Acts 19

1 Paul cometh to Ephesus, and findeth there twelve Disciples, who were baptized in the baptism of John, 6 on whom he layes (his) hands, and they receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost. 8 Teacheth there above two years as well in the Synagogue as in the School of Tyrannus, 11 confirming his doctrine with singular miracles, even by his handkerchiefs. 13 Seven sons of one Sceva a chief Priest of the Jews, adjuring certain persons by the name of Jesus, were by the wicked spirits prevailed over over and wounded. 18 Many counselling their deeds, bring their books of vain arts together, which are burned. 21 Paul purposeth to travel to Jerusalem. 23 Determines a silver-smith getting his living by making little silver Temples of Diana, raiseth an uproar against him. 30 Paul would go forth amongst the people to appease them.but he is diswaded. 33 Alexander endeavoureth to make an Apologie, but is not heard because he was a Jew. 35 But finally this tumult is quieted by the Town-clerk.

1. And it came to pass while Apollo was at Corinth, that Paul having travelled through the uppermost parts (of the land) [Namely, of Galatia and Phrygia. See Acts 18:23.] came to Ephesus and fining some Disciples (ther,)

2. He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost, [that is, the extraordinary visible gifts of the Holy Ghost, of speaking with all kind of tongues, prophecying, curing all manner of sickness. &c. See v. 6. John 7:39. Acts 10.v. 44. 47.] when ye believed? [namely, and were baptized] And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be an holy Ghost. [that is, whether there be such extraordinary gifts of the holy Ghost wrought and given.]

3. And he said unto them, whereinto therefore were ye baptized? [That is, what doctrine was published unto you, and did ye confess, when ye were baptized] And they said, into the baptism of John. [That is, we were baptized by John, upon confession of the doctrine which John taught of Christ, and thereupon baptized his disciples. See Acts 18:25.by which baptism the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were not given, forasmuch as Christ then was not yet glorified, John 7.ver. 39.

4. But Paul said, John indeed baptized the baptism of repentance, [That is, by which he preached repentance, and which engaged the baptized to repentance. Whereby as also by that which followeth he sheweth, that the baptism of John in it selfe, as concerning its essence, is the same with the baptism of the Apostles: as having all one sign and all one thing signified, and being administred to all one end. But the difference is, that John with his doctrine and baptism pointed at Christ who came after him; and was to accomplish all things: and the Apostles, that Christ being come, hath perfectly performed all things necessary to our Redemption] saying to the people that they should believe in him, who came after him that is in Christ Jesus.

5. And they that [Or, and when they heard it: namely, the Disciples of John] heard (him) [namely, John the Baptist: for these are the words of Paul relating how John baptized his Disciples, which appears from the Greek text in which the two particles men, that is, indeed, and de, that is, but or and (whereof the one goeth before in the fourth verse, and the other followes in the fifth verse) shew that the things which are said in these two verses, must be joined together, and that one and the same person and thing is spoken of. So that from hence

6. And when Paul had laid hands on them, See Acts 8:17.] the holy Ghost [that is, the extraordinary gifts of the holy Ghost, which presently after are expressed] came upon them: and they spake with (strange) languages [Gr.tongues] and prophecyed. [that is, declared things to come, or spake of divine things, and interpreted the writings of the rophets. See 1 Cor. 14. 3.

7. And all these were about twelve men.

8. And he went into the Synagogue and spake boldly, treating (with them) for three moneths, and advising (them) the things of the kingdome of God. [That is, which concern everlasting salvation,]

9. But when some grew hardned, and were disobedient [Or imperswasible] speaking of the way (of the Lord) [that is, doctrine. See Acts 18:25.] before the people, he removed from them and separated the disciples, treating daily in the Schoole of a certain man called Tyranus, [this word is former times signified with the Greekes any one that had dominion: and forasmuch as the same was abused, any one afterwards who either unlawfully assumws dominion, or abuseth the same by injustice and cruelty was so called. But here it seems to be a proper name of a man, who had caused this Schoole to be built.]

