Discovery BoxActs 19:36-39 
Context19:36 So because these facts 1 are indisputable, 2 you must keep quiet 3 and not do anything reckless. 4 19:37 For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers 5 nor blasphemers of our goddess. 6 19:38 If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint 7 against someone, the courts are open 8 and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there. 9 19:39 But if you want anything in addition, 10 it will have to be settled 11 in a legal assembly. 12
1 tn Grk “these things.”
2 tn The genitive absolute construction with the participle ὄντων (ontwn) has been translated as a causal adverbial participle. On the term translated “indisputable” see BDAG 68-69 s.v. ἀναντίρρητος which has “not to be contradicted, undeniable.”
3 tn Grk “it is necessary that you be quiet.”
4 tn L&N 88.98 has “pertaining to impetuous and reckless behavior – ‘reckless, impetuous.’…‘so then, you must calm down and not do anything reckless’ Ac 19:36.” The city secretary was asking that order be restored.
5 tn Or perhaps, “desecrators of temples.”
6 sn Nor blasphemers of our goddess. There was no formal crime with which Paul could be charged. He had the right to his religion as long as he did not act physically against the temple. Since no overt act had taken place, the official wanted the community to maintain the status quo on these religious matters. The remarks suggest Paul was innocent of any civil crime.
7 tn BDAG 600 s.v. λόγος 1.a.ε has “ἔχειν πρός τινα λόγον have a complaint against someone…19:38.”
8 tn L&N 56.1 has ‘if Demetrius and his workers have an accusation against someone, the courts are open’ Ac 19:38.”
9 tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text but is implied. The official’s request is that the legal system be respected.
10 tn Or “anything more than this.”
11 tn Or “resolved.”
12 tn Or “in a legal meeting of the citizens.” L&N 30.81 has “ἐν τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐπιλυθήσεται ‘it will have to be settled in a legal meeting of the citizens’ Ac 19:39.” This meeting took place three times a year.
