Acts 19:36
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
Original Language Analysis
τούτων
that these things
G5130
τούτων
that these things
Strong's:
G5130
Word #:
4 of 13
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
δέον
ought
G1163
δέον
ought
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
5 of 13
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
ἐστὶν
G2076
ὑπάρχειν
to be
G5225
ὑπάρχειν
to be
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
9 of 13
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Ephesus was the provincial capital of Asia and home to the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city's identity and economy were deeply entwined with Artemis worship and the associated tourist trade. The town clerk (γραμματεύς, grammateus) was the highest-ranking local official, responsible for relations with Rome. Any riot that reached Roman ears could result in loss of self-governance or worse, making the clerk's intervention a matter of political survival, not religious conviction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty work through secular authorities who have no allegiance to Him, as seen in this pagan official protecting Paul?
- What does this passage teach about the difference between cultural Christianity (concerned with religious prestige) and genuine faith?
- When has God used unexpected sources to provide protection or provision in your life, and how did that display His sovereignty?
Analysis & Commentary
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against—The town clerk of Ephesus, addressing the riot sparked by Demetrius and the silversmiths, makes a shrewd rhetorical move. The phrase ἀναντιρρήτων (anantirrētōn, 'undeniable, irrefutable') refers not to the truth of Artemis worship but to its established status in Ephesus. He's appealing to the crowd's pride in their city's religious prestige while defusing mob violence.
Ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly—The imperatives δέον ἐστιν (deon estin, 'it is necessary') and μηδὲν προπετὲς πράσσειν (mēden propetes prassein, 'to practice nothing rash') call for civic order. The town clerk recognizes that mob violence threatens Roman oversight of Ephesus's self-governance. His concern isn't truth but social stability—yet God uses even pagan officials to protect His messengers, just as He used Pharaoh's daughter to save Moses.