Acts 19:40

40 For indeed we are in danger of being accused of rioting concerning today, [since there] is no cause in relation to which we will be able to give an account concerning this disorderly gathering!" And [when he] had said these [things], he dismissed the assembly.

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 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!

39 But if you desire anything further, it will be settled in the lawful assembly.

40 For indeed we are in danger of being accused of rioting concerning today, [since there] is no cause in relation to which we will be able to give an account concerning this disorderly gathering!" And [when he] had said these [things], he dismissed the assembly.

Footnotes

• [a]. *Here "[since]" is supplied as a component of the causal genitive absolute participle ("is")
• [b]. *Here "[when]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("had said") which is understood as temporal
• [c]. Verse 41 in the English Bible is included as part of v. 40 in the standard editions of the Greek text