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Saturday, July 19th, 2025
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
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The NET Bible®

Acts 19:38

If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against someone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Citizens;   Demetrius;   Deputy;   Mob;   Paul;   Prudence;   Tact;   Thompson Chain Reference - Proconsuls;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Rome;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Gods and Goddesses, Pagan;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Ordination;   Relics;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Diana;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Asia;   Corinth;   Deputy;   Ephesus;   Paul;   Roman Empire;   Town Clerk;   Trial;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Acts;   Demetrius;   Deputy;   Ephesus;   Gods, Pagan;   Masons;   Proconsul;   Silversmith;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Bible;   Corinthians, Second Epistle to;   Deputy;   Ephesus;   Romans, Epistle to the;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Arts;   Asia ;   Ephesus ;   Proconsul;   Roman Law in the Nt;   Town-Clerk;   Word;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Craftsman;   Demetrius ;   Deputy;   Proconsul;   43 Builder Maker Artificer,;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Ephesians;   Ephesus;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Deputy;   Roman Empire;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Saul of Tarsus;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Deputy;   Eschatology of the New Testament;   Implead;   Plead;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
King James Version (1611)
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftesmen which are with him, haue a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies, let them implead one another.
King James Version
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
English Standard Version
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
New American Standard Bible
"So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; have them bring charges against one another.
New Century Version
If Demetrius and those who work with him have a charge against anyone they should go to the courts and judges where they can argue with each other.
Amplified Bible
"So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another there.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
"So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another.
Legacy Standard Bible
So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another.
Berean Standard Bible
So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there.
Contemporary English Version
If Demetrius and his workers have a case against these men, we have courts and judges. Let them take their complaints there.
Complete Jewish Bible
So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and the judges are there — let them bring charges and counter-charges.
Darby Translation
If therefore Demetrius and the artisans who [are] with him have a matter against any one, the courts are being held, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.
Easy-to-Read Version
We have courts of law and there are judges. Do Demetrius and those men who work with him have a charge against anyone? They should go to the courts. Let them argue with each other there.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Wherefore, if Demetrius and the craftes men which are with him, haue a matter against any man, the lawe is open, and there are Deputies: let them accuse one another.
George Lamsa Translation
But if De-me''tri-us and the men of his trade have a case against any man, behold there is a proconsul in the city; let the craftsmen come forward and settle with one another in the court.
Good News Translation
If Demetrius and his workers have an accusation against anyone, we have the authorities and the regular days for court; charges can be made there.
Lexham English Bible
If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the court days are observed and there are proconsuls—let them bring charges against one another!
Literal Translation
If then, indeed, Demetrius and those craftsmen with him have a matter against anyone, courts are being held , and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another.
American Standard Version
If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.
Bible in Basic English
If, then, Demetrius and the workmen who are with him have a protest to make against any man, the law is open to them, and there are judges; let them put up a cause at law against one another.
Hebrew Names Version
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.
International Standard Version
So if Demetrius and his workers have a charge against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They should accuse one another there.
Etheridge Translation
But if this Dimitrios and the sons of his craft have strife with any man, behold, the proconsul is in the city, (and) there are officers: let them go nigh and judge one with another.
Murdock Translation
But if Demetrius and the men of his trade have a controversy with any one, lo, there is a proconsul in the city, they are men of dexterity, let them approach and litigate with one another.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Wherfore, yf Demetrius & the craftes men which are with hym, haue a matter agaynst any man, the lawe is open, and there are deputies, let them accuse one another.
English Revised Version
If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.
World English Bible
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him, have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
If then Demetrius and the artificers that are with him, have a charge against any one, the courts are held, and there are proconsuls; let them implead one another.
Weymouth's New Testament
If, however, Demetrius and the mechanics who support his contention have a grievance against any one, there are Assize-days and there are Proconsuls: let the persons interested accuse one another.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
That if Demetrie, and the werk men that ben with hym, han cause ayens ony man, there ben courtis, and domes, and iugis; accusen thei eche other.
Update Bible Version
If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.
Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore, if Demetrius and the artificers who are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
New King James Version
Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
New Living Translation
"If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges.
New Life Bible
If Demetrius and his workmen have something against anyone, we have special days for courts. Let them go to court.
New Revised Standard
If therefore Demetrius and the artisans with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges there against one another.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
If then, Demetrius, and the craftsmen with him, have against anyone an accusation, courts, are being held, and there are, proconsuls: let them accuse one another!
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him have a matter against any man, the courts of justice are open: and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another.
Revised Standard Version
If therefore Deme'trius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against any one, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Wherfore yf Demetrius and the craftes men which are wt him have eny sayinge to eny man the lawe is open and ther are ruelars let the accuse one another.
Young's Literal Translation
if indeed, therefore, Demetrius and the artificers with him with any one have a matter, court [days] are held, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
But yff Demetrius and they that are craftesmen with him, haue ought to saye vnto eny man, the lawe is open, and there are rulers, let them accuse one another.
Mace New Testament (1729)
if Demetrius and the other artists, that are with him, can lay their action against any man, the law is open, and the proconsul is near; let them begin their process.
THE MESSAGE
"So if Demetrius and his guild of artisans have a complaint, they can take it to court and make all the accusations they want. If anything else is bothering you, bring it to the regularly scheduled town meeting and let it be settled there. There is no excuse for what's happened today. We're putting our city in serious danger. Rome, remember, does not look kindly on rioters." With that, he sent them home.
Simplified Cowboy Version
The mayor continued, "If Demetrius and his workers have something against them, let it be settled in the courts like civilized men. Let them file their complaint and state their case.

