Acts 19:40

40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, there being no cause that we can give to justify this commotion."

Acts 19:40 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 19:40

For we are in danger of being called in question
Or are liable to be called to an account, reproved, and punished by the Roman proconsul, appointed over this city, or by the Roman emperor, or the Roman senate: for this day's uproar; it being capable of being interpreted as a riot, tumult, and sedition:

there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this
concourse:
or no reason can be assigned, why such a number of people should gather together; none can be given that will justify it, or that can be alleged in favour of it.

Acts 19:40 In-Context

38 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.
39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, there being no cause that we can give to justify this commotion."
41 And when he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.