Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 19ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ ΙΘ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

1

Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ τὸν Ἀπολλὼ εἶναι ἐν Κορίνθῳ Παῦλον διελθόντα τὰ ἀνωτερικὰ μέρη ἐλθεῖν εἰς Ἔφεσον καὶ εὑρεῖν τινας μαθητάς·

And it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus and found some disciples.

Sequential narrative / circumstantialδέThe Lukan formula ἐγένετο + accusative-infinitive opens the chapter with a synchronism: Apollos is in Corinth (cf. 18:27–28) while Paul arrives overland at Ephesus. The aorist participle διελθόντα marks the overland journey through the interior (τὰ ἀνωτερικὰ μέρη — the high plateau of Phrygia/Galatia) as prior to arrival.
Ἐγένετοit happenedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (Lukan narrative formula)→ constative aorist (event-opening)γίνομαι: 'become, happen'; ἐγένετο + infinitive is a Septuagintal/Lukan idiom marking narrative transition.
δὲandpost-positive connective conjunction
ἐνwhilepreposition + articular infinitive (temporal)
τῷtheDativearticle with articular infinitive
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (accusative subject of infinitive)
ἈπολλὼApollosAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitive εἶναιἈπολλώς: Apollos of Alexandria, the eloquent teacher instructed by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24–26).
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίarticular infinitive (temporal clause with ἐν τῷ)→ progressive present (contemporaneous action)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)
ΚορίνθῳCorinthDativedative of place (locative)Κόρινθος: Corinth, principal city of the Roman province of Achaia.
ΠαῦλονPaulAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitives ἐλθεῖν / εὑρεῖνΠαῦλος: Paul the apostle.
διελθόνταhaving passed throughAor Act Part Acc Sg Masc · διέρχομαιcircumstantial participle (antecedent action to ἐλθεῖν)→ constative aorist (completed journey)διέρχομαι: 'to pass through'; the overland route through the Anatolian interior (cf. 18:23).
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἀνωτερικὰupperAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀνωτερικός: 'upper, inland'; NT hapax denoting the high interior roads of Asia Minor rather than the coastal Maeander valley route.
μέρηregionsAccusativedirect object of διελθόνταμέρος: 'part, region'; τὰ ἀνωτερικὰ μέρη = the upland plateau of Phrygia and Galatia.
ἐλθεῖνto comeAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιcomplementary infinitive (with ἐγένετο)→ constative aorist (arrival)
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ἜφεσονEphesusAccusativeaccusative of destinationἜφεσος: Ephesus, the greatest city of the Roman province of Asia, site of the temple of Artemis.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὑρεῖνto findAor Act Inf · εὑρίσκωcoordinate infinitive (with ἐλθεῖν)→ constative aorist (discovery)εὑρίσκω: 'find, encounter'; the unexpectedness of the discovery sets up the dialogue that follows.
τιναςsomeAccusativeindefinite pronoun / direct object of εὑρεῖν
μαθητάςdisciplesAccusativedirect objectμαθητής: 'disciple, learner'; Luke's normal term for believers; the ambiguity whether these are Christian disciples or disciples of John is what the passage resolves.
2

εἶπέν τε πρὸς αὐτούς· Εἰ πνεῦμα ἅγιον ἐλάβετε πιστεύσαντες; οἱ δὲ πρὸς αὐτόν· Ἀλλ' οὐδὲ εἰ πνεῦμα ἅγιόν ἐστιν ἠκούσαμεν.

And he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' And they said to him, 'We have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.'

Diagnostic question and replyτεThe τε links arrival to Paul's immediate diagnostic question. εἰ πνεῦμα ἅγιον ἐλάβετε πιστεύσαντες implies that Spirit-reception is the expected corollary of believing; the negative answer — 'we have not even heard whether [the Spirit] exists' — signals a pre-Pentecost horizon, explaining the correction that follows.
εἶπένhe saidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist (single speech act)
τεandenclitic connective particle
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee)
αὐτούςthemAccusativeaccusative of addressee
Εἰdidinterrogative particle (yes/no question)εἰ: in direct questions, εἰ introduces a yes/no interrogative; here asking whether Spirit-reception accompanied believing.
πνεῦμαSpiritAccusativedirect object of ἐλάβετεπνεῦμα ἅγιον: 'Holy Spirit'; anarthrous as often in Acts when referring to the Spirit as gift/power.
ἅγιονholyAccusativeattributive adjective
ἐλάβετεyou receivedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb of question→ constative aorist (dateable reception event)λαμβάνω: 'receive, take'; the aorist points to a definite Spirit-reception event — its absence is the diagnostic.
πιστεύσαντεςwhen you believedAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · πιστεύωtemporal participle (coincident or antecedent to ἐλάβετε)→ constative aorist (decisive act of faith)πιστεύω: 'believe'; links Spirit-reception to the moment of faith — the normal Lukan pattern (cf. 2:38; 10:44).
οἱtheyNominativearticle used as pronoun (subject)
δὲbutadversative-connective particle
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee; verb εἶπαν implied)
αὐτόνhimAccusativeaccusative of addressee
Ἀλλ'ratherstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: strong contrast; with οὐδέ the construction stresses the full extent of ignorance.
οὐδὲnot evennegative additive particle
εἰwhetherconjunction introducing indirect question
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubject of ἐστιν
ἅγιόνholyNominativeattributive adjective
ἐστινexistsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίexistential verb (indirect question)→ gnomic presentεἰμί: 'be/exist'; the reply is not a denial of God's Spirit but ignorance of the Pentecost event.
ἠκούσαμενwe heardAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ἀκούωmain verb of reply→ constative aorist (no such hearing occurred)ἀκούω: 'hear, learn of'; with εἰ in indirect question.
3

εἶπέν τε· Εἰς τί οὖν ἐβαπτίσθητε; οἱ δὲ εἶπαν· Εἰς τὸ Ἰωάννου βάπτισμα.

And he said, 'Into what then were you baptized?' And they said, 'Into John's baptism.'

Follow-up diagnostic questionτεPaul's second question narrows from Spirit-reception to baptism. The εἰς τί ('into what') echoes the formula εἰς ὄνομα ('into the name of') used for Christian baptism; their answer εἰς τὸ Ἰωάννου βάπτισμα identifies their initiation as pre-Christian — the same horizon as the pre-Priscilla Apollos (18:25).
εἶπένhe saidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
τεandenclitic connective particle
Εἰςintopreposition + accusative (baptismal formula)
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun
οὖνtheninferential particle
ἐβαπτίσθητεwere you baptizedAor Pass Indic 2 Pl · βαπτίζωmain verb of question→ constative aorist (past event)βαπτίζω: 'to baptize, immerse'; the passive implies another agent performed the rite.
οἱtheyNominativearticle used as pronoun (subject)
δὲandconnective particle
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
Εἰςintopreposition + accusative (baptismal reference)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
Ἰωάννουof JohnGenitivegenitive of source / possessiveἸωάννης: John the Baptist; his baptism was of repentance and preparation (cf. Luke 3:3; Acts 18:25; 19:4).
βάπτισμαbaptismAccusativeobject of εἰς (baptismal formula)βάπτισμα: 'baptism'; John's baptism was distinct from Christian baptism in name, basis, and Spirit-gift.
4

εἶπεν δὲ Παῦλος· Ἰωάννης ἐβάπτισεν βάπτισμα μετανοίας, τῷ λαῷ λέγων εἰς τὸν ἐρχόμενον μετ' αὐτὸν ἵνα πιστεύσωσιν, τοῦτ' ἔστιν εἰς τὸν Ἰησοῦν.

