Acts 19:38

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftesmen which are with him, haue a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies, let them implead one another. Acts 19:38 (KJV)

In Acts 19 the apostle Paul was in the city of Ephesus, preaching the gospel and performing miracles. This caused a stir among the craftsmen who made silver idols of the goddess Artemis. A silversmith named Demetrius, along with other craftsmen, felt threatened by Paul’s message because it could potentially decrease their business. They feared that people would turn away from the worship of Artemis, affecting the demand for their silver idols, and they incited a disturbance that led to a gathering in the theater.

Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor (present‑day Turkey) known for its worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana in Roman mythology). The city had a significant number of craftsmen who earned a living by producing silver idols and religious artifacts associated with Artemis. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus challenged the prevalent pagan practices and impacted the local economy, causing unrest among the craftsmen.

In verse 38 a town official addressed the crowd. He reminded them that if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen had a legitimate grievance against someone, the law was available to them. The phrase “the law is open” suggests that the legal system was accessible and ready to address disputes. The mention of “deputies” refers to officials or judges who could preside over legal matters and resolve disputes. The speaker’s statement emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts in a lawful manner, encouraging the craftsmen to pursue their grievances through legal channels rather than resorting to violence or vigilantism.

The passage does not directly address matters of faith or doctrine, but it highlights the significance of legal processes and peaceful resolutions. Christians are called to be law‑abiding citizens and to seek justice through proper legal means, respecting the established authorities. It reminds believers that resolving conflicts through lawful channels is important, promoting peace and order in society. Overall, Acts 19:38 illustrates a situation in which a conflict arose because Paul’s preaching affected the local economy, and the town official’s advice serves as a reminder for Christians to seek peaceful resolutions within the framework of the law.