What does Acts 19:40 mean?
"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
In Acts 19:40 in the King James Version (KJV), we read: "For we are in danger of being called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse." This verse comes from the account of the riot in Ephesus, where the apostle Paul's preaching had caused a disturbance among the silversmiths who made idols of the goddess Artemis.
This verse captures the voice of reason in the midst of chaos, as the town clerk tries to calm the crowd and restore order. He is concerned that the uproar will bring the city into disrepute, and he wants to prevent any further trouble by emphasizing the importance of following the law and addressing issues through legal channels.
The context of this verse is important to understand its significance. The city of Ephesus was known for its temple dedicated to Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The silversmiths made a substantial living by crafting and selling statues of Artemis, and Paul's preaching threatened their livelihood as more people turned to Christianity and turned away from idol worship. This incited a riot, as the silversmiths protested against the spread of Christianity and the decline in demand for their idols.
The themes present in Acts 19:40 include the conflict between traditional beliefs and the spread of Christianity, the importance of maintaining order and following the law, and the power of reason and diplomacy in resolving disputes. It also highlights the potential dangers of blind religious zeal and the need for careful and measured responses to challenging situations.
The symbolism in this verse can be seen in the contrast between the chaos of the riot and the calm, reasoned approach of the town clerk. He serves as a voice of authority and reason, representing the importance of maintaining order and addressing conflicts through legal means. The verse also symbolizes the clash between the old ways of worshiping idols and the new faith in Christ, as well as the tensions that arise when established beliefs are challenged.
In a broader sense, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of handling conflicts and disputes with wisdom and caution, rather than giving in to emotional or irrational reactions. It encourages us to seek peaceful resolutions and to prioritize maintaining order and upholding the law, even in the face of passionate opposition.
Overall, Acts 19:40 in the King James Version offers a powerful commentary on the challenges of spreading the Christian faith in the face of deeply ingrained traditions and the potential for conflict and chaos. It emphasizes the importance of reason, diplomacy, and adherence to the law in addressing disputes, and serves as a timeless reminder of the need for wisdom and patience in navigating conflicts and challenges.
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Acts 19:40 - "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."
"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
Acts 13:40 - "Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;"
Acts 10:40 - "Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;"
Acts 15:40 - "And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God."
Acts 16:40 - "And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed."
Acts 8:40 - "But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea."
Acts 2:40 - "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation."
Joshua 19:40 - "¶ And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families."
John 19:40 - "Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury."
Isaiah 40:19 - "The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains."
Acts 5:40 - "And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go."
Acts 19: 11
Acts 19:11
Exodus 40:19 - "And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses."
Job 40:19 - "He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him."
1 King 19:8
Acts 27:40 - "And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore."
Ezekiel 40:19 - "Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward."
"Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;" - Acts 10:40
"Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;" - Acts 13:40
Luke 19:40 - "And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."
2 Samuel 19:40 - "Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel."
Acts 19:7 - "And all the men were about twelve."
Acts 7:40 - "Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him."
Acts 19:11 - "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:"
Acts 19:20 - "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."
Acts 19:18 - "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds."
"And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God." - Acts 15:40
Acts 19:23 - "And the same time there arose no small stir about that way."