Lexical Summary Asiarchés: Asiarch Original Word: Ἀσιάρχης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chief of Asia. From Asia and arche; an Asiarch or president of the public festivities in a city of Asia Minor -- chief of Asia. see GREEK Asia see GREEK arche NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Asia and archó Definition an Asiarch, an official of Asian cities NASB Translation Asiarchs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 775: ἈσιάρχηςἈσιάρχης, Ἀσιαρχου, ὁ, an Asiarch, President of Asia: Acts 19:31. Each of the cities of proconsular Asia, at the autumnal equinox, assembled its most honorable and opulent citizens, in order to select one to preside over the games to be exhibited that year, at his expense, in honor of the gods and the Roman emperor. Thereupon each city reported the name of the person selected to a general assembly held in some leading city, as Ephesus, Smyrna, Sardis. This general council, called τό κοινόν, selected ten out of the number of candidates, and sent them to the proconsul; and the proconsul, apparently, chose one of these ten to preside over the rest. This explains how it is that in Acts, the passage cited several Asiarchs are spoken of, while Eusebius, h. e. 4, 15, 27 mentions only one; (perhaps also the title outlasted the service). Cf. Meyer on Acts, the passage cited; Winers RWB under the word Asiarchen; (BB. DD. under the word; but especially Le Bas et Waddington, Voyage Archeol. Inscriptions part. v., p. 244f; Kuhn, Die städtische u. bürgerl. Verf. des röm. Reichs, i. 106ff; Marquardt, Röm. Staatsverwalt. i. 374ff; Stark in Schenkel i., 263; especially Lightfoot Polycarp, p. 987ff). Topical Lexicon Role in Roman Provincial Administration “Asiarchs” were prominent civic leaders in the Roman province of Asia, usually wealthy citizens who funded and presided over public festivals, athletic games, and celebrations honoring both the emperor and the traditional gods. Chosen annually, they worked alongside the provincial council (the koinon) and were responsible for ensuring that imperial cult ceremonies were lavish and orderly. Their office blended political influence, religious oversight, and social patronage, granting them ready access to governors and city magistrates. Historical Background Epigraphic evidence from first-century Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and other Asian cities shows that Asiarchs financed temples, theaters, and welfare distributions. The title could be held more than once, and a prestigious Asiarch might later serve as “high priest of Asia,” further reinforcing Rome’s authority through religious devotion to the emperor. Participation demanded substantial personal expense, which only the elite could bear, giving the post both honor and social leverage. Biblical Setting: Acts 19:31 During the riot in Ephesus stirred up by Demetrius the silversmith, “even some of Paul’s friends who were Asiarchs sent word to him begging him not to venture into the theater” (Acts 19:31). This brief notice reveals several important realities: Religious Climate and Spiritual Tension Asiarchs symbolized the fusion of politics and pagan worship. Their duty to promote emperor veneration placed them at direct odds with the Christian confession that “Jesus is Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:3). Yet their friendship with Paul shows that personal ties could transcend ideological divides, and that the Spirit was already softening hearts within systems seemingly impenetrable. Implications for Christian Ministry 1. Strategic Relationships: Paul’s experience encourages believers to cultivate honorable rapport with civil leaders, trusting God to open doors for protection and witness (Philippians 1:12-13). Lessons for Today • Influence at any societal level is a stewardship. Wealth and status, exemplified by the Asiarchs, can either entrench idolatry or, by grace, advance the kingdom. The single mention of Asiarchs thus opens a window onto the complexities of early Christian witness within a pagan, imperial culture and invites believers today to faithful presence in their own civic arenas. Forms and Transliterations Ασιαρχων Ἀσιαρχῶν ασίδα ασιτήσομεν Asiarchon Asiarchôn Asiarchōn Asiarchō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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