Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Acts 19:33►

New International Version
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people.

New Living Translation
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak.

English Standard Version
Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd.

Berean Standard Bible
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.

Berean Literal Bible
Now out of the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with the hand, was wanting to make a defense to the people.

King James Bible
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

New King James Version
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.

New American Standard Bible
Some of the crowd concludedit was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.

NASB 1995
Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.

NASB 1977
And some of the crowd concludedit was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.

Legacy Standard Bible
And some of the crowd concludedit was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.

Amplified Bible
Some of the crowd advised Alexander [to speak], since the Jews had pushed him forward; and Alexander motioned with his hand [for attention] and intended to make a defense to the people.

Christian Standard Bible
Some Jews in the crowd gave instructions to Alexander after they pushed him to the front. Motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then some of the crowd gave Alexander advice when the Jews pushed him to the front. So motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people.

American Standard Version
And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defense unto the people.

Contemporary English Version
Several of the Jewish leaders pushed a man named Alexander to the front of the crowd and started telling him what to say. He motioned with his hand and tried to explain what was going on.

English Revised Version
And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defence unto the people.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some people concluded that Alexander was the cause, so the Jews pushed him to the front. Alexander motioned with his hand to quiet the people because he wanted to defend himself in front of them.

Good News Translation
Some of the people concluded that Alexander was responsible, since the Jews made him go up to the front. Then Alexander motioned with his hand for the people to be silent, and he tried to make a speech of defense.

International Standard Version
Some of the crowd concluded it was because of Alexander, since the Jews had pushed him to the front. So Alexander motioned for silence and tried to make a defense before the people.

NET Bible
Some of the crowd concluded it was about Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front. Alexander, gesturing with his hand, was wanting to make a defense before the public assembly.

New Heart English Bible
They brought Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense to the people.

Weymouth New Testament
Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand to get silence, was prepared to make a defence to the people.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.

World English Bible
They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and out of the multitude they put forward Alexander—the Jews thrusting him forward—and Alexander having beckoned with the hand, wished to make defense to the populace,

Berean Literal Bible
Now out of the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with the hand, was wanting to make a defense to the people.

Young's Literal Translation
and out of the multitude they put forward Alexander -- the Jews thrusting him forward -- and Alexander having beckoned with the hand, wished to make defence to the populace,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they forced Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews having put him forward. And Alexander having shaken the hand, wished to justify himself to the people.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they drew forth Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander beckoning with his hand for silence, would have given the people satisfaction.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So they dragged Alexander from the crowd, while the Jews were propelling him forward. And Alexander, gesturing with his hand for silence, wanted to give the people an explanation.

New American Bible
Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, as the Jews pushed him forward, and Alexander signaled with his hand that he wished to explain something to the gathering.

New Revised Standard Version
Some of the crowd gave instructions to Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward. And Alexander motioned for silence and tried to make a defense before the people.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the Jews who were there appointed a Jew named Al-ex-an’der. And when he rose up, he gestured with his hand and would have addressed the people.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the people of the Judeans who were there put forth a man of them, a Jew whose name was Alexandrus, and as he arose, he beckoned with his hand and wanted to put forth a defense to the people.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And some of the multitude put Alexander forward, the Jews urging him on. And Alexander waved his hand, and wished to make a defense to the people.

Godbey New Testament
And some from the crowd forced in Alexander, the Jews precipitating him forward; and Alexander, beckoning with his hand, wished to apologize to the people.

Haweis New Testament
Then out of the crowd they brought forward Alexander, the Jews pushing him on: and Alexander, waving his hand, would fain have addressed his apology to the people.

Mace New Testament
at last Alexander was disengag'd from the croud, and accus'd by the Jews, then he waved his hand, desiring to make his defence before them all.

Weymouth New Testament
Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand to get silence, was prepared to make a defence to the people.

Worrell New Testament
And they brought Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander, wavinghis hand, wished to make defense to the people.

Worsley New Testament
And they brought Alexander forward out of the multitude, the Jews urging him on. And Alexander beckoningwith the hand, would have made a defence to the people.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Riot in Ephesus
…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.33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself,and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.34But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Acts 21:40
Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:

Acts 22:1-2
“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” / When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,

Acts 18:24-26
Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. / He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. / And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Acts 6:9-10
But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They disputed with Stephen, / but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

Acts 7:2
And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,

Acts 17:22
Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.

Acts 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

Acts 9:29
He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.

Acts 13:16
Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!

Acts 14:12
Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

Acts 16:19
When 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.

Acts 25:24
Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought not to live any longer.

Acts 12:17
Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.

Acts 15:13
When they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me!

Treasury of Scripture

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense to the people.

Alexander.

1 Timothy 1:20
Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

beckoned.

Acts 12:17
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Acts 13:16
Then Paul stood up, and beckoning withhis hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Acts 21:40
And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake untothem in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

his.

Acts 22:1
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defencewhich I make now unto you.

