Bible Strands
Acts 19:31
Even some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul is in Ephesus while a chaotic assembly gathers in the theatre and his disciples physically restrain him from entering. At that precise moment, certain Asiarchs who are also his friends send him a warning message urging him not to go to the theatre.
The words — Ἀσιαρχῶν (Asiarchōn) identifies the provincial officials of Asia, and φίλοι (philoi) marks them as Paul’s personal friends. These terms specify both the political authority and the personal relationship behind the warning.
The thread — The province of Asia serves as the established boundary of Paul’s two-year ministry where both Jews and Greeks heard the word (Acts 19:10). The Spirit previously blocked missionary expansion in that same region (Acts 16:6), and Scripture records that God can secure peace between a messenger and his opponents (Proverbs 16:7).
Why it lands — The text records that political leaders actively intervened to keep Paul out of a volatile crowd. It requires the reader to acknowledge that external warnings and divine restraints can simultaneously operate to halt a preacher’s movement.
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The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 19:10 This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.
- Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
- Acts 16:6 After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.
- Acts 21:12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.