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Acts 19:39

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 19:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
Acts 19:39 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
36Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.
37For ye have brought [hither] these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.
38If 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.
39But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
40For indeed we are in danger to be accused concerning this day`s riot, there being no cause [for it]: and as touching it we shall not be able to give account of this concourse.
41And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
← Acts 19:38Acts 19:40 →
← Full Chapter 19 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But if ye inquire anything concerning other matters, etc.] Than what belongs to the craft and business of Demetrius, and the artificers: it shall be determined in a lawful assembly; that is, called together according to law, and who have a right to hear, try, and judge causes, which such a confused lawless assembly as this in the theatre had not.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“if ye inquire--"have any question." concerning other matters--of a public nature.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But if we inquire - If you seek to determine any other matters than that pertaining to the alleged wrong which Demetrius has suffered in his business. Other matters - Anything respecting public affairs; anything pertaining to the government and the worship of Diana. In a lawful assembly - In an assembly convened, not by tumult and riot, but in conformity to law. This was a tumultuous assemblage, and it was proper in the public officer to demand that they should disperse; and that, if there were any public grievances to be remedied, it should be done in an assembly properly convened. It may be remarked here that the original word rendered assembly is what is usually in the New Testament…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“In a lawful assembly - In such a regular assembly as has authority to judge of religious and political affairs. Acts 19:40”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“lawful: or, ordinary, Act 19:39 Acts 19:40”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 19 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification