Acts 19:30
What does Acts 19:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:30 means
Paul desires to enter the assembly, likely to defend the gospel and protect his friends, but the disciples will not allow it. Zeal meets prudence. Courage is not recklessness; the community restrains Paul for his safety and the mission’s sake. This illustrates healthy leadership dynamics: even apostles heed counsel. The verse also hints at Paul’s heart—he is willing to face danger for the truth and for others. Yet God often uses the wisdom of brothers and sisters to preserve His servants for continued usefulness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when Paul was minded to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when Paul was minded to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when Paul was about to go in to the people, the disciples did not let him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And on Paul's purposing to enter in unto the populace, the disciples were not suffering him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Paul intending to go in to the people, the disciples suffered him not;
Context
This follows the seizure of Gaius and Aristarchus and shows the internal deliberations among Christians amid the riot. The next verse strengthens the restraining counsel as Asiarchs—high-ranking provincial officials who are Paul’s friends—urge him not to risk entering the theater. The narrative highlights providential relationships that God uses to shield His messengers.
v.29And the city was filled with the confusion: and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel.
v.30This passage
v.31And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 18:2
And David sent forth the people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
- 2 Samuel 21:17
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel.
- Acts 14:14
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out
- Acts 21:39
But Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, give me leave to speak unto the people.
- Acts 17:22
And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very religious.
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