King James Version

What Does Acts 19:40 Mean?

Acts 19:40 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 19:40 · KJV


Context

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.

41

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar—The town clerk reveals his primary concern: Roman oversight. The phrase κινδυνεύομεν ἐγκαλεῖσθαι στάσεως (kindyneuomen enkaleisthai staseōs, 'we are in danger to be accused of sedition') uses the serious charge of στάσις (stasis, 'insurrection, riot'). Under Roman rule, unauthorized assemblies, especially violent ones, could be interpreted as rebellion—a capital offense for leaders and potentially leading to loss of civic privileges for the entire city.

There being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse—The clerk admits there's no αἰτίας (aitias, 'cause, legal grounds') to justify this συστροφῆς (systrophēs, 'gathering, conspiracy, riot'). He cannot provide a λόγον (logon, 'defense, explanation') to Roman authorities. His fear is pragmatic and political—protecting Ephesus's status and his own position—yet God uses even self-interested officials to protect His church.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After the Social War and civil conflicts, Rome was hypersensitive to insurrection in the provinces. Cities enjoyed varying degrees of self-governance (Ephesus was a 'free city'), but this status could be revoked for civil unrest. The proconsul of Asia would investigate any reported riot, and consequences could include military occupation, loss of privileges, or execution of leaders. The town clerk's fear was well-founded—the emperor Claudius had recently expelled Jews from Rome for 'rioting' over 'Chrestus' (likely Christ), showing Rome's zero tolerance for religious disturbances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sovereignly use even the self-interest of unbelieving officials to accomplish His purposes for the church?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of Christians maintaining good civic standing and not giving unnecessary offense?
  3. In what ways should Christians today be aware of how their public actions might affect gospel witness and religious liberty?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19
G2532

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

γὰρ2 of 19

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κινδυνεύομεν3 of 19

we are in danger

G2793

to undergo peril

ἐγκαλεῖσθαι4 of 19

to be called in question

G1458

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

στάσεως5 of 19

uproar

G4714

a standing (properly, the act), i.e., (by analogy) position (existence); by implication, a popular uprising; figuratively, controversy

περὶ6 of 19

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τῆς7 of 19
G3588

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

σήμερον8 of 19

this day's

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

μηδενὸς9 of 19

no

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

αἰτίου10 of 19

cause

G158

a reason or crime (like g0156)

ὑπάρχοντος11 of 19

there being

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

περὶ12 of 19

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

οὗ13 of 19
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δυνησόμεθα14 of 19

we may

G1410

to be able or possible

ἀποδοῦναι15 of 19

give

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

λόγον16 of 19

an account

G3056

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

τῆς17 of 19
G3588

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

συστροφῆς18 of 19

concourse

G4963

a twisting together, i.e., (figuratively) a secret coalition, riotous crowd

ταύτης19 of 19
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)


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 19:40 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 19:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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