Bible Strands
Acts 19:37
For you have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed our temple nor blasphemed our goddess.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A civic official addresses the Ephesian assembly during a riot, noting that the mob has already escorted Paul’s companions into the theater without legal cause.
The words — ἠγάγετε (ēgagete) translates to "you brought," and ἱεροσὺλος (hi'erosulous) means "temple plunderer," both terms used to deny criminal liability.
The thread — The charge of temple robbery echoes Romans 2:22’s rhetorical question about those who "rob temples," while Paul later cites his own lack of such offenses in Acts 25:8.
Why it lands — The text states that no actual crime or blasphemy occurred, so readers must assess whether their opposition to others stems from verified wrongdoing or merely from perceived threats to tradition or livelihood.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
Cross-references
- Romans 2:22 You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
- 2 Corinthians 6:3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
- Acts 25:8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:32 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—