Bible Commentary

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians. 34. But when they knew that he was a Jew ] Better (with Rev. Ver.), perceived. The stamp of his nationality was on his face, and no doubt … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:34”

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense unto the people. 33. And they drew ( Rev. Ver. brought) Alexander out of the multitude ] There is a various reading in the verb here; and the sense may … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:33”

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. 32. Some therefore, &c.] As the craftsmen had not secured St Paul there was no central object to which attention could at once be called, and one general cry raised. for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:32”

And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring [him] that he would not adventure himself into the theater. 31. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends ] The Greek is one word, literally “Asiarchs.” These were officers in the various cities of proconsular Asia, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:31”

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 30. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people ] This scarcely gives the idea of St Paul’s wish, which the Greek contains. Read, with Rev. Ver., was minded to enter in. Through a strength not his own, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:30”

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theater. 29. And the whole city was filled with confusion ] The oldest texts omit “whole” and add an article before “confusion.” It is the special tumult … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:29”

And when they heard [these sayings,] they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians. 28. And when they heard these sayings ] The A.V. indicates that there is no Greek for the two last words. It is enough, with the Rev. Ver., to say “ this.” they were … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:28”

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. 27. so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:27”

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 26. Moreover ye see and hear ] Better, And ye, &c. They were eyewitnesses of what had taken place in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:26”

Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 25. whom he called [Better, gathered ] together with the workmen of like occupation ] His own special craft was the carving and engraving of these shrines, as we learn from the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:25”