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Acts 19:40

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 19:40 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For 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.
Acts 19:40 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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 19:39Acts 19:41 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For we are in danger of being called in question, etc.] Or are liable to be called to an account, reproved, and punished by the Roman proconsul, appointed over this city, or by the Roman emperor, or the Roman senate: for this day’s uproar; it being capable of being interpreted as a riot, tumult, and sedition: there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse: or no reason can be assigned, why such a number of people should gather together; none can be given that will justify it, or that can be alleged in favour of it.”
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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
“For we--the public authorities. are in danger of being called in question--by our superiors. Next: Acts Chapter 20”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To be called in question - By the government; by the Roman authority. Such a tumult, continued for so long. a time, would be likely to attract the attention of the magistrates, and expose them to their displeasure. Popular commotions were justly dreaded by the Roman government; and such an assembly as this, convened without any good cause, would not escape their notice. There was a Roman law which made it capital for anyone to be engaged in promoting a riot. Sui coetum, et concursum fecerit, capite puniatur: “He who raises a mob, let him be punished with death.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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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
“This concourse - He wisely calls it by an inoffensive name. Next: Acts Chapter 20”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“we are: Act 17:5-8 uproar: Act 20:1, Act 21:31, Act 21:38; Kg1 1:41; Mat 26:5 Acts 19:41”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification