Acts 19:36
New International Version
Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash.

New Living Translation
Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash.

English Standard Version
Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.

Berean Standard Bible
Since these things are undeniable, you ought to be calm and not do anything rash.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you to be calm and to do nothing rash.

King James Bible
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

New King James Version
Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly.

New American Standard Bible
So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash.

NASB 1995
“So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash.

NASB 1977
“Since then these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash.

Legacy Standard Bible
So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash.

Amplified Bible
So, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and stay calm and not do anything rash.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash.

American Standard Version
Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.

Contemporary English Version
No one can deny this, and so you should calm down and not do anything foolish.

English Revised Version
Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
No one can deny this. So you have to be quiet and not do anything foolish.

Good News Translation
Nobody can deny these things. So then, you must calm down and not do anything reckless.

International Standard Version
Since these things cannot be denied, you must be quiet and not do anything reckless.

Majority Standard Bible
Since these things are undeniable, you ought to be calm and not do anything rash.

NET Bible
So because these facts are indisputable, you must keep quiet and not do anything reckless.

New Heart English Bible
Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.

Webster's Bible Translation
Seeing then that these things cannot be contradicted, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

Weymouth New Testament
These facts, then, being unquestioned, it becomes you to maintain your self-control and not act recklessly.

World English Bible
Seeing then that these things can’t be denied, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rash.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
These things, then, being undeniable, it is necessary for you to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you to be calm and to do nothing rash.

Young's Literal Translation
these things, then, not being to be gainsaid, it is necessary for you to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore these things not being refuted, it is necessary for you to be restrained, and to do nothing rash.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For as much therefore as these things cannot be contradicted, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, since these things are not able to be contradicted, it is necessary for you to be calm and to do nothing rash.

New American Bible
Since these things are undeniable, you must calm yourselves and not do anything rash.

New Revised Standard Version
Since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Since, therefore, no man can contradict this, you should keep quiet, and do nothing hastily.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Because therefore no one can speak against this, you must be quiet and not do anything hasty.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
As these things, then, can not be contradicted, you ought to be quiet, and do nothing rashly.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore these things being unquestionable, it is necessary that you become calm, and do nothing rashly.

Haweis New Testament
These things being then incontrovertible, it becomes you to be quiet, and to do nothing with precipitation.

Mace New Testament
since this is incontestible, it behoves you to be easy, and free from any rash conduct:

Weymouth New Testament
These facts, then, being unquestioned, it becomes you to maintain your self-control and not act recklessly.

Worrell New Testament
These things, therefore, being incontrovertible, it is needful that ye be quiet, and do nothing rash.

Worsley New Testament
Since therefore these things are incontestible, ye ought to be quiet and composed, and to do nothing rashly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Riot in Ephesus
35Finally the city clerk quieted the crowd and declared, “Men of Ephesus, doesn’t everyone know that the city of Ephesus is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36Since these things are undeniable, you ought to be calm and not do anything rash. 37For you have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed our temple nor blasphemed our goddess.…

Cross References
Exodus 20:3-5
You shall have no other gods before Me. / You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Isaiah 44:9-20
All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ...

Jeremiah 10:3-5
For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

2 Kings 17:15
They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate.

Psalm 115:4-8
Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...

Psalm 135:15-18
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...

Isaiah 46:5-7
To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike? / They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles.

Jeremiah 2:11
Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols.

Jeremiah 16:19-20
O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all. / Can man make gods for himself? Such are not gods!”

1 Corinthians 8:4-6
So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

1 Corinthians 10:19-20
Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.

1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

Romans 1:22-23
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.


Treasury of Scripture

Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

ye ought.

Acts 5:35-39
And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men…

Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Jump to Previous
Act Calm Contradicted Denied Doubted Facts Headlong Maintain Necessary Ought Quiet Rash Rashly Self-Control Undeniable Unwise
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Act Calm Contradicted Denied Doubted Facts Headlong Maintain Necessary Ought Quiet Rash Rashly Self-Control Undeniable Unwise
Acts 19
1. The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.
8. The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.
13. The Jewish exorcists,
16. are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.
19. Conjuring books are burnt.
21. Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;
35. which is appeased by the town clerk.