And Paul said, 'John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.'

Explanatory instructionδέPaul bridges the two economies: John's baptism was genuine but prospective (μετανοίας — of repentance, pointing forward), with its telos in the coming one (τὸν ἐρχόμενον) now identified as Jesus. The gloss τοῦτ' ἔστιν εἰς τὸν Ἰησοῦν ('that is, into Jesus') makes Christian re-baptism theologically appropriate.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲandconnective particle
ΠαῦλοςPaulNominativesubject
ἸωάννηςJohnNominativesubject of ἐβάπτισενἸωάννης: John the Baptist.
ἐβάπτισενbaptizedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · βαπτίζωmain verb→ constative aorist (completed historical ministry)
βάπτισμαbaptismAccusativecognate accusative (internal object)βάπτισμα: the cognate accusative intensifies the verbal idea — 'he baptized a baptism of repentance.'
μετανοίαςof repentanceGenitivegenitive of quality / contentμετάνοια: 'repentance, change of mind'; John's baptism was preparatory, not post-resurrection faith.
τῷtheDativearticle
λαῷpeopleDativedative of indirect object / addresseeλαός: 'people'; in Luke-Acts often specifically the people of Israel (cf. Luke 1:17; Acts 13:24).
λέγωνsayingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle (manner of baptizing)→ progressive present (ongoing preaching)
εἰςinpreposition + accusative (faith-object)
τὸνthe oneAccusativearticle substantivizing the participle
ἐρχόμενονcomingPres Mid Part Acc Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιsubstantival participle (object of εἰς)→ futuristic present (the expected Coming One)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; ὁ ἐρχόμενος is the Messianic title (cf. Luke 7:19–20; Matt 11:3).
μετ'afterpreposition + accusative (temporal sequence)
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of μετά
ἵναthatpurpose/content conjunction
πιστεύσωσινthey should believeAor Act Subj 3 Pl · πιστεύωsubjunctive in ἵνα-clause (indirect command)→ constative aorist (decisive faith commitment)πιστεύω: 'believe, trust'; aorist subjunctive indicates a decisive entrusting of oneself.
τοῦτ'thatNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of ἔστιν)
ἔστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίequative verb (explanatory gloss formula)→ gnomic presentτοῦτ' ἔστιν: 'that is' — standard interpretive formula applying the coming-one prophecy to Jesus by name.
εἰςinpreposition + accusative (faith-object identification)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativeobject of εἰς (faith-object)Ἰησοῦς: the gloss identifies the Coming One as Jesus; faith toward John's promised successor is now anchored to the person of Christ.
5

ἀκούσαντες δὲ ἐβαπτίσθησαν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ.

And when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Consequential responseδέThe aorist participle ἀκούσαντες makes belief and baptism virtually simultaneous with hearing Paul's explanation. The formula εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ is the distinctively Christian baptismal formula (cf. 2:38; 8:16; 10:48), contrasting with John's water-rite and completing the twelve's transition into the full Christian economy.
ἀκούσαντεςhaving heardAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἀκούωtemporal participle (occasion for baptism)→ constative aorist (hearing as trigger)ἀκούω: 'hear'; the participle is temporally prior — only after Paul's explanation do they receive Christian baptism.
δὲandconnective particle
ἐβαπτίσθησανthey were baptizedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · βαπτίζωmain verb→ constative aorist (single initiatory event)βαπτίζω: 'baptize'; the passive indicates Paul as the agent of the rite.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (baptismal formula)εἰς τὸ ὄνομα: 'into the name of' — the standard formula for Christian baptism in Acts; 'name' signifies the authority and person under whom one is initiated.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ὄνομαnameAccusativeobject of εἰς (baptismal formula)ὄνομα: 'name'; belonging to, authorized by, and identified with the named person.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of possession / titleκύριος: 'Lord'; the application of the LXX divine title to Jesus is Paul's central theological assertion.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveappositive genitive (name identifying the Lord)
6

καὶ ἐπιθέντος αὐτοῖς τοῦ Παύλου χεῖρας ἦλθε τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον ἐπ' αὐτούς, ἐλάλουν τε γλώσσαις καὶ ἐπροφήτευον.

And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Climactic consequenceκαίThe genitive absolute ἐπιθέντος αὐτοῖς τοῦ Παύλου χεῖρας frames the laying-on of hands as the occasion for the Spirit's coming. The sequence — baptism (v.5), then laying on of hands, then Spirit-reception — is the Samaritan pattern in reverse order from Acts 8:17, showing flexibility in the order of initiation rites. The twin imperfects ἐλάλουν and ἐπροφήτευον (progressive: 'they kept speaking/prophesying') underline the ongoing character of the Spirit's manifestation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπιθέντοςhaving laidAor Act Part Gen Sg Masc · ἐπιτίθημιgenitive absolute (temporal / occasion)→ constative aorist (completed action as occasion)ἐπιτίθημι: 'lay upon, place on'; χεῖρας ἐπιτίθημι ('lay on hands') is the ritual of impartation throughout Acts (6:6; 8:17; 13:3; 28:8).
αὐτοῖςon themDativedative of recipient
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (genitive absolute subject)
ΠαύλουPaulGenitivesubject of genitive absolute
χεῖραςhandsAccusativedirect object of ἐπιθέντοςχείρ: 'hand'; plural because both hands are laid on each person.
ἦλθεcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aorist (decisive arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the Spirit's coming is narrated as a single decisive event (cf. 2:2; 10:44).
τὸtheNominativearticle
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubjectπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; now articular (τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον) as the known, identified person of the Spirit.
τὸtheNominativearticle (attributive position)
ἅγιονholyNominativeattributive adjective
ἐπ'uponpreposition + accusative (direction onto)
αὐτούςthemAccusativeaccusative of direction
ἐλάλουνthey were speakingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · λαλέωmain verb (coordinated with ἐπροφήτευον)→ progressive imperfect (ongoing manifestation)λαλέω: 'speak'; with γλώσσαις, the charismatic speech-gift of Pentecost (Acts 2:4; 10:46).
τεandenclitic connective particle
γλώσσαιςin tonguesDativedative of manner / sphereγλῶσσα: 'tongue, language'; the charismatic gift of speaking in languages or ecstatic speech (cf. 2:4; 10:46; 1 Cor 12–14).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπροφήτευονthey were prophesyingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · προφητεύωcoordinate main verb→ progressive imperfect (ongoing charismatic speech)προφητεύω: 'prophesy, speak forth by divine inspiration'; the pairing with tongues follows Joel 2:28 (cf. Acts 2:17–18).
7

ἦσαν δὲ οἱ πάντες ἄνδρες ὡσεὶ δώδεκα.

And there were in all about twelve men.

