The theater of Ephesus still stands, and the writer of these words has spoken in its mighty enclosure, from the very spot where this town clerk-the model of officialism-must have stood to address and calm the frenzied crowd. Paul never knew the fear of man, and was with difficulty prevented from endangering his life in his desire to turn the occasion to account. He probably refers to this incident when he says that he fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, 1 Corinthians 15:32. But he could have done no good in the face of such a turmoil. Be valorous, Christian soldiers, but be discreet! Do not throw yourselves from the mountain brow unless God clearly calls for it.
It is well to bear this scene in mind when the Apostle tells us of a "peace that passeth understanding" which stands sentry over heart and mind. His was not the sequestered life of a religious recluse; he was continually battling his way through a stormy sea. But it is in the floods of great waters that we learn what our Lord can be. Dying outwardly and in human estimation, yet we live, 2 Corinthians 4:16; the earthern vessel chipped and broken, but the heavenly treasure unimpaired, 2 Corinthians 4:7. [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 19
1The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands 8The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles 13The Jewish exorcists, 16are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit 19Conjuring books are burnt 21Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul; 35which is appeased by the town clerk
Greek Commentary for Acts 19:41
Dismissed the assembly [απελυσεν την εκκλησιαν] The town-clerk thus gave a semblance of law and order to the mob by formally dismissing them, this much to protect them against the charge to which they were liable. This vivid, graphic picture given by Luke has all the earmarks of historical accuracy. Paul does not describe the incidents in his letters, was not in the theatre in fact, but Luke evidently obtained the details from one who was there. Aristarchus, we know, was with Luke in Caesarea and in Rome and could have supplied all the data necessary. Certainly both Gaius and Aristarchus were lively witnesses of these events since their own lives were involved. [source]
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκκλησία
Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.
What are the major concepts related to Acts 19:41?
Greek Commentary for Acts 19:41
The town-clerk thus gave a semblance of law and order to the mob by formally dismissing them, this much to protect them against the charge to which they were liable. This vivid, graphic picture given by Luke has all the earmarks of historical accuracy. Paul does not describe the incidents in his letters, was not in the theatre in fact, but Luke evidently obtained the details from one who was there. Aristarchus, we know, was with Luke in Caesarea and in Rome and could have supplied all the data necessary. Certainly both Gaius and Aristarchus were lively witnesses of these events since their own lives were involved. [source]