10. And this was done fro two years, so that all [That is, very many, almost all] which dwelt in Asia [namely, Asia the less] heard the word of the Lord Jesus, [that is, concerning the Lord Jesus] both Jews and Greeks.

11. And God did unusuall mighty (works) [That is, miracles] by the hands of Paul: [that is, by the ministry, Acts 5:12.]

12. So that even from his body were carried upon the sick, handkerchiefs or aprons, and that the sickness departed from them, and the evil spirits, went out of them.

13. And some of the wandring Jews [Gr.gang-about i.e. running about the country to get gain thereby] being conjurers [who drove out unclean Spirits by ad juring them by the name of God: which the unclean Spirits suffered them to do, to keepe men in subscription] took upon them to name the name of Jesus over those which had those evil spirits: saying, we adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. [seeing they saw that Paul so powerfully cast out Devils in the name of Jesus, they would imitate the same to have the more honour or gain.]

14. Now (those) were certain seven sons of Sceva: a chief Priest of the jews, [See concerning these chief Priests, Matthew 2:4.] who did this.

15. But the evil spirit answering, said, Jesus I know, [Namely, that he hath power to cast me ou] and Paul I know: but ye who are ye? [that is, what power have ye for to command me?]

16. And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leapt upon them; and being become master of them, [Gr.having got dominion over them] got the upper-hand against them, so that they sted out of that house naked and wounded.

17. And this was known to all both Jews and Greeks who dwelt at Ephesus: and there fell a fear upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18. And many of those which believed came, confessing and declaring [Or telling, i.e. manifesting, relating their deeds. That is, misdeeds, and heinous sins, namely, openly detesting the same, and beseeching counsell and comfort of Paul against the same.

19. Many of those also, who had used vain (arts) [Or curious arts. So by a milder name the devilish and black arts of sorcery and soothsaying are called, whereto the Ephesians of old were very much inclined] brought the books together, and burnt them in the presence of all men: and reckoned the worth of them, and found fifty thousand [Gr.five times ten thousand of silver] (peeces) of silver. [Or drams of silver, each dram of silver being reckoned for fix (dutch) stivers, Matthew 18:28.so as this sum maketh fifteen thousand (dutch) gilders, which is, about one thousand five hundred pounds sterling.]

20. So grew [See Acts 12:24.] the word of the Lord with power, [That is, very mightily] and prevailed.

21. And when these things were accomplished [Gr.fulfilled] Paul purposed [Gr. Paul set in the spirit] in the spirit, [that is, in his mind. Or, by the spirit, namely, the Holy spirit, who inspired him how to order his journeys] having gone through Macedonia and Achaia [namely, under one to visit the Churches in those Countreys] to travel unto Jerusalem: saying, after that I shall have been there, I must also see Rome. [this seemeth also to be particularly revealed unto him by God. Upon what occasion and how he afterwards came to Rome, is described Acts 25:12.and 26. 32.and in the two following chapters.]

22. And when he had sent to Macedonia [Namely, to prepare the way for him, and to collect the alms for the poor at Jerusalem, 1 Cor. 4. 17.] two of them that served him, [namely, in the ministry of the word: seeing he alone could not perform all] namely, Timotheus and Erastus, he himself abode (for) a time in Asia.

23. But at that same time there arose no small trouble, by reason of the way (of the Lord.) [that is, the Christian Religion. See Acts 18:25.]

24. For one by name Demetrius a silver-smith [Gr.silver-striker, silver-coiner] who made (little) silver Temples of Diana [that is, made little representations of th great Temple of Diana of silver, or expressed it in pieces of silver-mony: in which stood a little Image of Diana, which the Heathen coming to Ephesus to worship Diana, bought and took with them to give Religious honour to the same at home, as we see even at this day is done at Loretto and elsewhere] brought no small gain to those of that art.

25. Whom he having gathered together, [Gr.having brought together on an heap] with the workmen of such like things, [namely, who wrought form them to make such little Temples] he said O men, ye know that out of this gain we have our welfare.[that is, whereby we must live and maintain our selves.]