Acts 26:1,2
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: …

Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Jump to Previous

Alexander Assembly Beckoned Beckoning Concluded Crowd Crowded Defence Defense Drew Forward Front Hand Instructions Intending Jews Making Motioned Motioning Multitude Order Populace Prepared Prompted Pushed Pushing Putting Round Shouted Sign Silence Statement Thrusting Wished

Jump to Next

Acts 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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward
This phrase indicates the presence of a Jewish community within Ephesus, a city known for its diverse population and significant Jewish presence. The Jews, likely concerned about being associated with the uproar caused by Paul's teachings, chose Alexander to represent them. Alexander's role here may suggest he was a person of some standing or eloquence within the Jewish community. This action reflects the tension between the early Christian movement and traditional Jewish beliefs, as seen in other parts of Acts where Jewish leaders often opposed the apostles' teachings.

to explain himself
The need for explanation suggests that the Jews were anxious to distance themselves from the controversy surrounding Paul and the Christian message. This reflects the broader context of Jewish-Gentile relations in the Roman Empire, where Jews often sought to maintain their distinct identity while avoiding conflict with local authorities. The phrase also highlights the importance of public speaking and rhetoric in ancient cultures, where one's ability to articulate a defense could significantly impact public perception.

and he motioned for silence
Alexander's gesture for silence indicates his intention to address the crowd in an orderly manner, a common practice in ancient public speaking. This action underscores the chaotic nature of the scene, as the crowd was likely in an uproar due to the disturbance caused by the preaching of Paul and his companions. The ability to command attention and silence a crowd was a valued skill in the Greco-Roman world, reflecting the cultural emphasis on oratory.

so he could make his defense to the people
The concept of making a defense, or "apologia," is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where believers often had to defend their faith against accusations and misunderstandings. This mirrors other instances in Acts, such as Paul's defenses before various authorities. The need for a defense highlights the early Christians' precarious position within the Roman Empire, where they were often misunderstood and faced hostility from both Jews and Gentiles. This phrase also foreshadows the many defenses Paul himself would make, emphasizing the theme of perseverance in the face of opposition.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Alexander
A Jewish man who was pushed forward by the Jews in the crowd during the uproar in Ephesus. His role was to make a defense, possibly to dissociate the Jewish community from the Christians.

2.The Jews
Members of the Jewish community in Ephesus who were likely concerned about being associated with the Christians and the ensuing riot.

3.The Crowd
A large group of people in Ephesus, stirred up by the silversmiths who were losing business due to the spread of Christianity, which was turning people away from idol worship.

4.Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, known for the Temple of Artemis, which was central to the local economy and religious life.

5.The Riot
A significant disturbance caused by the silversmiths who were upset over the decline in sales of idols due to Paul's preaching.

Teaching Points

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Alexander's willingness to step forward in a hostile environment is a reminder of the courage required to stand for one's beliefs.

The Importance of Clear Communication
Alexander's motion for silence indicates the need for clear and respectful communication, especially in tense situations.

Distinguishing Faith from Cultural Practices
The Jews' attempt to separate themselves from the Christians highlights the importance of distinguishing one's faith from surrounding cultural practices.

Unity Among Believers
The incident underscores the need for unity among believers, as divisions can weaken the witness of the church.

Preparedness to Defend the Faith
Like Alexander, Christians should be prepared to explain and defend their faith, even in challenging circumstances.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Acts 19:33?

2.How does Acts 19:33 demonstrate the importance of readiness to defend faith?

3.What can we learn from Alexander's actions about courage in challenging situations?

4.How does Acts 19:33 connect with 1 Peter 3:15 on defending beliefs?

5.In what ways can we prepare to speak truth in hostile environments today?

6.How can Alexander's example in Acts 19:33 inspire us to stand for Christ?

7.Who was Alexander in Acts 19:33, and what was his role in the assembly?

8.Why did the crowd in Acts 19:33 react violently to Alexander's attempt to speak?

9.How does Acts 19:33 reflect the tension between early Christians and other religious groups?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 19?

11.Who was Alexander the coppersmith in the Bible?

12.Luke 19:41-44 records Jesus predicting Jerusalem's destruction; how do historians reconcile the exact timing of this prophecy with recorded historical events?

13.In Acts 7:16, Stephen says Abraham bought a burial place in Shechem, yet Genesis 33:19 credits Jacob with that purchase. Which account is correct?

14.Why does Isaiah 33 describe miraculous healing and renewed stability when no archaeological or scientific evidence supports such events on a large scale?

What Does Acts 19:33 Mean

The Jews in the crowd

• In the Ephesian theater’s turmoil (Acts 19:23-41), a distinct group of Jews stands out from Paul’s Gentile believers and the idol-makers.

• They fear being lumped in with Paul, so they act to protect their community’s standing (Acts 18:12-17;Romans 2:24).

• Their presence reminds us that God’s covenant people were scattered yet still active in His unfolding plan (Acts 13:26).

Pushed Alexander forward

• Rather than speaking as a group, they thrust Alexander to the front—an urgent move to gain a hearing.

