Acts 19:39
New International Version
If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly.

New Living Translation
And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly.

English Standard Version
But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.

Berean Standard Bible
But if you are seeking anything beyond this, it must be settled in a legal assembly.

Berean Literal Bible
But if you inquire anything beyond this, it will be solved in the lawful assembly.

King James Bible
But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

New King James Version
But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.

New American Standard Bible
But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly.

NASB 1995
“But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly.

NASB 1977
“But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly.

Legacy Standard Bible
But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful meeting.

Amplified Bible
But if you want anything beyond this, it will be settled in the lawful assembly.

Christian Standard Bible
But if you seek anything further, it must be decided in a legal assembly.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if you want something else, it must be decided in a legal assembly.

American Standard Version
But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.

Contemporary English Version
But if you want to do more than that, the matter will have to be brought before the city council.

English Revised Version
But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you want anything else, you must settle the matter in a legal assembly.

Good News Translation
But if there is something more that you want, it will have to be settled in a legal meeting of citizens.

International Standard Version
But if you want anything else, it must be settled in the regular assembly,

Majority Standard Bible
But if you are seeking anything concerning other matters, it must be settled in a legal assembly.

NET Bible
But if you want anything in addition, it will have to be settled in a legal assembly.

New Heart English Bible
But if you seek anything further, it will be settled in the regular assembly.

Webster's Bible Translation
But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

Weymouth New Testament
But if you desire anything further, it will have to be settled in the regular assembly.

World English Bible
But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if you seek after anything concerning other matters, it will be determined in the legal assembly;

Berean Literal Bible
But if you inquire anything beyond this, it will be solved in the lawful assembly.

Young's Literal Translation
'And if ye seek after anything concerning other matters, in the legal assembly it shall be determined;

Smith's Literal Translation
But if ye inquire anything concerning, other things, it shall be explained in a lawful assembly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if you inquire after any other matter, it may be decided in a lawful assembly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if you would inquire about other things, this can be decided in a lawful assembly.

New American Bible
If you have anything further to investigate, let the matter be settled in the lawful assembly,

New Revised Standard Version
If there is anything further you want to know, it must be settled in the regular assembly.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But if you want something else, it must be determined in a lawful assembly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And if you seek anything other than what is granted by the law, the assembly will be dismissed.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But if you have any inquiries to make about other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

Godbey New Testament
But if you are seeking something concerning other things, it shall be settled in the lawful church.

Haweis New Testament
And if ye have any dispute about other matters, it shall be terminated in a lawful assembly,

Mace New Testament
but if the contest be about other matters, it may be decided in a regular assembly.

Weymouth New Testament
But if you desire anything further, it will have to be settled in the regular assembly.

Worrell New Testament
But, if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.

Worsley New Testament
But if ye are enquiring any thing about other matters, let it be decided in a lawful assembly:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Riot in Ephesus
38So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there. 39But if you are seeking anything beyond this, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40For we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting for today’s events, and we have no justification to account for this commotion.”…

Cross References
Acts 18:14-15
But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint. / But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.”

Acts 25:10-12
Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” / Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Acts 24:19-21
who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. / Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, / unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

Acts 23:29
I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.

Acts 16:37-39
But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!” / So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. / They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city.

Acts 25:16
I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.

Acts 22:30
The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

Acts 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

Acts 25:8
Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”

Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Deuteronomy 17:8-9
If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. / You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case.

Exodus 18:22-26
Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. / If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.” / Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. ...

1 Kings 3:16-28
At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ...

2 Chronicles 19:5-10
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” ...

Proverbs 18:17
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.


Treasury of Scripture

But if you inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

lawful.

Acts 19:39
But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

Jump to Previous
Assembly Business Desire Determined Enquire Further Inquire Lawful Matters Meeting Question Regular Seek Settled Want
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Assembly Business Desire Determined Enquire Further Inquire Lawful Matters Meeting Question Regular Seek Settled Want
Acts 19
1. The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.
8. The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.
13. The Jewish exorcists,
16. are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.
19. Conjuring books are burnt.
21. Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;
35. which is appeased by the town clerk.














But if you are seeking anything beyond this
This phrase is part of a speech given by the city clerk of Ephesus during a tumultuous gathering. The context involves a riot incited by silversmiths who were losing business due to the spread of Christianity, which was turning people away from idol worship. The "anything beyond this" refers to grievances or issues that the crowd might have beyond the immediate disturbance. The city clerk is urging the crowd to consider the proper channels for addressing such matters, emphasizing order and legality. This reflects the Roman emphasis on law and order, as Ephesus was a significant city in the Roman province of Asia.

it must be settled
The use of "settled" indicates a resolution or decision that is to be reached through a formal process. This reflects the Roman legal system, which was highly structured and provided mechanisms for resolving disputes. The emphasis on settlement through legal means underscores the importance of justice and order, which are themes found throughout the Bible. For example, in Deuteronomy 16:18-20, the Israelites are instructed to appoint judges and officials to ensure justice in their communities.

in a legal assembly
The "legal assembly" refers to the official gathering of citizens in a city to conduct public business, known as the "ekklesia" in Greek. This was a common practice in Greek and Roman cities, where citizens would gather to discuss and decide on civic matters. The city clerk's insistence on using a legal assembly highlights the importance of following established procedures and respecting authority. This concept of orderly assembly can be seen in the early church's gatherings, as described in Acts 2:42-47, where believers met regularly for teaching, fellowship, and prayer. The idea of a legal assembly also foreshadows the ultimate assembly of believers in the heavenly kingdom, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:22-24.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ephesus
A major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its temple to the goddess Artemis. It was a center of commerce and religion.

2. Demetrius
A silversmith in Ephesus who incited a riot against Paul and his companions because their preaching was affecting the sale of idols.

3. The Town Clerk
A city official who calmed the riotous crowd and emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through lawful means.

4. Paul the Apostle
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was the catalyst for the events leading to the riot.

5. The Riot in Ephesus
A significant event where the preaching of the Gospel led to economic and social upheaval, demonstrating the transformative power of the Christian message.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lawful Resolution
Christians are called to respect and utilize legal systems to resolve disputes, reflecting a commitment to order and justice.

The Role of Peacemakers
Believers should strive to be peacemakers in their communities, promoting harmony and understanding.

The Impact of the Gospel on Society
The transformative power of the Gospel can lead to significant societal changes, sometimes causing conflict with established norms and practices.

Respect for Authority
Christians are encouraged to respect and pray for those in authority, recognizing their role in maintaining peace and order.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Like Paul, believers should remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing opposition or societal pressure.(39) It shall be determined in a lawful assembly.--Better, in the lawful assembly. The argument is that, should the alleged grievance be one that called for legislative rather than judicial action, the matter would have to be referred to the regular meeting of the ecclesia, which the town-clerk had probably the right to summon. There they could present their gravamen, and petition for redress. Here also the inscriptions discovered by Mr. Wood (vi. 6, p. 50) give an interesting illustration of the official phraseology. An image of Athena is to be placed "above the bench where the boys sit," at "every lawful (or regular) ecclesia."

Verse 39. - Seek for inquire, A.V.; about for concerning, A.V.; settled for determined, A.V.; the regular for a lawful, A.V. If ye seek, etc (ἐπιζητεῖτε). Ἐπιζητεῖν means either "to make inquiry" or" to desire earnestly." The verb in the next clause, ἐπιλυθήσεται, it shall be "settled," or "solved," favors the first sense: "If you wish to inquire further into the spread of Paul's doctrine, and the best way of dealing with it, the question should be decided in an assembly of the δῆμος, legally convened." For περὶἑτέρων, about other matters, some manuscripts read περαιτέρω, further. The regular assembly. That summoned by a magistrate in the constitutional way. The Greek cities under the Roman government preserved their rights and liberties, and the privilege of popular assemblies. The town clerk, therefore, gave them their choice of either having the case tried before the proconsuls or having it laid before the ecclesia of the demos, if they wished it to be gone into on wider and deeper grounds.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

you are seeking
ἐπιζητεῖτε (epizēteite)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1934: To seek after, desire, search for, make inquiries about. From epi and zeteo; to search for; intensively, to demand, to crave.

anything
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

beyond this,
περαιτέρω (peraiterō)
Adverb
Strong's 4008: Over, on the other side, beyond. Apparently accusative case of an obsolete derivative of peiro; through, i.e. Across.

it must be settled
ἐπιλυθήσεται (epilythēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1956: To loose, release; I solve, settle, explain, interpret, decide. From epi and luo; to solve further, i.e. to explain, decide.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

a
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

legal
ἐννόμῳ (ennomō)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1772: (a) legal, statutory, duly constituted, (b) under the law, obedient to the law. From en and nomos; legal, or subject to.

assembly.
ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.


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NT Apostles: Acts 19:39 But if you seek anything about other (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 19:38
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