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◄ Acts 19:38►

New International Version
If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges.

New Living Translation
“If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges.

English Standard Version
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

Berean Standard Bible
So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there.

Berean Literal Bible
So if indeed Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a matter against anyone, courts are conducted, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.

King James Bible
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

New King James Version
Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

New American Standard Bible
So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and proconsuls areavailable; have them bring charges against one another.

NASB 1995
“So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another.

NASB 1977
“So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls areavailable; let them bring charges against one another.

Legacy Standard Bible
So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and proconsuls areavailable; let them bring charges against one another.

Amplified Bible
So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and proconsuls areavailable; let them bring charges against one another there.

Christian Standard Bible
So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

American Standard Version
If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.

Contemporary English Version
If Demetrius and his workers have a case against these men, we have courts and judges. Let them take their complaints there.

English Revised Version
If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If Demetrius and the men who work for him have a legal complaint against anyone, we have special days and officials to hold court. That's where they should bring charges against each other.

Good News Translation
If Demetrius and his workers have an accusation against anyone, we have the authorities and the regular days for court; charges can be made there.

International Standard Version
So if Demetrius and his workers have a charge against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They should accuse one another there.

NET Bible
If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against someone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there.

New Heart English Bible
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore, if Demetrius and the artificers who are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

Weymouth New Testament
If, however, Demetrius and the mechanics who support his contention have a grievance against any one, there are Assize-days and there are Proconsuls: let the persons interested accuse one another.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there.

World English Bible
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
if indeed, therefore, Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a matter with anyone, court [days] are held, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.

Berean Literal Bible
So if indeed Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a matter against anyone, courts are conducted, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.

Young's Literal Translation
if indeed, therefore, Demetrius and the artificers with him with any one have a matter, court days are held, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.

Smith's Literal Translation
If truly therefore Demetrius, and the artificers with him, have a word against any, the court days are kept, and there are proconsuls; let them prosecute one another.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But if Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts of justice are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, they can convene in the courts, and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another.

New American Bible
If Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

New Revised Standard Version
If therefore Demetrius and the artisans with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges there against one another.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But if De-me’tri-us and the men of his trade have a case against any man, behold there is a proconsul in the city; let the craftsmen come forward and settle with one another in the court.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But if this Demetrius and the fellows of his trade have a judgment with any, behold, the Proconsuls of the city are skilled; let them approach and dispute one with another.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Therefore, if Demetrius, and the artists who are with him, have a charge against any one, the courts are in session, and the proconsuls are there; let them accuse each other.

Godbey New Testament
If indeed therefore Demetrius, and the mechanics along with him, have a charge against any one, the courts are in session, and there are lawyers: let them implead one another.

Haweis New Testament
If then indeed Demetrius and the artificers that are with him have a charge against any man, the courts are held, and there are proconsuls: let them implead one another.

Mace New Testament
if Demetrius and the other artists, that are with him, can lay their action against any man, the law is open, and the proconsul is near; let them begin their process.

Weymouth New Testament
If, however, Demetrius and the mechanics who support his contention have a grievance against any one, there are Assize-days and there are Proconsuls: let the persons interested accuse one another.

Worrell New Testament
If, indeed, therefore, Demetrius and the artisans with him have a matter against any one, court-days are held, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.

Worsley New Testament
If Demetrius therefore, and the artificers that are with him, have a charge against anyone, the law-courts are open, and there areRoman proconsulslikewise: let them implead one another.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Riot in Ephesus
…37For you have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed our temple nor blasphemed our goddess.38So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone,the courts are open and proconsuls are available.Let them bring charges against one another there.39But if you are seeking anything beyond this, it must be settled in a legal assembly.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Matthew 5:25
Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

1 Corinthians 6:1-8
If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...

Proverbs 25:8-9
do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? / Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,

Deuteronomy 16:18
You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.

Exodus 18:21-22
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.

2 Chronicles 19:5-7
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

Luke 12:58-59
Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. / I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

Titus 3:1
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

Ecclesiastes 8:2-5
Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. / Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. / For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” ...

Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Job 29:7-17
When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square, / the young men saw me and withdrew, and the old men rose to their feet. / The princes refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands. ...

Treasury of Scripture

Why if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them accuse one another.

Demetrius.

Acts 19:24
For a certainman named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

have.

Acts 18:14
And when Paul was now about to openhis mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, Oye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

Deuteronomy 17:8
If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke,being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

1 Corinthians 6:1
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

the law is open.

