niv
Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash.
Acts 19:36 esv
Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.
Acts 19:36 nlt
Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash.
Acts 19 36 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 40:25 | "To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him?" says the... | God's incomparable greatness |
| Isa 44:9-10 | "All who fashion idols are nothing... an idol is of no help." | Futility of man-made gods |
| Jer 10:14-15 | "Every man is stupid... his images are a lie, and there is no breath in..." | Idols are falsehood and cannot truly be defended |
| Psa 115:4-8 | "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands... they speak..." | Physical inability and lifelessness of idols |
| Rom 1:19-20 | "what can be known about God is plain to them... clearly perceived, so..." | God's undeniable self-revelation |
| Acts 17:29 | "we ought not to think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or..." | Paul's teaching against idolatry |
| 1 Cor 8:4 | "an idol has no real existence... there is no God but one." | Apostolic doctrine on idol's emptiness |
| Prov 14:29 | "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a..." | Value of understanding over hasty temper |
| Prov 15:1 | "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." | Calming influence of gentle speech |
| Prov 15:18 | "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets..." | Peace brought by self-control |
| Prov 29:11 | "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it..." | Wisdom found in restraint |
| Ecc 5:2 | "Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a..." | Avoidance of rash words and actions |
| Jas 1:19-20 | "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger... anger of man does not..." | Christian call to prudence and controlled speech |
| Rom 13:1 | "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." | Principle of submission to civil authority |
| 1 Pet 2:13-14 | "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to..." | Submission to civic and governmental structures |
| Tit 3:1 | "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient..." | Admonition to civic obedience |
| 1 Tim 2:1-2 | "for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may..." | Praying for a peaceful civic life |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace..." | Divine preference for order, including civic |
| Lk 21:9 | "When you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified..." | Tumult as a sign of the times, avoid terror |
| Acts 21:34 | "Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another, and as he..." | Authorities responding to a riotous uproar |
| Prov 21:30 | "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD." | Human plans/uprisings subjected to God's will |
Acts 19 verses
Acts 19 36 Meaning
Acts 19:36 encapsulates the Ephesian city clerk's pragmatic plea to a riotous mob. Faced with the uproar of silversmiths concerned about their livelihood and the honor of their goddess Artemis, he attempts to restore civic order. His argument is that the widespread and undeniable veneration of their great goddess and her temple in Ephesus is so self-evident that it does not require an unruly demonstration. Therefore, the people ought to calm themselves and refrain from any reckless actions that could lead to legal repercussions from Roman authorities, for which the city might be held accountable.
Acts 19 36 Context
Acts chapter 19 describes Paul's significant ministry in Ephesus, a prominent Roman city and the cultic center for the worship of Artemis (Diana), whose magnificent temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul's powerful gospel message, accompanied by miracles and exorcisms, led many to turn from pagan practices and burn their magical scrolls, impacting the local economy that relied heavily on idolatry. Demetrius, a silversmith, incited a riot among his fellow craftsmen, fearing loss of income and the diminishing honor of their goddess. The enraged mob seized Paul's companions and rushed into the theater. It is in this context of violent unrest that the city clerk, a highly respected and influential official who bridged the gap between citizens and Roman administration, steps forward. His speech aimed to de-escalate the tension, appealing to logic, the renowned status of Artemis's cult which he presumed undeniable, and the dangers of Roman legal intervention due to unlawful assembly. The incident serves as a clear polemic, indirectly exposing the economic and emotional motivations behind idolatry and demonstrating the societal disruption caused by the clash between the Gospel and entrenched paganism.
Acts 19 36 Word analysis
- Therefore (οὖν, oun): This Greek conjunctive adverb signals a conclusion or a logical consequence based on what has just been stated. The clerk's "therefore" draws directly from his preceding argument about the universally acknowledged grandeur of Artemis and her temple.
- since these things (τούτων, toutōn): Literally "of these things." This refers to the prior statement in Acts 19:35, where the clerk emphasizes the undeniable status of Ephesus as "guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky."
- cannot be denied (ἀναντιρρήτων, anantirrhētōn): This strong adjective means "undeniable," "unquestionable," "beyond dispute." It highlights the self-evident and universally accepted belief in Artemis's preeminence within Ephesian society. The clerk assumes this is a truth the mob should already acknowledge without argument, contrasting with the undeniable truth of God's existence (Rom 1:20).
- you ought (δέον ἐστίν, deon estin): Literally "it is necessary" or "it is fitting." This conveys a sense of obligation, both moral and civic. The clerk implies a natural and proper course of action given the "undeniable" facts.
- to be quiet (κατεστάλθαι, katestalthai): This aorist passive infinitive means "to settle down," "to calm down," "to be restrained." It suggests putting an end to the current commotion and bringing about a state of order and composure.
- and do nothing rash (καὶ μηδὲν προπετὲς πράσσειν, kai mēden propetes prassein):
- nothing (μηδὲν, mēden): "not even one thing," absolute negation.
- rash (προπετὲς, propetes): An adjective meaning "headlong," "impetuous," "reckless," or "precipitate." It refers to acting without due consideration, hastily, and thoughtlessly, often leading to detrimental outcomes. The clerk is warning against any action that could be construed as civil disobedience or an unlawful riot by the Roman authorities.
- to do (πράσσειν, prassein): The present active infinitive of "to do" or "to practice."