Narrative summary / number noticeδέThe parenthetical notice of twelve men deliberately echoes the Twelve (the apostolic body) and perhaps the twelve patriarchs of Israel — Luke frames the Ephesian Pentecost as a re-constitution of the people of God. The ὡσεί ('about') is Luke's characteristic approximation; the indefinite numeral closes the scene.
ἦσανwereImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ progressive imperfect (state)
δὲandconnective particle
οἱtheNominativearticle (totalizing use with πάντες)
πάντεςallNominativequantifier adjective (subject complement)
ἄνδρεςmenNominativepredicate nominativeἀνήρ: 'man, male adult'; the number of the group (twelve men, cf. twelve apostles).
ὡσεὶaboutapproximating adverbὡσεί: 'as if, about'; Lukan approximation marker (cf. 2:41; 4:4).
δώδεκαtwelvepredicate numeralδώδεκα: 'twelve'; the number is symbolically loaded — twelve patriarchs, twelve apostles.
8

Εἰσελθὼν δὲ εἰς τὴν συναγωγὴν ἐπαρρησιάζετο ἐπὶ μῆνας τρεῖς διαλεγόμενος καὶ πείθων περὶ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ.

And entering the synagogue, he was speaking boldly for three months, arguing and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

Sequential narrative (new phase)δέVerse 8 opens the second movement: Paul's transition to Ephesus synagogue ministry. The imperfect ἐπαρρησιάζετο ('he was speaking boldly,' progressive/iterative) with the durative ἐπὶ μῆνας τρεῖς ('for three months') frames this as sustained, repeated preaching. The twin participles διαλεγόμενος ('arguing/dialoguing') and πείθων ('persuading') describe his method — Socratic reasoning and rhetorical persuasion, both directed περὶ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ.
ΕἰσελθὼνenteringAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · εἰσέρχομαιattendant-circumstance participle (antecedent to ἐπαρρησιάζετο)→ constative aorist (entry as occasion)εἰσέρχομαι: 'enter'; Paul's habitual practice of beginning in the synagogue (cf. 13:14; 14:1; 17:1–2; 18:4).
δὲandconnective particle
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
συναγωγὴνsynagogueAccusativeaccusative of destinationσυναγωγή: 'synagogue, assembly'; the Jewish gathering-place that Paul habitually entered first in each new city.
ἐπαρρησιάζετοhe was speaking boldlyImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · παρρησιάζομαιmain verb (iterative imperfect over three months)→ progressive/iterative imperfect (repeated bold proclamation)παρρησιάζομαι: 'speak boldly, with full freedom'; a key term in Acts for Spirit-enabled apostolic speech (cf. 9:27–29; 13:46; 14:3; 18:26).
ἐπὶforpreposition + accusative (extent of time)
μῆναςmonthsAccusativeaccusative of durationμήν: 'month'; ἐπὶ μῆνας τρεῖς is the first of the two time-periods structuring vv.8–10 (three months + two years).
τρεῖςthreeAccusativenumeral (modifying μῆνας)
διαλεγόμενοςarguingPres Mid Part Nom Sg Masc · διαλέγομαιcircumstantial participle (manner of ἐπαρρησιάζετο)→ progressive present (ongoing dialogic method)διαλέγομαι: 'discuss, argue, reason'; the philosophical-dialogic method of reasoning through questions and answers (cf. 17:2, 17; 18:4, 19).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πείθωνpersuadingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · πείθωcoordinate circumstantial participle (manner/purpose)→ progressive present (ongoing rhetorical persuasion)πείθω: 'persuade, convince'; the rhetorical goal complementing dialogic reasoning.
περὶaboutpreposition + genitive (topic/content)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
βασιλείαςkingdomGenitivegenitive object of περί (topic)βασιλεία: 'kingdom, reign'; 'the kingdom of God' is the unifying proclamation theme of Acts (1:3; 8:12; 14:22; 20:25; 28:23, 31).
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of possessionθεός: 'God'; the kingdom belongs to and proceeds from God.
9

ὡς δέ τινες ἐσκληρύνοντο καὶ ἠπείθουν κακολογοῦντες τὴν ὁδὸν ἐνώπιον τοῦ πλήθους, ἀποστὰς ἀπ' αὐτῶν ἀφώρισεν τοὺς μαθητάς, καθ' ἡμέραν διαλεγόμενος ἐν τῇ σχολῇ Τυράννου.

But when some were hardening and disobeying, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.

Adversative / turning pointδέThe pair ἐσκληρύνοντο / ἠπείθουν (imperfects: progressive hardening and ongoing disobedience) signals the typical Lukan pattern of synagogue rejection leading to Gentile mission. ἀποστάς + ἀφώρισεν frames the separation as decisive (constative aorists). The σχολή Τυράννου ('hall of Tyrannus') is otherwise unattested; 'Tyrannus' may be a personal name or a nickname ('the tyrant' — probably the former). The Western text adds 'from the fifth to the tenth hour' (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) — a gloss that, if authentic, would locate Paul's teaching in the siesta period.
ὡςwhentemporal conjunction
δὲbutadversative particle
τινεςsomeNominativeindefinite pronoun (subject)
ἐσκληρύνοντοwere hardeningImpf Pass Indic 3 Pl · σκληρύνωmain verb (iterative imperfect)→ progressive imperfect (growing hardness)σκληρύνω: 'harden'; the passive may be reflexive ('were hardening themselves') or divine passive; echoes the Exodus hardening of Pharaoh (cf. Heb 3:8 citing Ps 95:8).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἠπείθουνwere disobeyingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀπειθέωcoordinate main verb (iterative imperfect)→ progressive imperfect (ongoing refusal)ἀπειθέω: 'disbelieve, disobey, refuse to be persuaded'; the word stresses volitional resistance, not mere ignorance.
κακολογοῦντεςspeaking evil ofPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · κακολογέωattendant-circumstance participle (manner of disobeying)→ progressive present (ongoing slander)κακολογέω: 'speak badly of, slander, defame'; only here in Acts for slander of 'the Way.'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ὁδὸνWayAccusativedirect object of κακολογοῦντεςὁδός: 'way, road'; 'the Way' is Luke's preferred self-designation for the Christian movement in Acts (9:2; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14, 22).
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (audience)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
πλήθουςcongregationGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιονπλῆθος: 'multitude, crowd, congregation'; here the assembled synagogue congregation.
ἀποστὰςhaving withdrawnAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἀφίστημιattendant-circumstance participle (prior to ἀφώρισεν)→ constative aorist (decisive departure)ἀφίστημι: 'withdraw, depart from'; the clean break from the synagogue is a decisive turning point.
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive of separation
ἀφώρισενseparatedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀφορίζωmain verb→ constative aorist (single decisive action)ἀφορίζω: 'set apart, separate'; used of Paul's own commissioning (13:2) and of separating the disciples from the synagogue community.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
μαθητάςdisciplesAccusativedirect object of ἀφώρισενμαθητής: 'disciple'; the believers who have followed Paul, now constituted as a separate community.
καθ'dailydistributive preposition (with ἡμέραν = 'day by day')
ἡμέρανdayAccusativeaccusative with καθ' (distributive)ἡμέρα: 'day'; καθ' ἡμέραν = 'daily, day by day' — the intensive regularity of Paul's teaching program.
διαλεγόμενοςreasoningPres Mid Part Nom Sg Masc · διαλέγομαιcircumstantial participle (manner of the separated teaching)→ progressive present (ongoing daily teaching)διαλέγομαι: 'reason, discuss'; the same verb as v.8 — the method continues, now in a new venue.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)
τῇtheDativearticle
σχολῇhallDativedative of place (locative)σχολή: 'school, lecture hall'; originally 'leisure' (time for study), then the venue for teaching — a standard setting for Greek philosophical instruction.
Τυράννουof TyrannusGenitivegenitive of possession / identificationΤύραννος: 'Tyrannus'; a personal name (Greek, common in the period) meaning 'lord, sovereign'; otherwise unknown. The Western text adds that Paul taught there 'from the fifth to the tenth hour' — a secondary gloss.
10

τοῦτο δὲ ἐγένετο ἐπὶ ἔτη δύο, ὥστε πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Ἀσίαν ἀκοῦσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ κυρίου, Ἰουδαίους τε καὶ Ἕλληνας.

