Acts 19:40
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐγκαλεῖσθαι
to be called in question
G1458
ἐγκαλεῖσθαι
to be called in question
Strong's:
G1458
Word #:
4 of 19
to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e., bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.)
στάσεως
uproar
G4714
στάσεως
uproar
Strong's:
G4714
Word #:
5 of 19
a standing (properly, the act), i.e., (by analogy) position (existence); by implication, a popular uprising; figuratively, controversy
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σήμερον
this day's
G4594
σήμερον
this day's
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
8 of 19
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
ὑπάρχοντος
there being
G5225
ὑπάρχοντος
there being
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
11 of 19
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
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
οὗ
G3739
οὗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀποδοῦναι
give
G591
ἀποδοῦναι
give
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
15 of 19
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
λόγον
an account
G3056
λόγον
an account
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
16 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
After the Social War and civil conflicts, Rome was hypersensitive to insurrection in the provinces. Cities enjoyed varying degrees of self-governance (Ephesus was a 'free city'), but this status could be revoked for civil unrest. The proconsul of Asia would investigate any reported riot, and consequences could include military occupation, loss of privileges, or execution of leaders. The town clerk's fear was well-founded—the emperor Claudius had recently expelled Jews from Rome for 'rioting' over 'Chrestus' (likely Christ), showing Rome's zero tolerance for religious disturbances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sovereignly use even the self-interest of unbelieving officials to accomplish His purposes for the church?
- What does this passage teach about the importance of Christians maintaining good civic standing and not giving unnecessary offense?
- In what ways should Christians today be aware of how their public actions might affect gospel witness and religious liberty?
Analysis & Commentary
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar—The town clerk reveals his primary concern: Roman oversight. The phrase κινδυνεύομεν ἐγκαλεῖσθαι στάσεως (kindyneuomen enkaleisthai staseōs, 'we are in danger to be accused of sedition') uses the serious charge of στάσις (stasis, 'insurrection, riot'). Under Roman rule, unauthorized assemblies, especially violent ones, could be interpreted as rebellion—a capital offense for leaders and potentially leading to loss of civic privileges for the entire city.
There being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse—The clerk admits there's no αἰτίας (aitias, 'cause, legal grounds') to justify this συστροφῆς (systrophēs, 'gathering, conspiracy, riot'). He cannot provide a λόγον (logon, 'defense, explanation') to Roman authorities. His fear is pragmatic and political—protecting Ephesus's status and his own position—yet God uses even self-interested officials to protect His church.