Acts 19:33

Translations

Modern

The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.

Traditional

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

Literal

And out of the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with the hand, was wanting to make a defense to the people.

Latin

De turba autem detraxerunt Alexandrum, propellentibus eum Judæis. Alexander autem manu silentio postulato, volebat reddere rationem populo.

Original

Greek

English

The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.

Notes

Acts 19:24–34

Demetrius, a silversmith whose business was harmed by Paul’s message about one God, stirred up a large riot against him.

Acts 19:23–41

The main god worshiped in Ephesus was the Greek goddess Artemis. People believed she was born there, so the city of Ephesus was known as the guardian of her temple.

Each year, the people held large festivals in her honor. These included sports, music, and theater. During these events, people would shout, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

As more people became Christians, the worship of Artemis began to decline. This also affected the local economy, since many people earned money from her temple. However, it became clear that Paul and his coworkers had not committed any crime.

Acts 18:23–19:41

This section describes Paul's third mission journey, which happened around AD 53 to 57. Paul visited Galatia and Phrygia again to build stronger relationships with the disciples (18:23). He then traveled to Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years (19:1, 8–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesus Paul (Saul) Rome Dealing with Conflict

Events

Third Missionary Journeyc. AD 50
Riot in Ephesus

Related verses

Acts 12:17
Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.
1 Timothy 1:20
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
Acts 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.
Acts 21:40–22:1
Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:
Luke 1:22
When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
Acts 13:16
Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!
Acts 26:1–2
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

People

Alexander: Jew put forward by the crowd in Ephesus Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Alexander Artemis Asiarch Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Church Church Meetings Demetrius Diana First Letter to the Corinthians Gods and Goddesses Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Paul the Apostle Persecution Philippians, Letter to the Second Letter to the Corinthians Theater Timothy, First Letter to Travel

Topics

Alexander: A Jew of Ephesus Demetrius: A Silversmith, Noted for Raising a Riot Mob: At Ephesus Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes with the Makers of Idols Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot

Acts 19:33

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