Acts 19:31
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἀσιαρχῶν
of the chief of Asia
G775
Ἀσιαρχῶν
of the chief of Asia
Strong's:
G775
Word #:
5 of 18
an asiarch or president of the public festivities in a city of asia minor
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
φίλοι
friends
G5384
φίλοι
friends
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
8 of 18
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
πέμψαντες
sent
G3992
πέμψαντες
sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
9 of 18
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
παρεκάλουν
desiring
G3870
παρεκάλουν
desiring
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
12 of 18
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δοῦναι
adventure
G1325
δοῦναι
adventure
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
14 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
15 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Asiarchs were wealthy benefactors who funded gladiatorial games, theatrical productions, and religious festivals honoring Rome and local deities. Their friendship with Paul is remarkable—they profited from paganism Paul preached against, yet valued him enough to risk political capital warning him. This suggests Paul engaged respectfully with civic leaders rather than merely denouncing their idolatry.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you build respectful relationships with those who oppose Christian faith without compromising gospel truth?
- What does the Asiarchs' concern for Paul teach about the power of godly character to transcend ideological boundaries?
Analysis & Commentary
Certain of the chief of Asia (Ἀσιάρχαι, Asiarchai)—provincial elites who oversaw imperial cult worship and public festivals, men of immense wealth and political influence. That these pagan officials were his friends (φίλοι, philoi) demonstrates Paul's relational skill in winning respect across religious boundaries without compromising gospel truth. They sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself (μὴ δοῦναι ἑαυτὸν, mē dounai heauton—literally 'not give himself') into the theatre.
Their concern was pragmatic: Paul's presence would escalate violence, not quell it. Even powerful Asiarchs couldn't guarantee his safety in mob chaos. This shows how effective ministry builds bridges even with those who don't share our faith—Paul's character earned respect that transcended theological disagreement.