Acts 19:38

Act 19:38. Πρός τινα, against any man) The clerk prudently does not name Paul.—ἀγοραῖοι) viz. ἡμέραι.—ἀνθύπατοι, proconsuls) There was but one proconsul at the one time: but the clerk speaks in the plural of that which is wont never to cease to be [a permanent institution, such as the proconsulate].

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Act_19:38. Οὖν] accordingly, since these men are neither robbers of temples, etc. On ἔχειν πρός τινα λόγον (an utterance, i.e. complaint), see examples in Kypke, II. p. 103.

ἀγοραῖοι] by Griesbach, Lachmann, Tischendorf, and Bornemann, following Suidas, accented ἀγόραιοι (but see on Act_17:5), are judicial assemblies (in construing it, σύνοδοι is to be conceived as supplied). Comp. Strabo, xiii. p. 629; Vulg.: conventus forenses.

καὶ ἀνθύπατοι εἰσίν] and there are proconsuls. The plural is here also (comp. Act_17:18) the plural indefinite of the category. Arbitrarily Calvin and Grotius hold that the proconsul and his legate are meant. Bengel correctly says: de eo quod nunquam non esse soleat.

Meyer — Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament — English translation by Peter Christie, edited by Frederick Crombie (T&T Clark, 1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Act 19:38 . λόγον ἔχουσιν : no exact equivalent elsewhere in N.T., but Grimm (so Kypke) compares Mat 5:32 (see also Col 3:13 ). ἀγοραῖοι ἄγονται : “the courts are open,” R.V., perhaps best to understand σύνοδοι , “court- meetings are now going on,” i.e. , for holding trials (in the forum or agora); Vulgate, conventus forenses aguntur , the verb being in the present indicative. Or ἡμέραι may alone be supplied = court days are kept, i.e. , at certain intervals, not implying at that particular time, but rather a general statement as in the words that follow: “there are proconsuls,” see Page, in loco. For ἄγειν , cf. Luk 24:21 , Mat 14:6 , Mal 2:16Mal 2:16 , cf. Strabo, xiii., p. 932, Latin, conventus agere . Alford, so Wendt (1888), speaks of the distinction drawn by the old grammarians between ἀγοραῖος and ἀγόραιος as groundless, but see also Winer-Schmiedel, p. 69. ἀνθύπατοί εἰσιν : the plural is used: “de eo quod nunquam non esse, soleat,” Bengel (quoted by Blass and Wendt), although strictly there would be only one proconsul at a time. There is no need to understand any assistants of the proconsul, as if the description was meant for them, or, with Lewin, as if there were several persons with proconsular power. It is quite possible that in both clauses the secretary is speaking in a mere colloquial way, as we might say, “There are assizes and there are judges”. Lightfoot calls it “a rhetorical plural” Cont. Rev. , p. 295, 1878, and quotes Eur., I. T. , 1359, κλέπτοντες ἐκ γῆς ξόανα καὶ θυηπόλους , though there was only one image and one priestess. ἐγκαλείτωσαν ἀλλήλοις : “accuse,” R.V. The verb need not have a technical legal sense as is implied by “implead” in A.V. So in LXX it may be used quite generally, or of a criminal charge, and so in classical Greek, cf. Wis 12:12 and Sir 46:19 . In the N.T. it is used six times in Acts with reference to judicial process, and only once elsewhere by St. Paul in Rom 8:33 in a general sense. The verb only occurs in the second part of Acts in accordance no doubt with the subject-matter; see Hawkins, Horæ Synopticæ , p. 147, note, and Weiss, Einleitung in das N. T. , p. 570, note.

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

For there are certain days appointed for civil causes and matters of judgment, and the Deputies sit.

By the Deputies are meant also the Deputies’ Substitutes, that is, such as did sit for them.

Have ought to accuse any man of.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

if Demetrius have a matter--of complaint.

against any man, the law is open--rather, "the court days are being held."

and there are deputies--literally "proconsuls" (see on Act 13:7); that is, probably, the proconsul and his council, as a court of appeal.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 38. If Demetrius - have a matter against any man] If it be any breach of law, in reference to Demetrius and the artists, the law is open, αγοραιοι αγονται; these are the terms of law, public courts, times of sessions or assize; or, rather, the judges are mow sitting: so the words may be understood. And there are deputies, ανθυπατοι, proconsuls, appointed to guard the peace of the state, and to support every honest man in his right: let them implead one another; let the one party bring forward his action of assault or trespass, and the other put in his defense: the laws are equal and impartial, and justice will be done to him who is wronged.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(38) The law is open.—Literally, the court, or forum, days are going on. The words may either indicate that the proconsul was then actually sitting to hold trials in the agora or forum, or may be taken as a colloquial idiom for “there are court days coming.”