And this went on for two years, so that all the inhabitants of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.

Narrative summary (scope statement)δέThe summary verse with ὥστε + infinitive (result clause) is one of Luke's grandest missionary scope-statements. The two-year figure, combined with the three months of v.8, gives the total Ephesian ministry its chronological frame. πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Ἀσίαν ('all the inhabitants of Asia') is rhetorical hyperbole for 'throughout the province' — Ephesus as a hub city from which Paul's students spread the word.
τοῦτοthisNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject, resumptive)
δὲandconnective particle
ἐγένετοhappened / went onAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ constative aorist (summarizing the two-year period)γίνομαι: 'become, occur, go on'; the aorist covers the entire two-year span as a completed whole.
ἐπὶforpreposition + accusative (extent of time)
ἔτηyearsAccusativeaccusative of durationἔτος: 'year'; two years + three months (v.8) = the Ephesian ministry; cf. 20:31 ('three years').
δύοtwoAccusativenumeral (modifying ἔτη)
ὥστεso thatresult conjunction (introducing infinitive of result)ὥστε: 'so that, with the result that'; introduces a natural-result clause.
πάνταςallAccusativequantifier (accusative subject of infinitive ἀκοῦσαι)
τοὺςthe onesAccusativearticle substantivizing the participle
κατοικοῦνταςinhabitingPres Act Part Acc Pl Masc · κατοικέωsubstantival participle (accusative subject of ἀκοῦσαι)→ progressive present (permanent residents)κατοικέω: 'inhabit, dwell in'; the permanent residents of Asia, as opposed to transients.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἈσίανAsiaAccusativedirect object of κατοικοῦνταςἈσία: the Roman province of Asia (western Asia Minor, capital Ephesus) — not the continent.
ἀκοῦσαιto hearAor Act Inf · ἀκούωinfinitive of result (with ὥστε)→ constative aorist (effective hearing)ἀκούω: 'hear'; the aorist infinitive stresses effective, once-for-all impact — the province was evangelized.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονwordAccusativedirect object of ἀκοῦσαιλόγος: 'word, message'; 'the word of the Lord' = the gospel proclamation (cf. 8:25; 13:48–49; 15:35–36).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of source / possessiveκύριος: 'Lord'; the word belongs to and comes from the Lord Jesus.
ἸουδαίουςJewsAccusativeaccusative in apposition to πάντας (specifying)Ἰουδαῖος: 'Jew, Judean'; Luke habitually pairs Jews and Greeks as the twin audiences of the gospel (cf. 14:1; 18:4; 20:21).
τεbothcorrelative particle (τε … καί = 'both … and')
καὶandcorrelative conjunction (completing τε … καί)
ἝλληναςGreeksAccusativeaccusative coordinated with ἸουδαίουςἝλλην: 'Greek, Gentile'; in Acts the term covers non-Jewish Gentiles broadly.
11

Δυνάμεις τε οὐ τὰς τυχούσας ἐποίει ὁ θεὸς διὰ τῶν χειρῶν Παύλου,

And God was performing extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul,

Elaboration (miraculous confirmation)τεΔυνάμεις οὐ τὰς τυχούσας is a litotes: literally 'miracles not of the ordinary [kind],' i.e., extraordinary ones. The imperfect ἐποίει ('was doing/performing') frames the miracles as ongoing, habitual occurrences — a sustained pattern, not a single event. The phrase διὰ τῶν χειρῶν Παύλου ('through the hands of Paul') underlines Paul's hands as the instrument, not the source; God (ὁ θεὸς) is the explicit subject.
ΔυνάμειςmiraclesAccusativedirect object (fronted for emphasis)δύναμις: 'power, miracle, mighty work'; the standard NT term for supernatural acts of power.
τεandenclitic connective particle
οὐnotnegation (part of litotes with τυχούσας)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
τυχούσαςordinaryAor Act Part Acc Pl Fem · τυγχάνωattributive participle (substantival, modifying Δυνάμεις)→ constative aorist (characterizing type)τυγχάνω: 'happen to be, chance upon'; οὐ τὰς τυχούσας = litotes for 'extraordinary, out of the ordinary' (cf. 28:2 for the same phrase).
ἐποίειwas performingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb→ progressive/iterative imperfect (ongoing miraculous activity)ποιέω: 'do, make, perform'; with δυνάμεις = 'perform miracles.'
theNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: the explicit naming of God as subject emphasizes that the miracles are not Paul's own power.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (intermediate agency)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
χειρῶνhandsGenitivegenitive of intermediate agencyχείρ: 'hand'; Paul's hands as the physical instrument of divine power (cf. 5:12; 14:3).
Παύλουof PaulGenitivegenitive of possession (whose hands)
12

ὥστε καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας ἀποφέρεσθαι ἀπὸ τοῦ χρωτὸς αὐτοῦ σουδάρια ἢ σιμικίνθια καὶ ἀπαλλάσσεσθαι ἀπ' αὐτῶν τὰς νόσους, τά τε πνεύματα τὰ πονηρὰ ἐκπορεύεσθαι.

so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his skin to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits went out.

Result (from v.11)ὥστεThe ὥστε + infinitive continues the result clause from v.11: the miracles were so extraordinary that contact objects (σουδάρια — 'handkerchiefs,' a Latin loanword, sudarium; σιμικίνθια — 'aprons,' also Latin, semicinctium) carried physical traces of Paul's presence and conveyed healing at a distance. This exceeds the typical Lukan healing account, paralleling Peter's shadow (5:15). The double result — ἀπαλλάσσεσθαι τὰς νόσους ('diseases left') + ἐκπορεύεσθαι τὰ πνεύματα ('spirits went out') — distinguishes physical illness from demonic affliction.
ὥστεso thatresult conjunction
καὶevenadverbial καί (emphatic, 'even')
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (direction onto)
τοὺςthe onesAccusativearticle (substantivizing participle)
ἀσθενοῦνταςwho were sickPres Act Part Acc Pl Masc · ἀσθενέωsubstantival participle (dative destination)→ progressive present (ongoing illness)ἀσθενέω: 'be sick, be weak'; the sick people to whom the contact objects were taken.
ἀποφέρεσθαιto be carried awayPres Pass Inf · ἀποφέρωinfinitive of result (with ὥστε)→ progressive present (repeated practice)ἀποφέρω: 'carry away, bring'; the passive indicates others (unnamed believers) did the carrying.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source / contact)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
χρωτὸςskinGenitivegenitive of source / contactχρώς: 'skin, body surface'; a rare word, this being its only NT occurrence; emphasizes direct physical contact.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Paul's skin)
σουδάριαhandkerchiefsNominativesubject of ἀποφέρεσθαισουδάριον: Latin loanword (sudarium, 'sweat-cloth'); a cloth used to wipe perspiration, consistent with Paul's manual labor as a tentmaker.
ordisjunctive conjunction
σιμικίνθιαapronsNominativecoordinate subject of ἀποφέρεσθαισιμικίνθιον: Latin loanword (semicinctium, 'half-girdle' or work apron); a craftsman's apron, consistent with his tentmaking trade.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀπαλλάσσεσθαιto departPres Pass Inf · ἀπαλλάσσωcoordinate infinitive of result (with ὥστε)→ progressive present (diseases leaving)ἀπαλλάσσω: 'release, depart, free'; the diseases are personified as departing from the sick.
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive of separation (from the sick persons)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
νόσουςdiseasesAccusativesubject of ἀπαλλάσσεσθαι (accusative with passive infinitive)νόσος: 'disease, illness'; the physical ailments distinct from demonic affliction.
τάtheNominativearticle
τεandenclitic connective particle
πνεύματαspiritsNominativesubject of ἐκπορεύεσθαιπνεῦμα: 'spirit'; πνεύματα πονηρά = demonic spirits, distinct from the physical diseases.
τὰtheNominativearticle
πονηρὰevilNominativeattributive adjectiveπονηρός: 'evil, wicked'; characterizes these spirits as morally malignant.
ἐκπορεύεσθαιto go outPres Mid Inf · ἐκπορεύομαιcoordinate infinitive of result→ progressive present (spirits departing)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go out, come out'; the standard Lukan/Markan verb for demons being expelled.
13