26. And ye see and hear that this Paul hath perswaded, and turned a way much people, not only of Ephesus but also almost of all Asia, saying, that they be no gods which are made with hands.

27. And we are not only in danger, that this part [That is, this our trade whereby we must live] should come into contempt [Gr.shall come into contradiction, or rejection, so that we shall not get much to do] but that also the Temple of the great goddess Diana shall be esteemed as nought [Gr.to, or for nought] and that her Majesty also [or greatness of esteem] shall perish [Gr.shall be taken away] to whom all Asia and the (whole) world yields worship.

28. Now when they heard (this) they were full of wrath, and cyred saying, great is Diana of the Ephesians. [That is, must and ought to be held in great honour.]

29. And the whole City was full of confusion, and they ran with violence unanimously towards the Theater, [These were great buildings in some principal Cities of Gentiles, built with seats ascending one above another, into which the people came together to behold the shews set forth in honour of their Idols or otherwise] drawing with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Pauls companions in travel.

30. And when Paul would have gone into the people, the Disciples suffered him not. [Namely, because he should put himself in danger of being killed by those furious people.]

31. And some also of the chief of Asia [Gr. Asiarchai, which were not those that had the government of Asia, but certain Priests who took care of the shews set forth to the honour of their Idols: amongst whom some seem also to have been averse from the Christian Religion] which were friends to him, sent unto him, and intreated that he would not betake himself into the Theater.

32. They cryed therefore (one this) another somewhat else; For the assembly was confused, [Gr. Ecclesia, which properly signifies an assembly called by publick order. But here this assembly was run together of themselves with confusion, v. 29.] and the greater (part) knew not for what cause they were come together.

33. And they caused Alexander [This some think to have been the same Alexander whereof we read, 1 Tim. 1. 20.and 2 Tim. 4. 14.a vehement and obsitinate Enemy of Paul and the truth, but that is not sure. See the annot.on 1 Tim.1.20.] to come forth out of the multitude, [namely to hear him speak] seeing the Jews thrust him forward. [namely, seeing he was also a Jew, to speak something for the accusing of the Christians] And Alexander having beckoned with the hand [see Acts 12:17.and 13. 16.and 21. 40.] would have made an apology unto the people. [namely, of this disorderly running together, with an accusation of the Christians.]

34. But when they understood that he was a Jew, there was a voice of all [Namely the heathen which were there] crying for about two hours, great is the Diana of the Ephesians.

35. And when the (Town) clerk [Or the Secretary of the City] had quieted the multitude, he said, ye men of Ephesus, what man is there I pray who knoweth not that the City of the Ephesians is the Church-keeper [that is, which maintains, keeps, and adorns the Temple of Diana] of the great Goddess Diana, and of (the image) that fell down from heaven? [Gr.that fell down from Jupiter. This Image of Diana was very old, in former time made of wood by an artificer Canetia, which although the Temple was seven time renewed, remained alwayes the same. See Plin.lib. 16.cap. 40.wherefore they made the people believe that it was come down from heaven.]

36. Seeing therefore these things cannot be spoken against, it if fit that ye should be quiet, and do nothing inconsiderately, [Or of halfe-going on too fast, without well bethinking your selves.]

37. For ye have brought (hither) these men, which are neither Church-robbers; nor doe blaspheme your Goddess.

38. If now therefore Demetrius, and they that are of that art with him [Gr.artificers. Namely, to make such little silver Temples] have any matter [Gr.have any word] against any man, the Law-dayes are kept [or the Court-holders assemble, of whom or by whom they may seeke for justice] and there are Governours, [Gr. Anthypatoi, i.e. they that govern in stead of the Cousuls of Rome. See Acts 13:7.] let them complain of one another.

39. And if ye require ought concerning other things; the same decided in a lawfull assembly. [That is, which is called together by command and order of the Magistrate.]

40. For we are in danger that we shall be questioned [Namely by the Governors] of uproar, for this day, [that is, for that which is done by you this day, by this tumultuous running together] seeing there is no cause whereby we shall be able to give reason of this concourse.

41. And having said this he let the assembly depart.]