Contextual Overview

21 Now after all these things had taken place, Paul resolved to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. He said, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." 22 So after sending two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed on for a while in the province of Asia. 23 At that time a great disturbance took place concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought a great deal of business to the craftsmen. 25 He gathered these together, along with the workmen in similar trades, and said, "Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business. 26 And you see and hear that this Paul has persuaded and turned away a large crowd, not only in Ephesus but in practically all of the province of Asia, by saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that this business of ours will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be regarded as nothing, and she whom all the province of Asia and the world worship will suffer the loss of her greatness." 28 When they heard this they became enraged and began to shout, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29 The city was filled with the uproar, and the crowd rushed to the theater together, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who were Paul's traveling companions. 30 But when Paul wanted to enter the public assembly, the disciples would not let him.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

Demetrius: Acts 19:24

have: Acts 18:14, Deuteronomy 17:8, 1 Corinthians 6:1

the law is open: or, the court-days are kept

Reciprocal: Acts 13:7 - the deputy

Cross-References

Genesis 19:1
The two angels came to Sodom in the evening while Lot was sitting in the city's gateway. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face toward the ground.
Genesis 19:3
But he urged them persistently, so they turned aside with him and entered his house. He prepared a feast for them, including bread baked without yeast, and they ate.
Genesis 19:4
Before they could lie down to sleep, all the men—both young and old, from every part of the city of Sodom—surrounded the house.
Genesis 19:8
Look, I have two daughters who have never had sexual relations with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do to them whatever you please. Only don't do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof."
Genesis 19:15
At dawn the angels hurried Lot along, saying, "Get going! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or else you will be destroyed when the city is judged!"
Genesis 19:19
Your servant has found favor with you, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I am not able to escape to the mountains because this disaster will overtake me and I'll die.
Genesis 19:23
The sun had just risen over the land as Lot reached Zoar.
Genesis 19:28
He looked out toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of that region. As he did so, he saw the smoke rising up from the land like smoke from a furnace.
Deuteronomy 2:9
Then the Lord said to me, "Do not harass Moab and provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as your territory. This is because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.
Deuteronomy 2:19
But when you come close to the Ammonites, do not harass or provoke them because I am not giving you any of the Ammonites' land as your possession; I have already given it to Lot's descendants as their possession."

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him,.... Who were the ringleaders and encouragers of this tumult:

have a matter against any man; any accusation, or charge, any crime to accuse him of, and charge him with:

the law is open; or court days are kept; there are certain times fixed for the hearing and trying of causes, where and when such an affair should be regularly brought; and not use such disorderly methods, and throw a city into confusion, and break the peace as these men had done: the Syriac version renders it, "they are artificers"; that is, Demetrius and the craftsmen with him; they are tradesmen, and it does not belong to them, nor should they take upon themselves to judge and determine what is right or wrong:

and there are deputies; or "proconsuls"; the proconsul and his deputy, to whom such matters appertain, and who are judges in such cases, and to whom application should be made, and before whom such cases should be brought, and heard, and tried: the Syriac version reads in the singular number, "and there is a proconsul in the city"; a Roman governor and judge, whose province it is to determine such matters:

let them implead one another; let the plaintiff bring his accusation, and charge, and let the others defend themselves, and let things proceed in a due course of law, and so issue.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Have a matter against any man - Have a complaint of injury; if injustice has been done them by anyone.

The law is open - See the margin. Ἀγόραιοι Agoraioi ἄγονται agontai, that is, ἡμέραι hēmerai. There are court-days; days which are open, or appointed for judicial trials, where such matters can be determined in a proper manner. Perhaps the courts were then held, and the matter might be immediately determined.

And there are deputies - Roman proconsuls. See the notes on Acts 13:7. The cause might be brought before them with the certainty that it would be heard and decided. The Syriac reads this in the singular number “Lo, the proconsul is in the city.”

Let them implead one another - Let them accuse each other in the court. The laws are equal, and impartial justice will be done.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 38. If Demetrius - have a matter against any man — If it be any breach of law, in reference to Demetrius and the artists, the law is open, αγοραιοι αγονται; these are the terms of law, public courts, times of sessions or assize; or, rather, the judges are mow sitting: so the words may be understood. And there are deputies, ανθυπατοι, proconsuls, appointed to guard the peace of the state, and to support every honest man in his right: let them implead one another; let the one party bring forward his action of assault or trespass, and the other put in his defense: the laws are equal and impartial, and justice will be done to him who is wronged.


 
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