Ἐπεχείρησαν δέ τινες καὶ τῶν περιερχομένων Ἰουδαίων ἐξορκιστῶν ὀνομάζειν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἔχοντας τὰ πνεύματα τὰ πονηρὰ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ λέγοντες· Ὁρκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Ἰησοῦν ὃν Παῦλος κηρύσσει.

But some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists also attempted to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had the evil spirits, saying, 'I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.'

Contrastive episode (counter-example)δέThe δέ introduces the counter-narrative: in contrast to God-authorized miracles through Paul, itinerant Jewish exorcists attempt to co-opt the name of Jesus. The imperfect ἐπεχείρησαν is debatable — some editions treat it as inceptive aorist, but the imperfect better fits Luke's 'attempted' nuance. The formula Ὁρκίζω ὑμᾶς τὸν Ἰησοῦν ('I adjure you by Jesus') reveals the exorcists' ignorance: they invoke Jesus in the third person without personal relationship or authority, treating the name as a magical power-word — the very dynamic the passage refutes.
ἘπεχείρησανattemptedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιχειρέωmain verb→ constative aorist (attempted act)ἐπιχειρέω: 'undertake, attempt, try'; always implies effort that may or may not succeed — here it does not.
δὲbutadversative-connective particle
τινεςsomeNominativeindefinite pronoun (subject)
καὶalsoadverbial καί (additive, 'also')
τῶνof theGenitivepartitive genitive with τινες
περιερχομένωνgoing aboutPres Mid Part Gen Pl Masc · περιέρχομαιattributive participle (modifying Ἰουδαίων ἐξορκιστῶν)→ progressive present (itinerant activity)περιέρχομαι: 'go around, wander about'; the word implies itinerancy — these are traveling exorcists, not local.
ἸουδαίωνJewishGenitivepartitive genitive (specifying the group)Ἰουδαῖος: 'Jew'; Jewish exorcism was well-attested in antiquity (cf. Josephus, Ant. 8.46–49; Mark 9:38).
ἐξορκιστῶνexorcistsGenitivegenitive apposition to Ἰουδαίων (head noun of the partitive)ἐξορκιστής: 'exorcist, one who administers oaths'; NT hapax; from ἐξορκίζω ('to adjure, exorcize').
ὀνομάζεινto invoke / namePres Act Inf · ὀνομάζωcomplementary infinitive (with ἐπεχείρησαν)→ progressive present (attempted, ongoing naming)ὀνομάζω: 'name, call upon'; the act of speaking a name as an invocation in an exorcism formula.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (direction of the invocation)
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantivizing participle)
ἔχονταςwho hadPres Act Part Acc Pl Masc · ἔχωsubstantival participle (object of ἐπί)→ progressive present (ongoing possession)ἔχω: 'have'; here 'to have an evil spirit' = to be demon-possessed.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πνεύματαspiritsAccusativedirect object of ἔχοντας
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πονηρὰevilAccusativeattributive adjective
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ὄνομαnameAccusativedirect object of ὀνομάζεινὄνομα: 'name'; the invocation of a name in exorcism was understood as appropriating the authority of the named person.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of possession / title
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveappositive genitive
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle (manner of invocation)→ progressive present (repeated formula)
ὉρκίζωI adjurePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ὁρκίζωmain verb of the exorcism formula→ gnomic/performative present (speech-act formula)ὁρκίζω: 'adjure, put under oath'; a standard exorcism formula — to command using an authoritative name.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative object of ὁρκίζω (addressed to the spirits)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativeaccusative of adjuration (by Jesus)Ἰησοῦς: the name invoked as an external authority — the third-person 'Jesus whom Paul preaches' reveals the exorcists' lack of personal relationship.
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative, object of κηρύσσει)
ΠαῦλοςPaulNominativesubject of κηρύσσει
κηρύσσειproclaimsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κηρύσσωverb of relative clause→ gnomic present (Paul's ongoing proclamation)κηρύσσω: 'proclaim, herald'; the exorcists define Jesus by reference to Paul, revealing second-hand knowledge.
14

ἦσαν δέ τινος Σκευᾶ Ἰουδαίου ἀρχιερέως ἑπτὰ υἱοὶ τοῦτο ποιοῦντες.

And there were seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who were doing this.

Identification of the agentsδέA parenthetical identification of the specific exorcists: seven sons of Sceva, called an ἀρχιερεύς ('chief priest'). The title is historically puzzling — there is no known high priest named Sceva, and the seven sons are not described as performing the exorcism together (v.16 refers to 'both' or 'all,' and only one incident is described). Luke's 'chief priest' may be a self-styled title, a reference to a priestly family, or an honorific. The plural υἱοί ('sons') with the single father Σκευᾶ creates the backdrop for the violent scene of v.16.
ἦσανwereImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ progressive imperfect (identification of ongoing activity)
δέandconnective particle
τινοςa certainGenitiveindefinite pronoun (genitive with Σκευᾶ)
ΣκευᾶScevaGenitivegenitive of relationship (father of the sons)Σκευᾶς: a name of uncertain origin; unknown in priestly lists; likely a diaspora Jewish figure claiming priestly prestige.
ἸουδαίουJewishGenitiveattributive genitive (nationality)
ἀρχιερέωςchief priestGenitivegenitive in apposition to Σκευᾶἀρχιερεύς: 'chief priest, high priest'; the title here is unverifiable — either self-styled, honorific, or referring to membership in a priestly family.
ἑπτὰsevenNominativenumeral adjective (modifying υἱοί)
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἦσανυἱός: 'son'; the seven sons are presumably the same τινες as v.13, now identified more precisely.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative pronoun (direct object of ποιοῦντες, resumptive of v.13)
ποιοῦντεςdoingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ποιέωpredicate participle with ἦσαν (periphrastic construction)→ progressive present (ongoing practice)ποιέω: 'do'; ἦσαν + ποιοῦντες is a periphrastic imperfect emphasizing the habitual practice.
15

ἀποκριθὲν δὲ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πονηρὸν εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Τὸν Ἰησοῦν γινώσκω καὶ τὸν Παῦλον ἐπίσταμαι· ὑμεῖς δὲ τίνες ἐστέ;

But the evil spirit answered and said to them, 'Jesus I know, and Paul I am acquainted with — but who are you?'

