New International VersionEven some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.
New Living TranslationSome of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
English Standard VersionAnd even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater.
Berean Standard BibleEven some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre.
Berean Literal BibleAnd also some of the Asiarchs being friends to him, having sent to him, were urging him not to venture into the theatre.
King James BibleAnd certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
New King James VersionThen some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.
New American Standard BibleAlso some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent word to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater.
NASB 1995Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater.
NASB 1977And also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater.
Legacy Standard BibleAlso some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater.
Amplified BibleEven some of the Asiarchs (officials) who were his friends sent word to him and repeatedly warned him not to venture into the amphitheater.
Christian Standard BibleEven some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to venture into the amphitheater.
Holman Christian Standard BibleEven some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to take a chance by going into the amphitheater.
American Standard VersionAnd certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
Contemporary English VersionA few of the local officials were friendly to Paul, and they sent someone to warn him not to go.
English Revised VersionAnd certain also of the chief officers of Asia, being his friends, sent unto him, and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationEven some officials who were from the province of Asia and who were Paul's friends sent messengers to urge him not to risk going into the theater.
Good News TranslationSome of the provincial authorities, who were his friends, also sent him a message begging him not to show himself in the theater.
International Standard VersionEven some officials of the province of Asia who were his friends sent him a message urging him not to risk his life in the theater.
NET BibleEven some of the provincial authorities who were his friends sent a message to him, urging him not to venture into the theater.
New Heart English BibleCertain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theater.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd certain of the chief of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theater.
Weymouth New TestamentA few of the public officials, too, who were friendly to him, sent repeated messages entreating him not to venture into the Theatre. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEven some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre.
World English BibleCertain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theater. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand also some of the chief men of Asia, being his friends, having sent to him, were pleading [with] him not to venture into the theater himself.
Berean Literal BibleAnd also some of the Asiarchs being friends to him, having sent to him, were urging him not to venture into the theatre.
Young's Literal Translation and certain also of the chief men of Asia, being his friends, having sent unto him, were entreating him not to venture himself into the theatre.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd certain also of the chief of Asia, being friends to him, having sent to him, besought not to give himself into the theatre. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd some also of the rulers of Asia, who were his friends, sent unto him, desiring that he would not venture himself into the theatre.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd some of the leaders from Asia, who were his friends, also sent to him, requesting that he not present himself in the amphitheatre.
New American Bibleand even some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent word to him advising him not to venture into the theater.
New Revised Standard Versioneven some officials of the province of Asia, who were friendly to him, sent him a message urging him not to venture into the theater. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd likewise some of the chiefs of Asia Minor, because they were his friends, sent to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the theatre.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishEven the Rulers of Asia, because they loved him, sent and begged him not to offer himself to enter the theater. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentSome of the Asiarchs also, who were friendly to him, sent to him, and besought him not to trust himself into the theater.
Godbey New Testamentand certain ones of the Asiatic rulers, also being friends to him, having sent to him, continued to entreat him not to give himself up into the theatre.
Haweis New TestamentAnd some of the Asiarchs also, who were his friends, sent unto him, admonishing him not to venture himself into the theatre.
Mace New Testamentbut was prevented by his disciples, and by the primates of Asia, who were his friends, and sent to desire he would not venture to the theatre:
Weymouth New TestamentA few of the public officials, too, who were friendly to him, sent repeated messages entreating him not to venture into the Theatre.
Worrell New TestamentAnd some also of the chief men of Asia, being his friends, sending to him, were beseeching him not to venture himself into the theater.
Worsley New TestamentAnd some also of the chief men of Asia, being his friends, sent to him and desired him not to venture himself into the theatre.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Riot in Ephesus… 30Paul wanted to go before the assembly, but the disciples would not allow him. 31EvensomeofPaul’sfriendswho wereofficials of the province of Asiasent wordto him,begginghimnotto ventureintothetheatre.32Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there.…
Cross References Acts 17:5-9The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” ...
Acts 16:19-24When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. / They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” ...
Acts 14:4-7The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles. / But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, / they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region, ...
Acts 13:50-51The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district. / So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
Acts 9:23-25After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. / One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.
Acts 21:30-36The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. / While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. / Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. ...
Acts 23:12-24When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...
Acts 24:5-9We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. / but Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, ...
Acts 25:2-3where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus / to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.
Acts 27:42-43The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom. / But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
2 Corinthians 11:32-33In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.
1 Thessalonians 2:14-16For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, / who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, / hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.
Matthew 10:23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
John 7:1After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jews there were trying to kill Him.
John 11:53-54So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. / As a result, Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but He withdrew to a town called Ephraim in an area near the wilderness. And He stayed there with the disciples.
