Acts 19:35

ἀνθρώπων with אABE. Vulg. ‘hominum.’

θεᾶς omitted with אABDE. Not represented in Vulg.

35. καταστείλας, having quieted, i.e. reduced them to such a degree of order that he could make himself heard. The ‘appease’ of A.V. is too strong. They were hardly appeased even when his speech was done. Cf. 3Ma 6:1, Ἐλεάζαρος … τοὺς περὶ αὐτὸν καταστείλας πρεσβυτέρους. In the verse preceding we are told ἀνεβόησαν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ σφόδρα.

ὁ γραμματεύς, the townclerk. It is not easy to find an English word which comes at all near the significance of this title. ‘Recorder’ has been proposed, because he had charge of the city archives, and Luther calls him ‘chancellor.’ He was a most important personage, and his title is found at times on the coinage. He also gave name in some places to the year, like the Archon at Athens. Through him all public communications were made to the city, and in his name replies were given. It is this part of his duty which has led to the rendering ‘townclerk.’

φησίν, he says. The speech is full of ability, and shews that the man was fitted for his eminent position. It seems to shew also that the higher classes (as has been noticed in the case of the Asiarchs) were not so devoted to the service of the goddess as were the common people.

νεωκόρον, worshipper. Rev. Vers. ‘temple-keeper.’ Lit. ‘temple sweeper.’ The name no doubt was first used to imply that any office in the service of so magnificent a goddess was a grand distinction; and not in Ephesus only did the worshippers of a special divinity apply this title to themselves. Thus Josephus B. J. v. 9 4 applies it to the Jews as worshippers of Jehovah. The word also occurs in Plato’s Laws 6:759.

τῆς μεγάλης Ἀρτέμιδος, of the great Artemis (Diana). It seems more natural in the mouth of the γραμματεύς that θεᾶς should be omitted.

τοῦ Διοπετοῦς, of the image which fell down from Jupiter. The adj. Διοπετές agrees with ἄγαλμα or some such word, which would be as naturally omitted in common speech as θεᾶς in the previous clause. The first part of the speech of the γραμματεύς is directed to point out how uncalled for their uproar is. There is no need for them to shout about the greatness of the Ephesian goddess. Everybody in the world is aware how devoted the city is to her worship and how glorious is her temple.