The term "townclerk" appears in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts, and refers to a civic official in the ancient city of Ephesus. The Greek term used is "γραμματεύς" (grammateus), which is often translated as "scribe" or "secretary" in other contexts. In the context of Ephesus, the townclerk held a significant administrative and public role, acting as a liaison between the city and the Roman authorities.

Biblical Reference:

The role of the townclerk is highlighted in Acts 19:35-41, during the account of the uproar in Ephesus caused by the preaching of the Apostle Paul. The passage describes a tumultuous scene where the local silversmiths, led by Demetrius, incite a riot against Paul and his companions due to the perceived threat to their trade of crafting silver shrines of the goddess Artemis. The townclerk intervenes to restore order:

"When the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, 'Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell down from heaven? Since these things are undeniable, you ought to be calm and not do anything rash. For you have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed our temple nor blasphemed our goddess. So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another there. But if you are seeking anything beyond this, it must be settled in a legal assembly. For we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause for it. In that case, we would not be able to account for this commotion.' After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly." (Acts 19:35-41)

Role and Responsibilities:

The townclerk of Ephesus was responsible for maintaining public order and ensuring that the city's affairs were conducted in accordance with Roman law. His intervention in Acts 19 demonstrates his role as a mediator and a voice of reason, emphasizing the importance of legal processes and the potential consequences of civil disorder. The townclerk's speech reflects his diplomatic skills and his ability to de-escalate a volatile situation by appealing to the civic pride of the Ephesians and the legal framework of the Roman Empire.

Historical Context:

Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its grand temple dedicated to Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The townclerk's reference to the city's guardianship of the temple underscores the cultural and religious significance of Artemis worship in Ephesus. The townclerk's role was crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between local traditions and the overarching authority of Rome.

Significance in Early Christianity:

The account of the townclerk in Acts 19 provides insight into the challenges faced by early Christians as they spread the Gospel in a predominantly pagan society. The townclerk's actions highlight the legal protections available to Paul and his companions, as well as the potential for conflict between the nascent Christian movement and established religious and economic interests. This episode underscores the importance of wisdom and prudence in navigating the complexities of civic life while remaining faithful to the mission of spreading the Gospel.Townclerk (1 Occurrence)

Acts 19:35
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
(KJV ASV DBY)

Townclerk (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Townclerk (1 Occurrence). Acts 19:35 And when
the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of ...
/t/townclerk.htm - 6k

Town (861 Occurrences)
... klurk, klark (grammateus): The word "clerk," "writer," "town clerk," "scribe," is
found in this meaning only in Acts 19:35, "when the townclerk had quieted the ...
/t/town.htm - 39k

Knoweth (152 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus,
what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is ...
/k/knoweth.htm - 35k

Jupiter (3 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus,
what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is ...
/j/jupiter.htm - 10k

Worshipper (15 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus,
what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is ...
/w/worshipper.htm - 11k

Town-clerk (1 Occurrence)
Town-clerk. Townclerk, Town-clerk. Town-door . Multi-Version Concordance
Town-clerk (1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). Townclerk, Town-clerk. Town-door . Reference ...
/t/town-clerk.htm - 6k

Temple-keeper (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 19:35 And when the townclerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, Ye men of
Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is ...
/t/temple-keeper.htm - 6k

Clerk (1 Occurrence)
... klurk, klark (grammateus): The word "clerk," "writer," "town clerk," "scribe," is
found in this meaning only in Acts 19:35, "when the townclerk had quieted the ...
/c/clerk.htm - 8k

Appeased (11 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus,
what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is ...
/a/appeased.htm - 9k

Diana (5 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus,
what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is ...
/d/diana.htm - 15k

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