For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

ACTS 19:40KJV
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Acts 19:40 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:40 mean?

Acts 19:40 describes how the city official warns the crowd that they are at risk of being held responsible for the riot that has taken place, since there is no legitimate reason for the disorder and they would not be able to justify it if questioned by the authorities. The verse highlights the seriousness of causing public unrest without lawful cause.

The setting is the city of Ephesus, where a large crowd has gathered in uproar over Paul's teaching, which threatened the local trade of idol makers. The official, addressing the crowd, points out that their assembly could bring legal trouble from Roman authorities, who took riots very seriously. By saying there is "no cause" for the uproar, the official emphasizes that the crowd's actions are baseless and could lead to consequences for the whole city.

The Greek behind Acts 19:40

  • The word "uproar" (στάσις, stasis) refers to a disturbance or riot, showing that the event was not just a minor disagreement but a serious public disorder.
  • "Account" (λόγος, logos) means a reason or explanation. The official is saying they have no reasonable explanation to give if asked why the riot happened.
  • "Concourse" (συστροφή, sustrophē) means a gathering or assembly, often with a sense of confusion or disorder, highlighting the chaotic nature of the crowd.

Why Acts 19:40 matters

  • Acts 19:40 clarifies that the officials in Ephesus were concerned about Roman intervention, which could have severe consequences for the city if they were seen as unable to maintain order.
  • The verse shows that the opposition to Paul was not based on any real legal charge but on mob emotion, underscoring the lack of legitimate grounds for the uproar.
  • This warning from the city official helps explain why the crowd was eventually dismissed peacefully, preventing further escalation and possible punishment from higher authorities.

Where else these words appear

“concourse” Greek G4963 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 23:12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

“danger” Greek G2793 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
  • Acts 19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

“cause” Greek G158 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
  • Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

“question” Greek G1458 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 19:38 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 23:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
  • Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.