Acts 19:31

King James Version (KJV)

And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Certain of the chief of Asia - Τινες των Ασιαρχων ; Some of the Asiarchs. The Asiarchs were those to whom the care and regulation of the public games were intrusted: they were a sort of high priests, and were always persons of considerable riches and influence. These could not have been Christians; but they were what the sacred text states them to have been, αυτῳ φιλοι, his friends; and foreseeing that Paul would be exposed to great danger if he went into the theater, amidst such a tumultuous assembly, they sent a message to him, entreating him not to go into danger so apparent. Query: Did he not go, and fight with these wild beasts at Ephesus? 1 Corinthians 15:32.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Certain of the chief of Asia - τῶν Ἀσιαρχῶν tōn AsiarchōnOf the Asiarchs. These were persons who presided over sacred things and over the public games. It was their business to see that the proper services of religion were observed, and that proper honor was rendered to the Roman emperor in the public festivals, at the games, etc. They were annually elected, and their election was confirmed at Rome before it was valid They held a common council at the principal city within their province, as at Ephesus, Smyrna, Sardis, etc., to consult and deliberate about the interests committed to their charge in their various provinces (Kuinoel and Schleusner). Probably they were assembled on such an occasion now; and during their remaining there they had heard Paul preach, and were friendly to his views and doctrines.

Which were his friends - It does not appear from ibis that they were Christian converts; but they probably had feelings of respect toward him, and were disposed to defend him and his cause. Perhaps, also, there might have existed a personal acquaintance and attachment.

Would not adventure - Would not risk his life in the tumult, and under the excited feelings of the multitude.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Persons who came from afar to pay their devotions at the temple of Ephesus, bought little silver shrines, or models of the temple, to carry home with them. See how craftsmen make advantage to themselves of people's superstition, and serve their worldly ends by it. Men are jealous for that by which they get their wealth; and many set themselves against the gospel of Christ, because it calls men from all unlawful crafts, however much wealth is to be gotten by them. There are persons who will stickle for what is most grossly absurd, unreasonable, and false; as this, that those are gods which are made with hands, if it has but worldly interest on its side. The whole city was full of confusion, the common and natural effect of zeal for false religion. Zeal for the honour of Christ, and love to the brethren, encourage zealous believers to venture into danger. Friends will often be raised up among those who are strangers to true religion, but have observed the honest and consistent behaviour of Christians.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

31. Chief of Asia. Or, “Asiarchs.” This official title was applied to those who were selected annually from the chief cities of the province to preside at the religious festivals and public games. Ten Asiarchs were selected from the larger number of city representatives, and one of these the proconsul nominated as president. Their duties led them to the various cities where and when games or festivals were held. Since they were connected with the theater and the worship of Artemis, as well as the worship of the emperor, the Asiarchs were probably informed of the riot and its cause. The references to the Passover service in 1 Cor. 5:6-8 have been thought to suggest that Paul wrote that epistle about Passover time. As he probably left Corinth not many weeks later (2 Corinthians was written from Macedonia), and as his departure was soon after the uprising (Acts 20:1), it may well have been that the uprising occurred shortly after Passover, in the spring. In that event the people were keeping, or anticipating, the great festival in honor of Artemis, in the month named after her, Artemision (April-May). As a result they were more susceptible to Demetrius’ appeal. At that season of the year the Asiarchs would also be in Ephesus.

His friends. The tact and courtesy of Paul’s zeal and boldness apparently won the attention and respect of men in authority. This was true of the Asiarchs, as at other times of Sergius Paulus (ch. 13:7-12), Gallio (ch. 18:14-17), Festus (ch. 25:9-12), Agrippa (ch. 26:28, 32), and the centurion Julius (ch. 27:3, 43). The Asiarchs gave the same advice as that of the disciples, though from different motives. They realized that his presence could not help but excite the passions of the crowd still further.

Not adventure himself. Or, “not venture.” These friendly officials took a personal interest in Paul’s safety.

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Ellen G. White
The Acts of the Apostles, 291-7

This chapter is based on Acts 19:21-41; 20:1.

For over three years Ephesus was the center of Paul's work. A flourishing church was raised up here, and from this city the gospel spread throughout the province of Asia, among both Jews and Gentiles. AA 291.1

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Acts 19:31