• Similar representation appears inJohn 19:15 where leaders speak for the crowd.

• They hope to show the authorities, “We’re not with Paul the troublemaker” (Acts 18:13).

To explain himself

• Alexander’s task is clarification: distancing the synagogue from any attack on Artemis or Roman order.

• Acts frequently grants opportunity for personal explanation: Paul before Agrippa (Acts 26:1); Festus hearing both sides (Acts 25:16).

•Proverbs 18:17 underscores the value of stating one’s case.

And he motioned for silence

• A raised hand was the common way to quiet a crowd (Acts 12:17;Acts 21:40).

• The gesture seeks orderly discourse, reflecting the truth that “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

So he could make his defense to the people

• Alexander intends an orderly “defense” (Acts 24:10;1 Peter 3:15).

• Public defense, even amid mob fury, is a pattern seen in Stephen (Acts 7:2) and Paul (Acts 22:1).

• Though the attempt soon fails (Acts 19:34), the verse models readiness to testify clearly, trusting God with the outcome.

summary

Acts 19:33 shows Ephesian Jews thrusting Alexander forward to dissociate themselves from Paul, seeking calm so he can defend their community. The scene underscores responsible representation, the pursuit of orderly speech in chaos, and the biblical call to be prepared with a clear testimony before a watching world.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(33)And they drew Alexander out of the multitude . . .--The fact that he was put forward by the Jews indicates, probably, that they were anxious to guard against the suspicion that they were at all identified with St. Paul or his companions. If we identify this Alexander with the "coppersmith" of2Timothy 4:14, who wrought so much evil against the Apostle on his third and last visit to Ephesus, we may assume some trade-connection with Demetrius which would give him influence with the crowd of artisans. Hisapologia,or defence, was obviously made by him as the representative of the Jews. The whole scene is again painted vividly--the vain attempt to gain a hearing by signs and gestures, the fury of the people on recognising his Jewish features and dress, their ready assumption that all Jews were alike in abhorring idols. Perhaps, also, they may have known or suspected that that abhorrence was sometimes accompanied by a readiness to traffic in what had been stolen from the idol's temple. St. Paul's words inRomans 2:22 may have had a personal application. The language of the town-clerk inActs 19:37 suggests the same thought. He could point to Aristarchus and Gaius, and say emphatically, "These men are not robbers of temples, whatever others may be."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 33.- Brought fordrew, A.V. and T.R.;a defense forhis defense, A.V. (ἀπολογεῖσθαι).Alexander. Some think he is the same as "Alexander the coppersmith," of whose conduct St. Paul complains so bitterly (2 Timothy 4:14, 15;1 Timothy 1:20), and he may or may not be. It seems likely that, as St. Paul's offence was speaking against the gods and their temples, the Jews, who were commonly accused of being atheists, and one of whose nation Paul was, came in for their share of the popular odium. They were anxious, therefore, to excuse themselves before the people of having had any share in St. Paul's work, and put forward Alexander, no doubt a clever man and a good speaker, to make their defense. But as soon as the people knew that he was a Jew, they refused to listen to him, and drowned his voice with incessant shouts of "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." Meyer, however, thinks he was a Christian, because of the wordἀπολογεῖσθαι.The people (δῆμος, as ver. 30). It was a trueἐκκλησία, though an irregular one, and the people who formed it were theδῆμος, different from theὄχλος, the mere crowd outside.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

The
τῶν(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.

Jews
Ἰουδαίων(Ioudaiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

in
ἐκ(ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τοῦ(tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd
ὄχλου(ochlou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

pushed
προβαλόντων(probalontōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4261:From pro and ballo; to throw forward, i.e. Push to the front, germinate.

Alexander
Ἀλέξανδρον(Alexandron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 223:From the same as alektor and aner; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man.

{forward} to explain himself,
συνεβίβασαν(synebibasan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4822:From sun and bibazo (by reduplication) of the base of basis); to drive together, i.e. Unite, to infer, show, teach.

and
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[he]
Ἀλέξανδρος(Alexandros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 223:From the same as alektor and aner; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man.

motioned for silence
κατασείσας(kataseisas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2678:From kata and seio; to sway downward, i.e. Make a signal.

so he
ἤθελεν(ēthelen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2309:To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

could make [his] defense
ἀπολογεῖσθαι(apologeisthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 626:To give a defense, defend myself (especially in a law court): it can take an object of what is said in defense.

to the
τῷ(tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people.
δήμῳ(dēmō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1218:From deo; the public.

Links

Acts 19:33 NIV
Acts 19:33 NLT
Acts 19:33 ESV
Acts 19:33 NASB
Acts 19:33 KJV

Acts 19:33 BibleApps.com
Acts 19:33 Biblia Paralela
Acts 19:33 Chinese Bible
Acts 19:33 French Bible
Acts 19:33 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 19:33 They brought Alexander out of the multitude (Acts of the Apostles Ac)