Acts 19:30-32 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

When Paul would have entered in to the people Being above all fear, to plead the cause of his companions, and prove they were not gods which were made with hands; the disciples suffered him not Because, if he had gone in, there would have been no possibility of restraining the multitude. And certain of the chief of Asia Greek, των Ασιαρχων, of the Asiarchs, or principal officers of Asia, probably priests of Diana, who presided over the public games, which, it is thought, they were then celebrating in her honour; who were his friends Not converts to Christianity, or his disciples, which they could not have been, and yet have remained Diana's priests; but friendly to him, as an ingenuous, benevolent man. For, although they derived both dignity and profit from the established idolatry, yet their love of order, and attachment to good morals, led them to befriend Paul on this occasion; sent, desiring that he would not adventure himself into the theatre Since the rage of the people was such, that it would have been with the utmost hazard of his life. Some therefore As they stood together in the theatre; cried one thing, and some another According as their passions influenced them, or as the zeal of others prompted them. For the greater part knew not wherefore they were come together Which is commonly the case in such an assembly.

Acts 19:30-32

30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.