King James Version

What Does Acts 19:38 Mean?

Acts 19:38 in the King James Version says “Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. the law: or, the court days are kept”

Acts 19:38 · KJV

Context

36

Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

37

For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

38

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. the law: or, the court days are kept

39

But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. lawful: or, ordinary

40

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

Read Acts 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man—The town clerk redirects from mob violence to legal process. The conditional εἰ μέν οὖν (ei men oun, 'if therefore indeed') introduces proper procedure: if Demetrius has legitimate grievances (λόγον, logon, 'a word, a case'), there are appropriate venues. The law is open (ἀγοραῖοι ἄγονται, agoraioi agontai, literally 'court days are conducted') refers to regular sessions of the proconsular court.

And there are deputies (ἀνθύπατοί, anthypatoi, 'proconsuls')—likely referring to the proconsul's representatives since there was technically one proconsul of Asia. Let them implead one another (ἐγκαλείτωσαν ἀλλήλοις, enkaleitōsan allēlois, 'let them bring charges against one another') is the proper legal term for formal accusation. The clerk's point: you have courts, use them—mob justice is illegal and dangerous under Roman rule.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman legal system in provincial capitals like Ephesus was sophisticated. Regular court sessions (conventus) were held where provincials could bring grievances before the proconsul or his delegates. This provided structured justice and protected Roman order. The town clerk's appeal to legal process reveals how early Christianity benefited from Roman law's relative fairness—Paul frequently used legal appeals to protect himself and advance the gospel (Acts 16:37, 22:25, 25:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians engage with legal and governmental systems, even when those systems are not Christian?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's providence in placing the early church within the Roman legal framework?
  3. When facing opposition, how can we distinguish between standing firm on gospel truth and wisely using available legal protections?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
εἰ1 of 20

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὲν2 of 20

“Wherefore”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν3 of 20
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

Δημήτριος4 of 20

“Demetrius”

G1216

demetrius, the name of an ephesian and of a christian

καὶ5 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ6 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σὺν7 of 20

“which are with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτῷ8 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τεχνῖται9 of 20

“the craftsmen”

G5079

an artisan; figuratively, a founder (creator)

πρός10 of 20

“against”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τινα11 of 20

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

λόγον12 of 20

“a matter”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἔχουσιν13 of 20

“have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀγοραῖοι14 of 20

“the law”

G60

relating to the market-place, i.e., forensic (times); by implication, vulgar

ἄγονται15 of 20

“is open”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

καὶ16 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνθύπατοί17 of 20

“deputies”

G446

instead of the highest officer, i.e., (specially) a roman proconsul

εἰσιν18 of 20

“there are”

G1526

they are

ἐγκαλείτωσαν19 of 20

“let them implead”

G1458

to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e., bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.)

ἀλλήλοις20 of 20

“one another”

G240

one another

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 19:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 19:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 13:71 Corinthians 6:1Acts 18:14Deuteronomy 17:8

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