Acts 19:41
What does Acts 19:41 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:41 means
With that, the townclerk dismisses the assembly. The riot ends, not by Paul’s speech or compromise, but by lawful authority restoring order. God, who earlier magnified Jesus’ name through miracles and repentance, now preserves His servants through a pagan official’s prudence. The gospel’s progress in Ephesus survives the clash with idolatry and economic self-interest. This quiet close contrasts with the noise of the crowd, reminding us that the Lord can defend His people in varied ways—through spiritual power and through civil peace. The mission will continue, and Paul’s path toward Jerusalem and Rome, already purposed in his spirit, remains open under God’s hand.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when he had said this, he sent the meeting away.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and these things having said, he dismissed the assembly.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
Context
This final verse concludes the riot narrative that began with Demetrius’s agitation. After confusion, chants, and threats, the townclerk’s speech prevails, dispersing the crowd. The chapter as a whole has moved from disciples’ completion in Christ, to public teaching and miracles, to mass repentance, and finally to civic opposition quelled by legal order. The stage is set for Paul to continue his mission according to the plan noted earlier in the chapter.
v.40For indeed we are in danger to be accused concerning this day’s riot, there being no cause for it: and as touching it we shall not be able to give account of this concourse.
v.41This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 1:8
For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
- Ecclesiastes 9:17
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
- Psalms 65:7
Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.
- Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
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