Acts 19:39 kjv
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
Acts 19:39 nkjv
But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.
Acts 19:39 niv
If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly.
Acts 19:39 esv
But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
Acts 19:39 nlt
And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly.
Acts 19 39 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 18:14 | "but if it were a matter of wrong or wicked offense, O Jews, you would naturally bear with me." | Jewish legal proceedings |
| Acts 21:33 | "Then the commander stepped up and arrested him..." | Roman legal arrest |
| Acts 25:11 | "For if I am an offender or have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die;" | Appeal to Caesar |
| Acts 28:19 | "But when the Jews opposed me, I had to appeal to Caesar..." | Appeal to Caesar |
| 1 Cor 6:1 | "When one of you has a dispute with another brother, how can you dare take it to court before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" | Christian disputes |
| John 18:36 | "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight..." | Kingdom distinction |
| Rom 13:1-7 | "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities..." | Submission to authority |
| Tit 3:1 | "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities..." | Submission to authority |
| 1 Pet 2:13-15 | "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority..." | Submission to authority |
| 1 Tim 2:2 | "...for kings and for all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives..." | Prayer for authorities |
| Matthew 22:21 | "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." | Dual allegiance |
| Philippians 1:12 | "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually furthered the gospel," | Gospel advancement |
| Galatians 5:13 | "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." | Christian freedom |
| Colossians 4:6 | "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." | Wise speech |
| 2 Thess 3:13 | "As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." | Perseverance in good |
| Deuteronomy 17:8-10 | "If a judicial case arises that is too hard for you between blood and blood, between right and right, or between person and person..." | Resolving disputes |
| Leviticus 19:18 | "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself." | Love for neighbor |
| Proverbs 15:1 | "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." | Peacemaking |
| Ecclesiastes 8:5 | "Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and a wise heart will know the proper time and the proper way." | Wisdom and timing |
| Joshua 1:18 | "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." | Courage |
Acts 19 verses
Acts 19 39 Meaning
This verse declares that for anything legally brought up in the Roman assembly (ecclesia), it must be dealt with in the proper legal manner, as both the proconsul and the assembly had authority recognized by Roman law. Therefore, Paul and his companions were not to pursue matters of business or justice within the secular court system unless it was legally permissible.
Acts 19 39 Context
In Ephesus, a riot had broken out instigated by Demetrius, a silversmith, who was concerned that Paul's preaching against idolatry was hurting his trade in making idols of Artemis. The mob dragged two of Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, into the amphitheater. The town clerk eventually diffused the situation by reminding the crowd that such gatherings were illegal without proper authorization and that any official complaints should be brought before the proconsul or the assembly through legal channels. This verse reflects that resolution, emphasizing the proper legal recourse for disputes in the Roman system.
Acts 19 39 Word Analysis
Εἰ τις (ei tis): "If anyone" or "if any person." This conditional clause introduces the legal principle being stated.
παρανομίαν (paranomian): "transgression," "illegality," or "lawlessness." It refers to any action contrary to established laws or legal procedure.
εἴ (ei): "if." A conjunction introducing a condition.
οὐδεμίαν (oudemian): "no" or "none." Used here to negate the possibility of wrongdoing.
αἰτίαν (aitian): "fault," "cause," "accusation," or "ground." The basis for legal action.
ἐφ’ hepatitis (eph' hē): "of which" or "for which." Connects the lack of a legal fault to the following statement.
ἧς (hēs): Genitive feminine singular relative pronoun, referring to "paranomian" or "aition."
ἔστιν (estin): "is." The verb indicating existence or being.
λογοθετῆσαι (logothetēsai): "to bring to a court," "to account for," or "to decide legally." From logothetes, a financial or legal officer. This verb specifically relates to presenting a case before a legal authority.
ὃν (hon): Accusative masculine singular relative pronoun, referring to a case or accusation.
ἔννομον (ennomon): "lawful," "legal," or "according to law." Describes the nature of the judgment or trial.
κρίσιν (krisin): "judgment," "trial," or "decision." The legal outcome.
Group of Words:
- "If anyone has a legal complaint": This phrase signifies that any accusation or dispute must have a legal basis and must be brought through official channels. The implication is that not every grievance warrants legal action, but only those that fall under the jurisdiction of the authorities and can be presented as a lawful charge.
- "the proper legal recourse": This points to the established judicial system of the Roman Empire, which provided mechanisms for resolving disputes and addressing wrongdoing. The town clerk here is affirming the existence and validity of this system for matters of secular concern.
Acts 19 39 Bonus Section
This statement by the town clerk can be seen as a reflection of Roman jurisprudence which aimed for order and predictability in its administration. The Greek term "paranomian" or "lawlessness" highlights the concern over potential public disorder which the mob was causing. The clerk's action was designed to restore order by redirecting the dispute into the appropriate legal channels. His reference to the "proconsul" signifies the highest judicial authority in the province of Asia at that time. This instance demonstrates how Christian believers were expected to engage with the secular authorities and legal systems of their day, not by inciting riots or disregarding established laws, but by seeking justice and peace through lawful means.
Acts 19 39 Commentary
The town clerk's statement underscores the importance of lawful conduct and due process within the Roman legal framework. He is essentially telling the crowd that if anyone genuinely believes Paul or his companions have committed an offense that warrants punishment or examination, they must present their case in a legal manner before the proper authorities. The term "logothetēsai" emphasizes the act of bringing a case to an official decision-maker, highlighting the structured nature of Roman justice. This reflects a separation between civil law and religious matters, asserting that the secular court is the venue for civil disputes. This is consistent with Jesus’ teaching to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God’s" (Matthew 22:21). The Apostle Paul himself understood and utilized his Roman citizenship, often appealing to Roman courts when unjustly treated by local authorities (Acts 16:37-39; Acts 25:11).