There are deputies.—The Greek word is (as in Act_13:7; Act_18:12) the equivalent for proconsul. Strictly speaking, there was only one proconsul in each province, and we must therefore assume either that here also the expression is colloquial, or that the assessors (consiliarii) of the proconsul were popularly so described, or that some peculiar combination of circumstances had led to there being two persons at this time at Ephesus clothed with proconsular authority. There are some grounds for adopting the last alternative. Junius Silanus, who was Proconsul of Asia when St. Paul arrived in Ephesus (A.D. 54), had been poisoned by Celer and Helius, the two procurators, at the instigation of Agrippina; and it seems probable that they for a time held a joint proconsular authority.

Let them implead one another.—The English word exactly expresses the technical force of the Greek. Demetrius and his followers were to lodge a formal statement of the charge they brought against the accused. They in their turn were to put in a rejoinder, and so joining issue, each side would produce its witnesses.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

38. Wherefore if … have a matter against any man] i.e. have any charge which they wish to bring. For the concerns in which they are interested will be such as the legal tribunals can attend to.

the law is open] This gives the general sense. The words are in the plural number and mean either “court-days are appointed,” i.e. there are proper times fixed when such causes can be heard; or perhaps better, because of the verb which seems to imply that the opportunity of legal action is even now open, “court-meetings are now going on.” This the Rev. Ver. appears to have adopted by rendering “the courts are open.”

and there are deputies] The word is the same which in Act_13:7-8; Act_13:12 should be rendered “proconsul,” and that word is rightly given here by the Rev. Ver., for Asia was a proconsular province (see on this matter Conybeare and Howson, ii. 78). The difficulty in the present verse has arisen from the use of the plural number, for there was only one proconsul over a province at the same time, and there could only be one in Ephesus when the townclerk was speaking. But if we consider that he is speaking merely of the provision made by the institutions of the empire for obtaining justice in a case of wrong, we can see that his words need not occasion much trouble. “Proconsuls are (he says) an imperial institution. In every province like ours there exists such a supreme magistrate, and so there is no fear about obtaining redress for real injuries.” Another explanation (due to Basnage, and alluded to in the notes of Conybeare and Howson, u. s.) is that after the poisoning of Silanus the proconsul, (as related Tac. An. xiii. 1) Celer and Ælius, who governed the province of Asia as procurators, might be intended by this plural title. Others have thought that there might be present in Ephesus some other proconsul from a neighbouring province, as Cilicia, Cyprus, Bithynia or elsewhere; but what was first said seems the easier explanation.

let them implead one another] Implead is somewhat antiquated now, and the Rev. Ver. substitutes accuse. Of course the accusations would be only from the one side, which the other would be called on to answer.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

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.

Ver. 38,39. As the town clerk here quieted the tumultuating people, so ought we to compose unruly passions. Say to them, 1. Ye ought to do nothing rashly. 2. The law is open; so is God’s ear, to whom vengeance belongeth. 3. We are in danger of this day’s uproar, &c.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Have a matter against any man - Have a complaint of injury; if injustice has been done them by anyone.

The law is open - See the margin. Ἀγόραιοι Agoraioi ἄγονται agontai, that is, ἡμέραι hēmerai. There are court-days; days which are open, or appointed for judicial trials, where such matters can be determined in a proper manner. Perhaps the courts were then held, and the matter might be immediately determined.

And there are deputies - Roman proconsuls. See the notes on Act 13:7. The cause might be brought before them with the certainty that it would be heard and decided. The Syriac reads this in the singular number “Lo, the proconsul is in the city.”

Let them implead one another - Let them accuse each other in the court. The laws are equal, and impartial justice will be done.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

The law is open; which is fittest to determine all questions and controversies; for men would be partial to their own cause, and every one challenge to be in the right.

Deputies; who, under the Roman emperors or consuls, had power to hear and determine of all matters.

Let them implead one another; that so both parties may be heard.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

38. Law is open—Literally, the court days are going on.

Deputies—In regular succession appointed, though but one at a time. By deputies are meant Roman proconsuls.

Implead—Contest in law with.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

There are proconsuls - One in every province. There was one at Ephesus.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

38. “If indeed Demetrius and the artificers along with him have an allegation against anyone, there are court-days and lawyers; let them implead one another.” Having thus warned and reasoned the case with them, and succeeded in tranquilizing the multitude.

William B. Godbey, Commentary on the New Testament (1896–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

See notes on verse 35

J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Connecting Statement:

The town clerk finishes speaking to the crowd.

