Acts 19:38

"For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess."

Key Reflection

In Acts 19:38, the Ephesian crowd speaks to the city officials, defending Paul and his companions from accusations by a mob. The phrase "who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess" highlights the cultural context where idol worship was deeply ingrained in daily life. This defense implies that the accused men were not engaging in activities that would have been seen as sacrilegious or disruptive to the city's religious order, thereby arguing for their safety and right to remain unmolested.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 38. Have a matter against any man. Have a complaint of injury; if injustice has been done them by any one. The law is open. See the margin. agoraioi agontai, i.e. hmerai. 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 Barnes "Ac 13:7". The cause might be brought before them with the certainty that it might be heard and decided. The Syriac reads this in the singular number--"Lo, the proconsul is in the city." Let them implead one another.

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