Acts 19:41
New International Version
After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

New Living Translation
Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed.

English Standard Version
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Berean Standard Bible
After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

Berean Literal Bible
And having said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

King James Bible
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

New King James Version
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

New American Standard Bible
After saying this he dismissed the assembly.

NASB 1995
After saying this he dismissed the assembly.

NASB 1977
And after saying this he dismissed the assembly.

Legacy Standard Bible
After saying this he dismissed the meeting.

Amplified Bible
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Christian Standard Bible
After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.

American Standard Version
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Contemporary English Version
After saying this, he told the people to leave.

English Revised Version
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.

Good News Translation
After saying this, he dismissed the meeting.

International Standard Version
After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.

NET Bible
After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

New Heart English Bible
When he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Weymouth New Testament
With these words he dismissed the assembly.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

World English Bible
When he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Berean Literal Bible
And having said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Young's Literal Translation
and these things having said, he dismissed the assembly.

Smith's Literal Translation
And having said these, he loosed the assembly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

New Revised Standard Version
When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he has said these things, he dismissed the multitude.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Godbey New Testament
And having said these things, he dismissed the church.

Haweis New Testament
and so saying, he dissolved the assembly.

Mace New Testament
having thus harangued them, he broke up the assembly.

Weymouth New Testament
With these words he dismissed the assembly.

Worrell New Testament
And, having thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Worsley New Testament
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Riot in Ephesus
40For we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting for today’s events, and we have no justification to account for this commotion.” 41After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

Cross References
Acts 16:39-40
They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city. / After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house to see the brothers and encourage them. Then they left the city.

Acts 17:8-9
On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. / And they collected bond from Jason and the others and then released them.

Acts 18:14-16
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.” / And he drove them away from the judgment seat.

Acts 21:30-36
The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. / While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. / Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. ...

Acts 23:9-10
A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” / The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.

Acts 24:2-9
When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. / In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. / But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly. ...

Acts 25:23-27
The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in. / Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought not to live any longer. / But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. ...

Acts 26:30-32
Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. / On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Luke 23:13-16
Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, / and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. / Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. ...

John 19:12-16
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ...

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

Mark 15:15
And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.


Treasury of Scripture

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

when.

Proverbs 15:1,2
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger…

Ecclesiastes 9:17
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

he dismissed.

Psalm 65:7
Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

2 Corinthians 1:8-10
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: …

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Assembly Dismissed Words
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Assembly Dismissed Words
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.














After he had said this
This phrase refers to the conclusion of a speech given by the city clerk of Ephesus. The city clerk was a significant official, responsible for maintaining order and records. His speech was a response to the uproar caused by the silversmiths, who were upset over the impact of Paul's ministry on their trade related to the temple of Artemis. The clerk's words were intended to calm the crowd and prevent further disorder, which could attract Roman intervention. This reflects the Roman emphasis on maintaining public order and the potential consequences of civil unrest.

he dismissed the assembly
The assembly here refers to the gathering of people in Ephesus, which had become chaotic due to the silversmiths' agitation. The Greek word for assembly is "ekklesia," which is also used in the New Testament to refer to the church, though in this context, it denotes a civic gathering. The dismissal by the city clerk highlights the importance of lawful conduct and the avoidance of mob rule. This incident underscores the tension between the early Christian movement and established religious and economic systems. It also illustrates the protective role of Roman law, which, at times, inadvertently shielded early Christians from persecution.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Town Clerk
A key figure in the city of Ephesus, responsible for maintaining order and managing civic affairs. In this passage, he plays a crucial role in calming the crowd and dismissing the assembly.

2. Ephesus
A major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its temple of Artemis. It was a center of commerce and religion, and the events in Acts 19 highlight the tension between the spread of Christianity and local pagan practices.

3. The Assembly
A gathering of Ephesians, stirred up by the silversmith Demetrius, who was concerned about the impact of Paul's preaching on their trade and the worship of Artemis.

4. Demetrius
A silversmith who incited the crowd against Paul and his companions, fearing the loss of income from the sale of idols and the decline of Artemis worship.