Since these things are undeniable
The context of this phrase is a speech given by a city clerk in Ephesus, addressing a crowd stirred up by the silversmith Demetrius. The "things" referred to are the widely accepted beliefs about the goddess Artemis, whose temple in Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city clerk appeals to the common knowledge and acceptance of Artemis's divine status and the significance of her temple. This reflects the deeply ingrained pagan beliefs and practices in Ephesus, a major center of worship for Artemis. The phrase underscores the tension between the early Christian message and established pagan traditions. The undeniable nature of these beliefs highlights the challenge faced by Paul and other early Christians in spreading the Gospel in such a context.

you ought to be calm
The city clerk's call for calm is a strategic move to prevent a riot, which could attract the attention of Roman authorities. Ephesus, as a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, enjoyed certain privileges, including self-governance. A public disturbance could jeopardize these privileges. The call for calm reflects the Roman emphasis on order and the potential consequences of civil unrest. This appeal to reason and order is a common theme in Roman governance, where maintaining peace (Pax Romana) was paramount. The clerk's intervention shows the delicate balance between local religious fervor and the overarching Roman political structure.

and not do anything rash
The warning against rash actions is a reminder of the legal and social repercussions of mob violence. In the Roman world, such actions could lead to severe penalties, including loss of civic rights or intervention by Roman troops. The clerk's advice is pragmatic, aiming to protect the city's interests and its citizens from potential harm. This reflects the broader biblical theme of wisdom and prudence, as seen in Proverbs 14:29, which warns against quick-tempered actions. The emphasis on measured responses aligns with the Christian call to live peaceably with all, as instructed in Romans 12:18. The phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the potential consequences of impulsive behavior.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, known for its temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a center of commerce and pagan worship.

2. Demetrius
A silversmith in Ephesus who made silver shrines of Artemis. He incited a riot against Paul and his companions because their teachings threatened his trade.

3. The Riot in Ephesus
A significant event where the local craftsmen, led by Demetrius, stirred up the city against Paul, fearing the loss of income and the decline of Artemis worship.

4. The Town Clerk
A city official who calmed the crowd during the riot, emphasizing the legal channels available for grievances and the importance of maintaining order.

5. Paul the Apostle
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was the catalyst for the events described. His preaching led many to turn away from idolatry, causing economic and social upheaval.
Teaching Points
The Power of Truth
The phrase "these things are undeniable" highlights the power of truth. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, even when it challenges societal norms.

Responding with Calmness
The town clerk’s advice to "be calm and not do anything rash" is a reminder to respond to conflict with wisdom and composure, seeking peaceful resolutions.

The Impact of the Gospel
The economic and social upheaval in Ephesus illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel. As believers, we should expect and embrace change as God’s truth penetrates hearts and societies.

Legal and Orderly Conduct
The emphasis on legal channels for grievances teaches us the importance of respecting authority and pursuing justice through appropriate means.

Idolatry and Modern Equivalents
While ancient idolatry involved physical idols, today’s idols can be anything that takes precedence over God in our lives. We must continually evaluate and remove these idols.(36) Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against . . .--The language of the town-clerk has the ring of an official acceptance of the established cultus rather than of any strong personal devotion. Such language has often been heard from the defenders of institutions which were almost on the verge of ruin.

Ye ought to be quiet.--The verb is the same as that of the transitive "appeased" in Acts 19:35. In the exhortation "to do nothing rashly" we hear the voico of a worldly prudence, reminding us partly, as has been said, of Gamaliel, partly of the well-known maxim of Talleyrand, Surtout, point de zele.

Verse 36. - Gainsaid for spoken against, A.V.; rash for rashly, A.V. (προπετῶς is the adverb), quiet (κατεσταλμένους: see above, ver. 35, note).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Since
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

these things
τούτων (toutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

are
ὄντων (ontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

undeniable,
ἀναντιρρήτων (anantirrētōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 368: Indisputable, undeniable, not to be contradicted. Indisputable.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

ought
δέον (deon)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

to be
ὑπάρχειν (hyparchein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5225: To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).

calm
κατεσταλμένους (katestalmenous)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2687: To let down, lower; I keep down, restrain, pacify. From kata and stello; to put down, i.e. Quell.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

not do anything
πράσσειν (prassein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4238: To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require.

rash.
προπετὲς (propetes)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4312: Impulsive, rash, reckless. From a compound of pro and pipto; falling forward, i.e. Headlong.


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NT Apostles: Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things can't be (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 19:35
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