Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

ACTS 19:38KJV
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Acts 19:38 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:38 mean?

Acts 19:38 means that if Demetrius and the craftsmen have a legal complaint against anyone, they should take their case to the proper public courts and officials, rather than causing a public disturbance. The verse points people toward lawful ways of settling disputes instead of resorting to mob action.

In this verse, a city official in Ephesus is addressing a crowd that has gathered in protest, stirred up by Demetrius, a silversmith, and other craftsmen who felt threatened by Paul's preaching. The official reminds them that there are legal procedures ("the law is open, and there are deputies") for handling grievances, urging them to use the courts rather than creating chaos in the streets.

The Greek behind Acts 19:38

  • νόμος (nomos, "law") — The Greek word for "law" here refers to the established legal system of the city. The official is emphasizing that there are proper, recognized ways to resolve disputes.
  • ἄγονται (agontai, "is open") — This word is often understood as "being held" or "in session," suggesting that the courts are currently available for use, not closed off or inaccessible.
  • ἀνθύπατοι (anthypatoi, "deputies") — This term refers to Roman officials or proconsuls. Mentioning them shows that there are legitimate authorities present to hear cases, reinforcing the call for order.
  • ἐγκαλεῖτωσαν (egkaleitosan, "let them implead") — This verb means to formally accuse or bring charges against someone in court. The official is urging the aggrieved parties to use the proper legal channels.

Why Acts 19:38 matters

  • Acts 19:38 clears up that the city had an organized legal system, and people were expected to use it rather than take justice into their own hands.
  • The verse highlights the difference between lawful action and mob violence, showing the importance of due process even in times of tension.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing how the early Christian movement sometimes caused social upheaval, but also how local authorities could act to maintain peace and fairness.

Where else these words appear

“law” Greek G60 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“Demetrius” Greek G1216 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
  • 3 John 1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

“craftsmen” Greek G5079 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
  • Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
  • Revelation 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

“deputies” Greek G446 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
  • Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer(for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
  • Acts 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.