A Jew, and by consequence an enemy to their idolatry; and, as they might imagine at least, a friend to St. Paul. All with one voice; unanimity makes not the cause to be good, if it were bad at first. read more
Town clerk, or secretary, who registered their acts, and intervened in all their meetings. Is a worshipper; each country and city had their peculiar gods, which they worshipped, and took for their patrons, as Ephesus did this goddess Diana. But the word here signifies a sacrist, or one that looks to the temple to keep it clean; especially that hath the charge of more solemn shows or sports in honour of any supposed deity: and these Ephesians took it to be their no small glory, that they were... read more
He did there cunningly than honestly endeavour to evade their clamour, and still their rage, by telling them (how fallaciously soever), that neither Paul, nor any other Christian or Jew, had any quarrel with their goddess or worship. For they indeed were against all images that were made with hands; but theirs was not such a one, it being fallen down from heaven. We must consider he was but a pagan; and his design was only to still the people; and populus vult decipi. read more
Neither robbers of churches; for they had not entered into their temple. Nor yet blasphemers of your goddess; Paul had barely preached this truth amongst them, not upbraiding them for their idolatry; as Michael, the archangel, brought no railing accusation against the devil, when he contended with him, Jude 1:9. read more
The law is open; which is fittest to determine all questions and controversies; for men would be partial to their own cause, and every one challenge to be in the right. Deputies; who, under the Roman emperors or consuls, had power to hear and determine of all matters. Let them implead one another; that so both parties may be heard. read more
Other matters; relating to the good government of the city, or maintaining the established religion, which ought not in such a confused manner to be treated of, but in an assembly called by lawful authority, which the Romans did usually call, at least, three times every month. read more
He wisely minds them of their danger; for being under the power of the Romans, it was no less than the loss of their liberties to abet any faction or sedition; and to make a concourse or meeting tumultuously together, was capital, unless it were upon the sudden invasion of an enemy, or to but out some raging fire. read more
CRITICAL REMARKSActs 19:22. Timothy.—See on Acts 16:1. Erastus.—Whether the city treasurer of Corinth (Romans 16:23) or Paul’s helper in Rome (2 Timothy 4:20), or whether both were the same individual is debated. For the nature of this mission of Timothy and Erastus see 1 Corinthians 4:17-19, and compare “Hints.”HOMILETICAL ANALYSIS.—Acts 19:21-22Paul’s Last Days in Ephesus; or, Contemplating New PlansI. A run through Macedonia and Achaia.—These the main divisions, northern and southern, into... read more
CRITICAL REMARKSActs 19:23. The way.—See on Acts 9:2.Acts 19:24. Demetrius.—The name has been found in an inscription, exhumed in Ephesus and supposed (Hicks) to belong to A.D. 50–60, recording a public honour decreed to the Neopoioi or temple wardens of Ephesus in the year of Demetrius. Silver shrines for (rather of) Diana.—Not silver coins stamped with the picture of the temple (Beza, Scaliger, Piscator), but miniature representations in silver of the temple, which strangers visiting the city... read more
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Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Acts 19:33
They drew Alexander out of the multitude, where he could not be seen and heard, unto some more convenient place, from whence he might make a vindication or defence for them; and that most likely in behalf of the Jews, who were equally obnoxious to the rage of the people for being against their idolatry, as the Christians were. This Alexander is thought to have been that Alexander of whom we read, 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14; though some think that this was another of that name. Beckoned with... read more