Treasury of Scripture And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent to him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. the chief. Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. desiring. Acts 21:12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Jump to Previous AdventureAsiaBeggedBeggingBesoughtChiefDangerDesiringEntreatingFewFriendlyFriendsMessageMessagesOfficialsPaulProvincePublicRepeatedRepeatedlyRequestingSeriouslyTheaterTheatreThrowUrgedVentureJump to Next AdventureAsiaBeggedBeggingBesoughtChiefDangerDesiringEntreatingFewFriendlyFriendsMessageMessagesOfficialsPaulProvincePublicRepeatedRepeatedlyRequestingSeriouslyTheaterTheatreThrowUrgedVentureActs 19 1.The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.8.The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.13.The Jewish exorcists,16.are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.19.Conjuring books are burnt.21.Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;35.which is appeased by the town clerk.Even some of Paul’s friendsPaul, during his missionary journeys, formed relationships with various individuals, including those in positions of influence. These friends likely included both believers and those sympathetic to his mission. The presence of friends in high places indicates the impact of Paul's ministry and the respect he garnered, even among non-believers. who were officials of the province of Asia
The province of Asia, a Roman administrative region in what is now western Turkey, was a significant area for early Christian activity. Officials, or "Asiarchs," were influential leaders responsible for overseeing religious and civic events. Their involvement suggests that Paul's message had reached influential circles, and they were concerned for his safety amidst the unrest in Ephesus. sent word to him
Communication in the ancient world often relied on messengers. The urgency of the situation in Ephesus, where a riot was forming due to the silversmiths' opposition to Paul's teachings, necessitated swift communication. This action underscores the seriousness of the threat and the officials' concern for Paul's well-being. begging him not to venture into the theatre
The theatre in Ephesus was a large venue used for public gatherings, capable of holding thousands. It was the site of the uproar caused by Demetrius and the silversmiths, who were angered by the decline in their trade due to Paul's preaching against idolatry. The officials' plea highlights the potential danger Paul faced and their desire to protect him from the volatile crowd. This situation reflects the broader theme of opposition to the Gospel and the protection of God's servants, as seen throughout Acts. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who was on his third missionary journey, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches. 2. Officials of the ProvinceThese were likely Asiarchs, influential leaders in the province of Asia, who were friends of Paul and concerned for his safety. 3. The TheaterA large public venue in Ephesus where a riot was taking place, stirred by silversmiths who felt threatened by Paul's teachings. 4. EphesusA major city in Asia Minor, known for its temple to Artemis and a center of commerce and pagan worship. 5. The RiotAn event incited by Demetrius and other craftsmen who were losing business due to the spread of Christianity. Teaching Points The Value of Godly RelationshipsPaul’s friendships with the Asiarchs demonstrate the importance of building relationships with people in various spheres of influence. Heeding Wise CounselThe officials’ advice to Paul underscores the need to listen to wise counsel, especially in times of danger or uncertainty. Courage and PrudenceWhile Paul was known for his boldness, this passage shows the balance between courage and prudence in ministry. The Impact of the GospelThe riot in Ephesus highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which can disrupt societal norms and economic structures. God’s Sovereignty in ProtectionDespite the chaos, God’s hand is evident in protecting Paul through the intervention of friends and officials. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 19:31?
2.Why did the "officials of the province" advise Paul not to enter the theater?
3.How can we discern when to heed warnings from fellow believers today?
4.What does Acts 19:31 teach about God's protection through others?
5.How does Paul's situation relate to Proverbs 11:14 on seeking counsel?
6.How can we apply Acts 19:31 in facing opposition to our faith?
7.Why did the Asiarchs warn Paul not to enter the theater in Acts 19:31?
8.What role did the Asiarchs play in Ephesus during Paul's time?
9.How does Acts 19:31 reflect the political climate of Ephesus?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 19?
11.Can Christians practice their faith secretly?
12.Who was Tyrannus in the Bible?
13.Acts 10:3 – How can we verify Cornelius’s angelic vision when there is no external historical or scientific evidence for such events?
14.In 2 Corinthians 1:8–9, Paul mentions a severe ordeal in Asia—why is there no clear historical or archaeological record to confirm this event outside the Bible?What Does Acts 19:31 Mean Even some of Paul’s friends- God often surrounds His servants with unexpected allies. Just as Luke records Lydia’s hospitality in Philippi (Acts 16:15), here we see friends who care deeply for Paul’s safety. - Friendship in Christ transcends background, echoingProverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times,” andEcclesiastes 4:9–10, where companions lift one another up. - These friends stand in contrast to the hostile crowd, reminding us of1 Kings 19:18—God always preserves a faithful remnant.
who were officials of the province of Asia- The Lord positions believers in places of influence, much like Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:39–41) and Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 6:3–4). - Their public roles give weight to their counsel.Romans 13:1 affirms that governing authorities are established by God, and here they use that authority for good. - Their presence shows the gospel’s reach into the highest levels of society, fulfillingActs 9:15 where Jesus foretold Paul would bear His name before “kings and rulers.”
