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Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ). Acts 19:23-41 read as follows:
"23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. 28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. 32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. 34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 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? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. 37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. 38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. 39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. 41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly."
The Greek word ( Greek [ 4714 ] ) for the word "uproar," in verse forty ( above ), is defined as follows:
"a standing (prop. the act), i.e. (by anal.) position (existence); by impl. a popular uprising; fig. controversy." [ See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 89. ). ]
The word "uprising," in the above-given definition, is defined as follows:
". . . n. 1 The act of rising. 2 Revolt; insurrection. 3 An ascent; a slope; acclivity." [ See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 1063. ]
By virtue of sense two of the definition of the word "uprising," we see the concept of a revolt or insurrection associated with the word "uproar." Notice that Paul did not start this revolt or insurrection: a silversmith named Demetrius did ( see verses twenty-four through twenty-nine, above ).
Moreover, Gaius and Aristarchus were caught ( see verse twenty-nine, above ), which implies that they were not willing participants in this revolt or insurrection. Furthermore, although Paul wanted to go "in unto the people," he was not allowed to do so ( see verse thirty, above ): "certain of the chief of Asia" also discouraged him ( see verse thirty-one, above ). As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we will not participate in revolts or insurrections: we will lead quiet and peaceable lives "in all godliness and honesty" ( see 1 Timothy 2:2 ). Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ).
Moreover, Gaius and Aristarchus were caught ( see verse twenty-nine, above ), which implies that they were not willing participants in this revolt or insurrection. Furthermore, although Paul wanted to go "in unto the people," he was not allowed to do so ( see verse thirty, above ): "certain of the chief of Asia" also discouraged him ( see verse thirty-one, above ). As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we will not participate in revolts or insurrections: we will lead quiet and peaceable lives "in all godliness and honesty" ( see 1 Timothy 2:2 ). Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ).
If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
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<Russell E. Willis>