Adversative response (climax)δέThe evil spirit's speech is artfully constructed: two positive recognitions (γινώσκω — 'I know' with direct relationship; ἐπίσταμαι — 'I am acquainted with,' perhaps slightly weaker) frame the contemptuous rhetorical question ὑμεῖς δὲ τίνες ἐστέ ('but who are you?'). The two verbs of knowing are often distinguished: γινώσκω = personal, experiential knowledge; ἐπίσταμαι = knowledge by acquaintance/report. The spirit's question denies the exorcists any standing before it — they have no authority because they lack relationship with Jesus or commissioning from him.
ἀποκριθὲνansweringAor Pass Part Nom Sg Neut · ἀποκρίνομαιattendant-circumstance participle (pleonastic with εἶπεν)→ constative aoristἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer, respond'; the deponent passive participle is a Hebraism/Septuagintalism, common in Luke-Acts for the formula 'answering, said.'
δὲbutadversative particle
τὸtheNominativearticle
πνεῦμαspiritNominativesubject
τὸtheNominativearticle (attributive position)
πονηρὸνevilNominativeattributive adjective
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
αὐτοῖςto themDativedative of indirect object
ΤὸνtheAccusativearticle (object fronted for contrast)
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativedirect object of γινώσκω (fronted for emphasis)Ἰησοῦς: Jesus, whose authority the spirit acknowledges.
γινώσκωI knowPres Act Indic 1 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb (personal recognition)→ gnomic present (enduring relationship of recognition)γινώσκω: 'know by direct experience'; the spirit's experiential acquaintance with Jesus — it had encountered his authority before.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (object fronted)
ΠαῦλονPaulAccusativedirect object of ἐπίσταμαι (fronted)
ἐπίσταμαιI am acquainted withPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐπίσταμαιcoordinate main verb→ gnomic present (standing recognition)ἐπίσταμαι: 'know, be acquainted with, understand'; often connotes knowledge gained through experience or report — possibly a shade weaker than γινώσκω in this context.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic, contrastive)
δὲbutadversative particle (sharp contrast)
τίνεςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (predicate nominative)τίς: 'who?'; the contemptuous question denies the exorcists any standing.
ἐστέare youPres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίcopulative verb (rhetorical question)→ gnomic present
16

καὶ ἐφαλόμενος ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐπ' αὐτοὺς ἐν ᾧ ἦν τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πονηρόν, κατακυριεύσας ἀμφοτέρων ἴσχυσεν κατ' αὐτῶν, ὥστε γυμνοὺς καὶ τετραυματισμένους ἐκφυγεῖν ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου ἐκείνου.

And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them and, overpowering both, prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Dramatic consequenceκαίThe violent scene follows: the demonized man attacks the would-be exorcists. The participle ἐφαλόμενος ('having leaped upon') is vivid and sudden. The crux is ἀμφοτέρων — 'both' — which grammatically suggests only two men were present, though v.14 mentions seven sons; either a subset attempted the exorcism, or ἀμφοτέρων has weakened to 'all of them' (a usage attested in later Greek). The result clause with ὥστε + infinitive (ἐκφυγεῖν) climaxes the episode: naked (γυμνούς) and wounded (τετραυματισμένους) conveys total defeat and humiliation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐφαλόμενοςhaving leaped uponAor Mid Part Nom Sg Masc · ἐφάλλομαιattendant-circumstance participle (prior to κατακυριεύσας)→ constative aorist (sudden violent action)ἐφάλλομαι: 'leap upon, spring at'; NT hapax; vivid vocabulary for a sudden violent attack.
theNominativearticle
ἄνθρωποςmanNominativesubjectἄνθρωπος: 'man, human being'; the demonized man is the agent — the spirit acts through his body.
ἐπ'uponpreposition + accusative (direction of attack)
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeobject of ἐπί (the exorcists attacked)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (relative clause)
whomDativerelative pronoun (dative after ἐν; antecedent = ἄνθρωπος)
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of relative clause→ progressive imperfect (enduring possession)
τὸtheNominativearticle
πνεῦμαspiritNominativesubject of ἦν
τὸtheNominativearticle
πονηρόνevilNominativeattributive adjective
κατακυριεύσαςhaving overpoweredAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · κατακυριεύωattendant-circumstance participle (prior to ἴσχυσεν)→ constative aorist (decisive overpowering)κατακυριεύω: 'overpower, gain mastery over'; from κύριος ('lord') — to exercise lordship over someone by force.
ἀμφοτέρωνboth / allGenitivegenitive object of κατακυριεύσαςἀμφότεροι: 'both'; the textual crux — normally 'both' (two), but v.14 mentions seven sons; ἀμφοτέρων may be used loosely for 'all of them' in Hellenistic Greek, or only two were present.
ἴσχυσενprevailedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἰσχύωmain verb→ constative aorist (decisive victory)ἰσχύω: 'be strong, prevail, have power'; κατ' αὐτῶν — 'against them' — the total defeat of the would-be exorcists.
κατ'againstpreposition + genitive (adversative)
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of κατά (adversative)
ὥστεso thatresult conjunction
γυμνοὺςnakedAccusativepredicate accusative (state in which they fled)γυμνός: 'naked, stripped'; clothes torn off in the struggle — a vivid mark of total humiliation and defeat.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τετραυματισμένουςwoundedPerf Pass Part Acc Pl Masc · τραυματίζωpredicate participle (state in which they fled)→ intensive perfect (resultant wounded state)τραυματίζω: 'wound, injure'; from τραῦμα ('wound'); the perfect participle stresses the enduring wounded condition.
ἐκφυγεῖνto fleeAor Act Inf · ἐκφεύγωinfinitive of result (with ὥστε)→ constative aorist (single flight event)ἐκφεύγω: 'flee out, escape'; the prefix ἐκ- ('out of') combined with φεύγω emphasizes escape from the house.
ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
οἴκουhouseGenitivegenitive of sourceοἶκος: 'house, household'; the exorcism was attempted in a private home.
ἐκείνουthatGenitivedemonstrative adjective (cataphoric reference)
17

τοῦτο δὲ ἐγένετο γνωστὸν πᾶσιν Ἰουδαίοις τε καὶ Ἕλλησιν τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν τὴν Ἔφεσον, καὶ ἐπέπεσεν φόβος ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτούς, καὶ ἐμεγαλύνετο τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ.

And this became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.

