Acts 19:40

40 For we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting for today’s events, and we have no justification to account for 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 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.

39 But if you are seeking anything beyond this, it must be settled in a legal assembly.

40 For we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting for today’s events, and we have no justification to account for this commotion.”

41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.