Therefore

"Because what I have just said is true." The town clerk had said in Acts 19:37 that Gaius and Aristarchus were not robbers or blasphemers.

have an accusation against anyone

The word "accusation" can be stated as the verb "accuse." AT: "want to accuse someone" (See: Abstract Nouns)

proconsuls

the Roman governor's representatives who made legal decisions in court (See: Translate Unknowns)

Let them accuse one another

This does not mean Demetrius and those with him will accuse each other. It means this is a place where people in general can speak their accusation. AT: "There people can accuse one another"

But if you seek anything about other matters

"But if you have other matters to discuss"

it shall be settled in the regular assembly

This can be stated in active form. AT: "let us settle it in the regular assembly" (See: Active or Passive)

the regular assembly

This refers to a public gathering of citizens over which the county clerk presided.

in danger of being accused concerning this day's riot

This can be stated in active form. AT: "in danger of the Roman authorities accusing us of starting this riot today" (See: Active or Passive)

translationWords

accuse

assembly

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

38. ἔχουσιν πρός τινα λόγον, have a matter against any man, i.e. have any charge which they wish to bring. For the concerns in which the shrine-makers are interested must be such as the legal tribunals can take cognizance of.

ἀγοραῖοι ἄγονται, the law is open. This is the general sense. With ἀγοραῖοι we must supply ἡμέραι. The sense will then be ‘court days are appointed’ i.e. there are proper times fixed when such causes can be heard; or perhaps better, because of the verb which seems to imply that the opportunity of legal action is even now open, ‘court-meetings are now going on.’ In this latter sense σύνοδοι or some similar noun must be supplied with ἀγοραῖοι.

καὶ ἀνθύπατοί εἰσιν, and there are proconsuls. For the word ἀνθύπατος, cf. Act 13:7-8; Act 13:12. Asia, in which Ephesus was situated, was a proconsular province (see Conybeare and Howson, II. 78). The difficulty in the present verse has arisen from the use of the plural number, for there was only one proconsul over a province at the same time, and there could only be one in Ephesus when the townclerk was speaking. But if we consider that he is speaking merely of the provision made by the institutions of the empire for obtaining justice in a case of wrong, we can see that his words need not occasion much trouble. ‘Proconsuls are (he says) an imperial institution. In every province like ours there exists such a supreme magistrate, and so there is no fear about obtaining redress for real injuries.’ Another explanation (due to Basnage, and alluded to in the notes of Conybeare and Howson, u. s.) is that after the poisoning of the proconsul Silanus (as related Tac. An. XIII. 1), Celer and Ælius, who governed the province of Asia as procurators, might be intended by this plural title. Others have thought that there might be present in Ephesus some other proconsul from a neighbouring province, as Cilicia, Cyprus, Bithynia or elsewhere; but the first seems the easier explanation.

ἐγκαλείτωσαν ἀλλήλοις, let them accuse one another. Of course the accusation would be one side, the defence the other. What the γραμματεύς means is ‘let them take steps to obtain a legal decision.’

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

38. ἀγόραιοι] court-days (the grammarians distinguish ἀγοραῖος, ‘circumforaneus,’ an idler in the market, and ἀγόραιος, as in our text: so Suidas: but Ammonius vice versâ: and the distinction is now believed to be mere pedantry): and ἄγονται implies that they were then actually going on. They were the periodical assizes of the district, held by the proconsul and his assessors (see below). The Latin phrase for ἀγοραίους ἄγειν was conventus agere, or peragere, or convocare; cf. B. G. i. 54; v. 1; viii. 46. Hence the district itself was called conventus. See Smith’s Dict. of Antiquities, art. Conventus.

Pliny, H. N. v. 29 fin., mentions Ephesus as one of these assize towns.

ἀνθύπατοι] there are (such things as) proconsuls: the fit officers before whom to bring these causes: a categoric plural. So the Commentators generally. But may not the ‘consiliarii’ of the proconsul who were his assessors at the ‘conventus,’ held in the provinces, have themselves popularly borne the name? We find in Jos. B. J. ii. 16. 1, that Cestius, the ἡγεμών of Syria, on receiving an application respecting Florus’s conduct at Jerusalem, μετὰ ἡγεμόνων ἐβουλεύετο,—which ἡγεμόνες were his assessors, or consiliarii. (See on ch. 25:12, and Smith’s Dict. of Antt., ut supra.)

ἐγκαλ. ἀλλ.] let them (the plaintiffs and defendants) plead against one another.

Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (1849–1861) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

The law is open [αγοραιοι αγονται] Lit., the court - days are being kept. Rev., the courts are open. Compare ch. 17 5.

Deputies [ανθυπατοι] Proconsuls, by whom Asia, as a senatorial province, was governed. See Introduction to Luke.

Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.