Act 19:30-31 | JFB | e4.org | 30-34. when Paul would have entered in —with noble forgetfulness of self. unto the people —the demos, that is, the people met in public assembly. the disciples suffered him not —The tense used implies only that they were using their efforts to restrain him; which might have been unavailing but for what follows.

‏ Acts 19:30-31

30-34. when Paul would have entered in—with noble forgetfulness of self.

unto the people—the demos, that is, the people met in public assembly.

the disciples suffered him not—The tense used implies only that they were using their efforts to restrain him; which might have been unavailing but for what follows.

31. And certain of the chief of Asia—literally, "And certain also of the Asiarchs." These were wealthy and distinguished citizens of the principal towns of the Asian province, chosen annually, and ten of whom were selected by the proconsul to preside over the games celebrated in the month of May (the same month which Romanism dedicates to the Virgin). It was an office of the highest honor and greatly coveted. Certain of these, it seems, were favorably inclined to the Gospel, at least were Paul's "friends," and knowing the passions of a mob, excited during the festivals, "sent (a message) to him desiring him not to adventure himself into the theater."