Jump to Previous

Artificers Artisans Cause Charges Complaint Contention Court Courts Craftsmen Demetrius Deputies Fellow Grievance Held However Judges Law Matter Mechanics Open Persons Press Protest Session Support Wherefore Workmen

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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

So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone
Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus, a city known for its temple to the goddess Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The craftsmen, including Demetrius, made a living by creating silver shrines of Artemis. The spread of Christianity, led by Paul, threatened their trade as it turned people away from idol worship. This phrase highlights the economic and religious tension between early Christians and those who profited from pagan practices. The mention of a "complaint" suggests a legal grievance, reflecting the Roman legal system's influence in the region.

the courts are open and proconsuls are available
Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, and as such, it had a well-established legal system. The "courts" refer to the public venues where legal matters were adjudicated. "Proconsuls" were Roman officials who governed provinces and had judicial authority. This phrase underscores the structured legal recourse available in Roman society, contrasting with mob justice. It also reflects the Roman emphasis on law and order, which provided a framework for resolving disputes.

Let them bring charges against one another there
This phrase advocates for the use of legal channels rather than resorting to violence or public disorder. It reflects the Roman legal principle of due process, where accusations should be formally presented and adjudicated. This approach aligns with biblical teachings on justice and order, as seen in passages likeRomans 13:1-7, which emphasize submission to governing authorities. The call to "bring charges" also highlights the importance of accountability and the rule of law in resolving conflicts.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Demetrius
A silversmith in Ephesus who made silver shrines of Artemis. He was concerned about the impact of Paul's preaching on his trade and incited a riot against Paul and his companions.

2.Craftsmen
Fellow tradesmen of Demetrius who were also involved in making idols and were worried about their livelihood due to the spread of Christianity.

3.Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, known for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a center of commerce and pagan worship.

4.Courts
The legal system in place in Ephesus, which was part of the Roman Empire. The courts were the proper venue for resolving disputes.

5.Proconsuls
Roman officials who governed provinces. They were responsible for maintaining law and order and could adjudicate legal matters.

Teaching Points

Respect for Legal Systems
Christians are encouraged to respect and utilize the legal systems in place for resolving disputes, recognizing them as part of God's provision for maintaining order.

Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts
The passage highlights the importance of resolving conflicts through appropriate and peaceful means rather than resorting to violence or disorder.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even in legal matters, believers can trust that God is sovereign and can work through human institutions to accomplish His purposes.

Witness in the Marketplace
The incident with Demetrius reminds Christians of the impact their faith can have on the marketplace and the importance of maintaining integrity and witness in business dealings.

Discernment in Conflict
Believers should exercise discernment in how they address conflicts, seeking solutions that honor God and reflect Christian values.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Acts 19:38?

2.How does Acts 19:38 encourage resolving disputes through legal channels today?

3.What does "proconsuls are available" teach about respecting governmental authority?

4.How can Acts 19:38 guide Christians in handling conflicts within the church?

5.How does Romans 13:1-2 relate to the message in Acts 19:38?

6.How can believers apply the principle of lawful resolution in personal disagreements?

7.What does Acts 19:38 reveal about the legal system in ancient Ephesus?

8.How does Acts 19:38 reflect the conflict between Christianity and local commerce?

9.Why is the role of the proconsuls significant in Acts 19:38?

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

11.Who was Demetrius in the Bible?

12.Could the riot and shift in worship in Acts 19:23-41 realistically occur, or does it conflict with historical and archaeological evidence about Ephesus?

13.1 Corinthians 16:8-9 - If Paul faced 'many adversaries' in Ephesus, where is the external historical evidence of this hostility?

14.Who is the Greek goddess Artemis?

What Does Acts 19:38 Mean

So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone

• The city clerk recognizes that Demetrius, the silversmith who made shrines of Artemis (Acts 19:24-27), actually has a grievance—his business is losing money because people are turning from idols to Christ.

• Scripture consistently affirms that grievances should be addressed, yet it warns against letting anger fuel disorder (James 1:19-20;Proverbs 29:11).

• The clerk’s wording quietly exposes the real issue: this is not a defense of religion but of profit. Compare Paul’s words in1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”.

• By framing the matter as a “complaint,” the clerk shifts the crowd’s tumult into something that can be handled properly, echoing the wisdom ofProverbs 15:1 about a gentle answer turning away wrath.

the courts are open and proconsuls are available

• God ordains civil structures to keep societal order. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1).

• In Ephesus, the “courts” (literally, sessions of Roman justice) met regularly; “proconsuls” were the governors empowered to judge. Their availability underlines that lawful avenues already exist.

• Paul himself had earlier appealed to a city official (Acts 16:37-39), showing that believers can rightly use legal systems without compromising faith.

• Peter teaches the same balance: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers” (1 Peter 2:13-14).

• The open courts stand in stark contrast to the closed-minded mob. Orderly justice reflects God’s character of righteousness and equity (Psalm 89:14).