sent word to him- Communication is swift and purposeful.Proverbs 11:14 teaches that “victory is won through many advisers”; these officials act as wise counselors. - Their message reflects the body of Christ functioning like1 Corinthians 12:25–26, where members care for one another so that “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” - The urgency highlights discernment, echoing Jesus’ instruction inMatthew 10:16 to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”
begging him not to venture into the theatre- The Ephesian theater held over 20,000 angry idol‐worshipers (Acts 19:28–29). Entering would be reckless, endangering Paul and the fledgling church. - Their plea aligns withProverbs 22:3, “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” Avoiding unnecessary peril allows continued ministry, as Paul later explains in2 Corinthians 1:10. - God often protects His servants through human intervention—seeActs 23:12–24 when Paul’s nephew alerts officials to an assassination plot. - Obedience here doesn’t contradict courage; rather, it mirrors Jesus’ own withdrawal when crowds sought to kill Him before His time (John 7:1).
summaryActs 19:31 reveals God’s providential care for Paul through influential friends who urge caution. Their timely counsel, rooted in genuine love and positioned authority, spares Paul from senseless danger, enabling the gospel to continue advancing. The verse encourages us to value godly friendships, heed wise counsel, respect legitimate authority, and trust that the Lord orchestrates protection for His purposes. (31) And certain of the chiefs of Asia, which were his friends.--Better, Asiarchs. The title was an official one, applied to the presidents of the games, who were selected from the chief cities of the province. The office was an annual one. They were ten in number, and the proconsul nominated one of them as president. Their duties led them now to one city, now to another, according as games or festivals were held, now at Ephesus, now at Colophon, or Smyrna. As connected both with the theatre and with the worship of Artemis, they were probably officially informed of the occasion of the tumult. If, as seems probable from 1Corinthians 5:6-8, that Epistle was written at, or about, the time of the Passover, we may place the tumult at some period in the spring, when the people were keeping or expecting the great festival in honour of Artemis, in the month, named after the goddess, Artemision, spreading over parts of April and May (Boeckh. Corp. Inscript. Graec. 2954), and were therefore more than usually open to excited appeals like that of Demetrius. This would also account for the presence of the Asiarchs at Ephesus. There is something significant in the fact that the Asiarchs were St. Paul's friends. The manliness, tact, and courtesy which tempered his zeal and boldness, seem always to have gained for him the respect of men in authority: Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7), Gallio (Acts 18:14-17), Festus and Agrippa (Acts 25:9;Acts 26:28;Acts 26:32), the centurion Julius (Acts 27:3;Acts 27:43). The Asiarchs, too, from different motives, took the same course as the disciples. They knew that his appearance would only excite the passions of the crowd, be perilous to himself, and increase the disturbance in the city. . . . Verse 31.- Certain also for certain, A.V. (the more natural order would be, and certain of the chief officers of Asia also); chief officers for chief, A.V.; being for which were, A.V.; and besought him not to for desiring him that he would not, A.V. Chief Officers of Asia. The Greek word is Asiarchs ( Ἀσιάρχαι). The Asiarchs, ten in number, were officers annually chosen from all the cities of Proconsular Asia, to preside over all sacred rites, and to provide at their own expense the pub-lie games in honor of the gods and of the deity of the emperor. This necessitated their being men of high rank and great wealth, and Schleusner adds that they were priests. The name Asiarch is formed like Luciarchai, Syriarchai, Phoenicharchai, etc. We have here another striking proof of the enormous influence of Paul's preaching in Asia, that some of these very officers who were chosen to preside over the sacred rites of the gods, and to advance their honor by public games, were now on Paul's side.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Evenκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.someτινὲς(tines)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.ofτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.[Paul’s]αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.friendsφίλοι(philoi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5384:Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.who wereὄντες(ontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.officials of the province of AsiaἈσιαρχῶν(Asiarchōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 775:From Asia and arche; an Asiarch or president of the public festivities in a city of Asia Minor.sent wordπέμψαντες(pempsantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3992:To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.to him,πρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.beggingπαρεκάλουν(parekaloun)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3870:From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.himαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.to ventureδοῦναι(dounai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.theatre.θέατρον(theatron)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2302:From theaomai; a place for public show, i.e. General audience-room; by implication, a show itself.
Links Acts 19:31 NIVActs 19:31 NLTActs 19:31 ESVActs 19:31 NASBActs 19:31 KJV
Acts 19:31 BibleApps.comActs 19:31 Biblia ParalelaActs 19:31 Chinese BibleActs 19:31 French BibleActs 19:31 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 19:31 Certain also of the Asiarchs being his (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