Narrative consequence / summaryδέThe threefold consequence: (1) γνωστὸν ἐγένετο ('it became known') — the report spreads; (2) ἐπέπεσεν φόβος ('fear fell') — the standard Lukan response to divine judgment (cf. 2:43; 5:5, 11); (3) ἐμεγαλύνετο τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ('the name was being magnified') — the theological goal: not Paul's fame but Jesus's name is exalted.
τοῦτοthisNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject)
δὲandconnective particle
ἐγένετοbecameAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ constative aorist
γνωστὸνknownNominativepredicate adjectiveγνωστός: 'known, well-known'; the news spread through the entire city.
πᾶσινto allDativedative of indirect object
ἸουδαίοιςJewsDativedative in apposition to πᾶσιν
τεbothcorrelative particle (τε … καί)
καὶandcorrelative conjunction
ἝλλησινGreeksDativecoordinate dative with Ἰουδαίοις
τοῖςthe onesDativearticle (substantivizing participle)
κατοικοῦσινinhabitingPres Act Part Dat Pl Masc · κατοικέωsubstantival participle (in apposition to the datives)→ progressive present (residents)κατοικέω: 'inhabit'; the permanent residents of Ephesus.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἜφεσονEphesusAccusativeaccusative object of κατοικοῦσιν
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπέπεσενfellAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιπίπτωmain verb→ constative aorist (sudden onset of fear)ἐπιπίπτω: 'fall upon'; φόβος ἐπέπεσεν = 'fear fell upon' — a set biblical expression for overwhelming dread before divine acts (cf. Gen 15:12 LXX; Acts 2:43; 5:5).
φόβοςfearNominativesubjectφόβος: 'fear, awe'; here reverential dread of divine power, not mere fright.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction)
πάνταςallAccusativequantifier adjective
αὐτούςthemAccusativeobject of ἐπί
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐμεγαλύνετοwas being magnifiedImpf Pass Indic 3 Sg · μεγαλύνωmain verb (divine passive?)→ progressive imperfect (ongoing exaltation of the name)μεγαλύνω: 'magnify, exalt, make great'; the passive may be a divine passive — God exalts the name. Cf. Luke 1:46 (Mary's Magnificat: μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν κύριον).
τὸtheNominativearticle
ὄνομαnameNominativesubjectὄνομα: 'name'; 'the name of the Lord Jesus' as shorthand for his person and authority.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of possession
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveappositive genitive
18

πολλοί τε τῶν πεπιστευκότων ἤρχοντο ἐξομολογούμενοι καὶ ἀναγγέλλοντες τὰς πράξεις αὐτῶν.

And many of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and reporting their deeds.

Resulting repentanceτεThe iterative imperfect ἤρχοντο ('kept coming') with the two attendant participles ἐξομολογούμενοι ('confessing') and ἀναγγέλλοντες ('reporting') frames this as an ongoing, voluntary movement of repentance among those already believing — not unbelievers converted, but existing believers whose secret involvement in magical practices now comes to light. The τῶν πεπιστευκότων ('those who had believed,' perfect participle) is key: these are already in the community.
πολλοίmanyNominativesubject (substantival adjective)
τεandenclitic connective particle
τῶνof thoseGenitivepartitive genitive
πεπιστευκότωνwho had believedPerf Act Part Gen Pl Masc · πιστεύωsubstantival participle (partitive genitive with πολλοί)→ intensive perfect (standing state of belief)πιστεύω: 'believe'; the perfect stresses that these are already committed believers, not new converts — their hidden magic-use now contradicts their faith.
ἤρχοντοwere comingImpf Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb (iterative imperfect)→ progressive/iterative imperfect (repeated voluntary coming)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the imperfect stresses the ongoing, voluntary stream of people coming forward.
ἐξομολογούμενοιconfessingPres Mid Part Nom Pl Masc · ἐξομολογέωattendant-circumstance participle (manner of coming)→ progressive present (ongoing confession)ἐξομολογέω: 'confess, acknowledge openly'; the ἐξ- prefix intensifies — full, public, unreserved confession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀναγγέλλοντεςreportingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἀναγγέλλωcoordinate attendant-circumstance participle→ progressive present (detailed disclosure)ἀναγγέλλω: 'report, disclose, announce'; more detailed than mere confession — they are specifying the particular practices they had engaged in.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
πράξειςdeedsAccusativedirect object of ἀναγγέλλοντεςπρᾶξις: 'deed, practice, action'; the plural covers a range of magical activities they had been secretly engaged in.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
19

ἱκανοὶ δὲ τῶν τὰ περίεργα πραξάντων συνενέγκαντες τὰς βίβλους κατέκαιον ἐνώπιον πάντων· καὶ συνεψήφισαν τὰς τιμὰς αὐτῶν καὶ εὗρον ἀργυρίου μυριάδας πέντε.

And a considerable number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them before all; and they counted the value of them and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Specific dramatic act of repentanceδέThe public burning of magic books is one of the most vivid and historically credible scenes in Acts: Ephesus was renowned as a center of magical practice (the so-called 'Ephesian letters' — magical scrolls — were known throughout the ancient world). The total value — ἀργυρίου μυριάδας πέντε, fifty thousand silver pieces (likely drachmas or denarii) — is a huge sum, probably representing decades of investment, and underlines the costliness of the repentance. The public nature (ἐνώπιον πάντων) signals that this is a deliberate, communal, visible act of renunciation.
ἱκανοὶa considerable numberNominativesubject (substantival adjective)ἱκανός: 'sufficient, considerable, many'; a Lukan word for an unspecified but significant number (cf. 14:21; 18:18).
δὲandconnective particle
τῶνof thoseGenitivepartitive genitive with ἱκανοί
τὰtheAccusativearticle (substantivizing adjective)
περίεργαmagic artsAccusativesubstantival adjective (object of πραξάντων)περίεργος: 'over-busy, meddlesome'; τὰ περίεργα = 'magic arts, occult practices'; the 'Ephesian letters' (magical scrolls) were renowned in antiquity (cf. Plutarch, Mor. 706E).
πραξάντωνwho had practicedAor Act Part Gen Pl Masc · πράσσωsubstantival participle (genitive with ἱκανοί and τῶν)→ constative aorist (characterizing past practice)πράσσω: 'do, practice'; the aorist identifies these as former practitioners now repudiating their practices.
συνενέγκαντεςhaving gatheredAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · συμφέρωattendant-circumstance participle (prior to κατέκαιον)→ constative aorist (prior gathering action)συμφέρω: 'bring together, collect'; the deliberate gathering of all their magical scrolls for public destruction.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
βίβλουςbooksAccusativedirect object of συνενέγκαντεςβίβλος: 'book, scroll'; magical papyri and scrolls containing incantations, recipes, and instructions.
κατέκαιονwere burningImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · κατακαίωmain verb (iterative imperfect — multiple books burned)→ progressive/iterative imperfect (prolonged burning event)κατακαίω: 'burn up, consume by fire'; the κατα- prefix intensifies — complete destruction, not merely singeing.
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (audience)
πάντωνallGenitivegenitive object of ἐνώπιον
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συνεψήφισανthey counted upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · συμψηφίζωmain verb→ constative aorist (single calculation)συμψηφίζω: 'calculate together, total up'; NT hapax; from ψῆφος ('pebble' — used in counting) + συν- ('together').
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
τιμὰςvalueAccusativedirect object of συνεψήφισαντιμή: 'value, price, honor'; here the monetary value of the burned books.
αὐτῶνof themGenitivegenitive of possession (value of the books)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὗρονfoundAor Act Indic 3 Pl · εὑρίσκωmain verb→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: 'find, discover'; εὗρον here = 'found the total to be.'
ἀργυρίουof silverGenitivegenitive of material / valueἀργύριον: 'silver, silver coin'; likely drachmas, the standard Ephesian silver unit; fifty thousand drachmas = roughly 137 years' wages at one drachma/day.
μυριάδαςten-thousandsAccusativedirect object of εὗρον (measure of the total)μυριάς: 'ten thousand'; μυριάδας πέντε = five ten-thousands = fifty thousand.
πέντεfiveAccusativenumeral (modifying μυριάδας)
20

Οὕτως κατὰ κράτος τοῦ κυρίου ὁ λόγος ηὔξανεν καὶ ἴσχυεν.