Let them bring charges against one another there

• Due process protects the innocent and exposes the guilty.Deuteronomy 19:15-19 lays out the principle of witnesses and formal accusation—an Old Testament foundation now applied in a Roman setting.

• Jesus outlines a similar path of escalating, orderly confrontation inMatthew 18:15-17, keeping disputes from spilling into public chaos.

• By insisting that charges be heard “there,” the clerk redirects the crowd from impulsive violence to structured inquiry—mirroring Paul’s later hearings before Felix and Festus (Acts 24-25).

• The statement also shields the young Ephesian church; instead of being crushed by mob rule, believers see God using secular authority to grant them space to continue preaching (Acts 19:20).

• The broader lesson: God can employ even pagan officials to preserve His mission and uphold justice (cf.Ezra 7:23-26).

summary

Acts 19:38 teaches that personal and commercial grievances must be handled through the lawful channels God has established, not through riot or intimidation. The verse underscores respect for authority, the value of due process, and the Lord’s ability to use civil structures to protect His people and advance the gospel.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(38)The law is open.--Literally,the court,orforum, days are going on. The words may either indicate that the proconsul was then actually sitting to hold trials in theagora orforum,or may be taken as a colloquial idiom for "there are court days coming."

There are deputies.--The Greek word is (as inActs 13:7;Acts 18:12) the equivalent forproconsul. Strictly speaking, there was only one proconsul in each province, and we must therefore assume either that here also the expression is colloquial, or that the assessors (consiliarii) of the proconsul were popularly so described, or that some peculiar combination of circumstances had led to there being two persons at this time at Ephesus clothed with proconsular authority. There are some grounds for adopting the last alternative. Junius Silanus, who was Proconsul of Asia when St. Paul arrived in Ephesus (A.D. 54), had been poisoned by Celer and Helius, the two procurators, at the instigation of Agrippina; and it seems probable that they for a time held a joint proconsular authority.

Let them implead one another.--The English word exactly expresses the technical force of the Greek. Demetrius and his followers were to lodge a formal statement of the charge they brought against the accused. They in their turn were to put in a rejoinder, and so joining issue, each side would produce its witnesses.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 38.- If therefore forwherefore if, A.V.;that forwhich, A.V.;the courts are forthe law is, A.V.;proconsuls fordeputies, A.V.;accuse forimplead, A.V.Against any man. Mark the skill with which the town-clerk passes from the concrete to the abstract, and avoids the mention of Paul's name.The courts are open;ἀγοραῖοι (orἀγόραιοι)ἄγονται. Some supply the wordσύνοδοι, and make the sense "judicial assemblies," "sessions," coming round at proper fixed intervals. But the verbἄγονται, more naturally suggestsἡμέραι, as Bengel says (ἄγειν γενέσια τὰς ἡμέρας τῆς σκηνοπηγίας:Ὀλύμπια:γενέθλιον, etc.), and then the meaning is, "The regular court-days are kept, when the proconsul attends to try causes;" there is no need to have an irregular trial. So Suidas explains it,Ἡμέρα ἐνῇ ἡ ἀγορὰ.There are proconsuls. Bengel, with whom Meyer agrees, thinks the plural denotes the unbroken succession of proconsuls. But Lewin thinks it may mark the exact time of these transactions as being immediately after the poisoning of the Proconsul Junius Silanus by order of Agrippina, when the two procurators, Celer and AElius, exercised the proconsular power till the appointment of another proconsul, according to a law of Claudius to that effect. Others have other explanations.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

So
οὖν(oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

if
Εἰ(Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

Demetrius
Δημήτριος(Dēmētrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1216:Demetrius, a silversmith of Ephesus. From Demeter; Demetrius, the name of an Ephesian and of a Christian.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

his fellow
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.

craftsmen
τεχνῖται(technitai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5079:A craftsman, artisan, architect, builder. From techne; an artisan; figuratively, a founder.

have
ἔχουσι(echousi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

a complaint
λόγον(logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

against
πρός(pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

anyone,
τινα(tina)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

[the] courts
ἀγοραῖοι(agoraioi)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 60:From agora; relating to the market-place, i.e. Forensic; by implication, vulgar.

are open
ἄγονται(agontai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 71:A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

proconsuls
ἀνθύπατοί(anthypatoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 446:A proconsul. From anti and a superlative of huper; instead of the highest officer, i.e. a Roman proconsul.

are available.
εἰσιν(eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

Let them bring charges against
ἐγκαλείτωσαν(enkaleitōsan)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1458:To bring a charge against, accuse. From en and kaleo; to call in, i.e. Bring to account.

one another [ there ].
ἀλλήλοις(allēlois)
Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240:One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.

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NT Apostles: Acts 19:38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who (Acts of the Apostles Ac)