5. Paul
An apostle spreading the Gospel in Ephesus, whose teachings were causing a significant cultural and economic shift in the city.
Teaching Points
The Role of Civic Leaders
The town clerk's actions demonstrate the importance of wise and calm leadership in resolving conflicts. Christians are encouraged to pray for and support leaders who seek peace and justice.

The Power of the Gospel
The disturbance in Ephesus highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which can challenge societal norms and economic structures. Believers should be prepared for opposition when living out their faith.

Maintaining Order and Peace
The dismissal of the assembly underscores the biblical principle of maintaining peace and order. Christians are called to be peacemakers in their communities.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Paul's experience in Ephesus serves as an example of standing firm in faith despite opposition. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their witness for Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 19:41?

2. How can Acts 19:41 inspire us to seek peace in church conflicts?

3. What does Acts 19:41 teach about resolving disputes within a Christian community?

4. How does Acts 19:41 connect with Matthew 5:9 on peacemaking?

5. How can we apply the resolution in Acts 19:41 to modern disagreements?

6. What role does leadership play in conflict resolution as seen in Acts 19:41?

7. What historical context surrounds Acts 19:41 and its significance in early Christianity?

8. How does Acts 19:41 reflect the social and political climate of Ephesus?

9. What role does the town clerk play in Acts 19:41, and why is it important?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 19?

11. What defines an unbiblical baptism?

12. Why is the Upper Room significant?

13. Could the riot and shift in worship in Acts 19:23-41 realistically occur, or does it conflict with historical and archaeological evidence about Ephesus?

14. In Mark 8:1-9, how can 4,000 people be fed with just a few loaves and fish without violating natural laws?
What Does Acts 19:41 Mean
After

• The tiny word “after” anchors the verse to the events that have just unfolded in Ephesus. Moments earlier, “the city clerk quieted the crowd” and reasoned with them (Acts 19:35-40).

• It highlights God’s providential timing—He allowed the riot to reach its peak, then provided a calm voice to end it, echoing Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God,” and 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

• The sequence reminds us that God often resolves turmoil only after His people (Paul and companions) have trusted Him in the thick of it, much like Daniel 6:21-23 when calm followed the lions’ den.


he had said this

• “This” refers to the clerk’s speech, which:

– Affirmed the well-known greatness of Artemis (Acts 19:35), diffusing their fear.

– Pointed to lawful courts for grievances (Acts 19:38), steering the crowd from violence to due process, an application of Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.”

• His measured words mirror God’s use of unexpected voices—Pilate’s wife warning him (Matthew 27:19) or Gamaliel counseling restraint (Acts 5:34-39).

• The city clerk—likely not a believer—still served God’s purpose, illustrating Proverbs 16:7, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”


he dismissed

• “Dismissed” shows decisive civic authority. Romans 13:1 reminds us, “There is no authority except from God,” and here that authority protects gospel workers.

• The clerk did not invite debate; he ended the meeting, paralleling Luke 23:14 when Pilate declared, “I have found no basis for your charges,” then sent Jesus back.

• God often works through government to preserve order so His mission advances (Ezra 6:6-7; Acts 18:14-16).


the assembly

• The same crowd called an “assembly” in Acts 19:32 was moments earlier a confused, riotous mob shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

• Scripture distinguishes between a godly assembly (Hebrews 12:23) and a disorderly one (Psalm 2:1). Here, what began in chaos ends peacefully, fulfilling Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.”

• God’s protection of Paul in front of this secular assembly foreshadows later defenses before governors and kings (Acts 23:10-11; 26:1-3), proving the gospel cannot be silenced by human uproar.


summary

Acts 19:41 captures the calm after the storm. Once the city clerk finished speaking words God used to quell rage and point to lawful order, he simply “dismissed the assembly.” The verse assures us that:

• God governs timing and outcomes.

• He can use unexpected authorities to shield His servants.

• Disorder must yield to the Prince of Peace so the mission continues.

With the crowd dispersed, Paul is free to keep proclaiming Christ, underscoring that no riot, no idol, and no human scheme can halt the advance of the gospel.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[After]
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he had said
εἰπὼν (eipōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

[this],
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

he dismissed
ἀπέλυσεν (apelysen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative 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.

assembly.
ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian)
Noun - Accusative 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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