Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the New Testament, the role of the town clerk is highlighted in the city of Ephesus, as recorded in the Book of Acts. The town clerk, or "grammateus" in Greek, was a significant civic official in ancient cities, responsible for maintaining public records and overseeing administrative functions. This position was crucial in the governance and order of the city, acting as a liaison between the local populace and the Roman authorities.The most notable mention of a town clerk in the Bible occurs in Acts 19:35-41. During the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, he spent considerable time in Ephesus, a major center of commerce and religion, particularly known for the Temple of Artemis. Paul's preaching led to a significant number of conversions, which in turn threatened the local economy, especially the trade of silver shrines of Artemis. This economic disruption incited a riot led by Demetrius, a silversmith, and other craftsmen. The uproar brought the city into chaos, with the crowd seizing Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and dragging them into the theater. It was at this critical juncture that the town clerk intervened. Acts 19:35-41 describes the town clerk's actions: "Finally the city clerk quieted the crowd and declared, 'Men of Ephesus, doesn’t everyone know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? Since these facts 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 grievance 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 for today’s events, and we have no justification to account for this commotion.' After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly." The town clerk's speech is a masterful example of diplomacy and civic responsibility. He acknowledges the city's pride in its religious heritage while simultaneously urging the crowd to adhere to legal processes rather than resorting to mob violence. His intervention not only quelled the immediate unrest but also protected the city from potential repercussions from Roman authorities, who were intolerant of disorder. This passage underscores the town clerk's role as a stabilizing force within the city, emphasizing the importance of law and order. His actions reflect a pragmatic approach to governance, balancing respect for local traditions with adherence to Roman law. The town clerk's ability to pacify the crowd and avert a crisis highlights the significance of wise and judicious leadership in maintaining civic peace and order. Nave's Topical Index Acts 19:35And when the town cleark had appeased the people, he said, You men of Ephesus, what man is there that knows 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? Nave's Topical Index Library The Uproar in Ephesus. Acts xix. 21, 23 Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the ... Appendix Disestablishment From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ... The Acts of the Apostles. From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive Gambling, Card-Playing Away in Paris, a Vast Concourse of People were Assembled Round an ... Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.org What were the Dark Ages? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
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