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

ACTS 19:30KJV
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Acts 19:30 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:30 mean?

Acts 19:30 describes how Paul wanted to go in and speak to the crowd, but the disciples would not allow him to do so. The verse shows that Paul's companions were concerned for his safety and took steps to prevent him from entering a dangerous situation.

In this scene, Paul is in Ephesus during a riot stirred up by local craftsmen who felt threatened by his message. The "people" refers to the angry crowd gathered in the theater. The disciples—Paul's fellow believers—held him back, not letting him face the mob, likely fearing he would be harmed. This moment highlights both Paul's courage and the protective care of his friends.

The Greek behind Acts 19:30

  • "Would" (ἠβούλετο, ēbouleto): This Greek word often means "was wishing" or "was determined." It shows that Paul was actively wanting or intending to go in, not just considering it passively.
  • "Suffered" (εἴων, eiōn): In Greek, this word means "allowed" or "permitted." The disciples did not permit Paul to go, showing their strong intervention.
  • "People" (δῆμος, dēmos): This word specifically refers to the assembled public or crowd, not just a random group. Here, it points to the large, potentially hostile assembly in the theater.

Why Acts 19:30 matters

  • Acts 19:30 makes clear that Paul was not reckless, but his desire to face the crowd was checked by the wisdom and concern of his fellow believers.
  • The verse highlights the real danger Paul faced in Ephesus and the seriousness of the opposition to his message.
  • This moment connects to the larger story in Acts 19, showing the tension between the spread of the gospel and the resistance it provoked, as well as the importance of community and mutual care among early Christians.

Where else these words appear

“people” Greek G1218 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
  • Acts 17:5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
  • Acts 19:33 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.

“suffered” Greek G1439 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
  • Acts 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
  • Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

“when” Greek G1014 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.