So the word of the Lord kept growing and prevailing mightily.

Conclusive summaryΟὕτωςA triumphant Lukan summary (cf. 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 28:31) capping the entire Ephesian miracle-and-repentance sequence. The twin imperfects ηὔξανεν ('kept growing') and ἴσχυεν ('kept prevailing') are progressive/iterative — the growth is ongoing. κατὰ κράτος ('with might, powerfully') is a hapax in Acts and rare in the NT; it characterizes the growth as not merely numerical but qualitative — the word prevails with divine power.
Οὕτωςso / thusdemonstrative adverb (conclusive summary)οὕτως: 'thus, in this manner'; draws the conclusion from the events of vv.11–19.
κατὰwithpreposition + accusative (manner/intensity)
κράτοςmightAccusativeaccusative object of κατά (manner)κράτος: 'power, might, strength'; κατὰ κράτος = 'powerfully, mightily'; Acts hapax in this phrase.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of source / possessiveκύριος: 'Lord'; the word's growth is powered by the Lord's might.
theNominativearticle
λόγοςwordNominativesubjectλόγος: 'word, message'; the gospel message is personified as a growing, prevailing force.
ηὔξανενwas growingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · αὐξάνωmain verb (progressive imperfect)→ progressive imperfect (ongoing growth)αὐξάνω: 'grow, increase'; the word's spread is pictured as organic growth (cf. 6:7; 12:24; Isa 55:10–11).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἴσχυενwas prevailingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἰσχύωcoordinate main verb (progressive imperfect)→ progressive imperfect (ongoing prevalence)ἰσχύω: 'be strong, prevail, be powerful'; the same root as ἴσχυσεν in v.16, now applied to the word rather than the demonized man — an ironic reversal.
21

Ὡς δὲ ἐπληρώθη ταῦτα, ἔθετο ὁ Παῦλος ἐν τῷ πνεύματι διελθὼν τὴν Μακεδονίαν καὶ Ἀχαΐαν πορεύεσθαι εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα, εἰπὼν ὅτι Μετὰ τὸ γενέσθαι με ἐκεῖ δεῖ με καὶ Ῥώμην ἰδεῖν.

Now after these things were completed, Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, 'After I have been there, I must also see Rome.'

Transition / resolution (narrative hinge)δέThis verse is Luke's great pivot: the Ephesian ministry is complete (ἐπληρώθη — divine passive) and Paul's gaze turns toward Jerusalem and Rome. ἔθετο ἐν τῷ πνεύματι ('resolved in the Spirit') indicates Spirit-guided intentionality. The δεῖ ('must, it is necessary') carries Lukan divine necessity — Paul must see Rome (cf. 23:11; 27:24) — framing the entire closing section of Acts as theologically ordained.
Ὡςwhentemporal conjunction
δὲnowconnective/transitional particle
ἐπληρώθηwere fulfilled / completedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πληρόωmain verb of temporal clause→ constative aorist (completion of a divinely ordered phase)πληρόω: 'fulfill, complete'; the divine passive suggests these events were completed according to God's plan.
ταῦταthese thingsNominativesubject of ἐπληρώθη
ἔθετοresolved / purposedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · τίθημιmain verb→ constative aorist (decisive resolution)τίθημι: 'place, set'; middle voice τίθεμαι ἐν τῷ πνεύματι = 'set [it] in his spirit / resolved in his spirit' — a Lukan idiom for purposeful divine-guided intention.
theNominativearticle
ΠαῦλοςPaulNominativesubject
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle
πνεύματιSpiritDativedative of sphere (in his spirit / in the Spirit)πνεῦμα: ambiguous — either Paul's own human spirit (ESV, NIV margin) or the Holy Spirit (NIV text) guiding the resolution. Given Lukan usage, both senses may be intended simultaneously.
διελθὼνhaving passed throughAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · διέρχομαιcircumstantial participle (manner/content of the resolution)→ constative aorist (planned journey)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ΜακεδονίανMacedoniaAccusativeaccusative object of διελθὼνΜακεδονία: the Roman province in northern Greece, scene of Paul's second-journey churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἈχαΐανAchaiaAccusativecoordinate object of διελθὼνἈχαΐα: the Roman province of southern Greece, capital Corinth.
πορεύεσθαιto goPres Mid Inf · πορεύομαιcomplementary infinitive (with ἔθετο)→ progressive present (planned ongoing journey)πορεύομαι: 'go, travel, journey'; a Lukan favorite for purposeful travel.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)
ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalemAccusativeaccusative of destinationἹεροσόλυμα: Jerusalem, the city toward which Paul journeys as a Lukan counterpart to Jesus's journey in Luke 9:51–19:28.
εἰπὼνsayingAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle→ constative aorist
ὅτιthatconjunction (introducing direct speech / recitative ὅτι)
Μετὰafterpreposition + articular infinitive (temporal)
τὸtheAccusativearticle with articular infinitive
γενέσθαιto have beenAor Mid Inf · γίνομαιarticular infinitive (temporal clause with μετά τό)→ constative aorist (prior completed visit)
μεmeAccusativeaccusative subject of articular infinitive
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place
δεῖit is necessaryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖmain verb (impersonal, divine necessity)→ gnomic/futuristic present (divine necessity)δεῖ: 'it is necessary'; Lukan marker of divine compulsion — Paul must reach Rome (cf. 23:11; 27:24; Luke 9:22; 24:7).
μεmeAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitive ἰδεῖν
καὶalsoadverbial καί (additive 'also')
ῬώμηνRomeAccusativedirect object of ἰδεῖνῬώμη: Rome, the capital of the empire and the goal announced here that the entire second half of Acts (chs.20–28) moves toward.
ἰδεῖνto seeAor Act Inf · ὁράωcomplementary infinitive (with δεῖ)→ constative aorist (goal)ὁράω: 'see, visit'; ἰδεῖν Ῥώμην = 'to visit, to set eyes on Rome' — the goal of the entire Lukan narrative.
22

ἀποστείλας δὲ εἰς τὴν Μακεδονίαν δύο τῶν διακονούντων αὐτῷ, Τιμόθεον καὶ Ἔραστον, αὐτὸς ἐπέσχεν χρόνον εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν.

And sending to Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed on in Asia for a while.

Logistical action (advance preparation)δέPaul sends two of his διακονοῦντες ('those serving/assisting him') ahead to Macedonia. Timothy is his well-known co-worker (cf. 16:1; 1 Cor 4:17; Phil 2:19); Erastus appears here and in 2 Tim 4:20 and Romans 16:23 (possibly the same person as the city treasurer of Corinth). Paul's own remaining ἐπέσχεν χρόνον ('stayed on for a time') — perhaps for the collections of 1 Cor 16:1–3 — before the journey he is planning.
ἀποστείλαςhaving sentAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἀποστέλλωattendant-circumstance participle (prior to ἐπέσχεν)→ constative aorist (prior dispatch)ἀποστέλλω: 'send, dispatch'; the word for commissioned sending (related to ἀπόστολος).
δὲandconnective particle
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ΜακεδονίανMacedoniaAccusativeaccusative of destination
δύοtwoAccusativenumeral (direct object of ἀποστείλας)
τῶνof thoseGenitivepartitive genitive with δύο
διακονούντωνservingPres Act Part Gen Pl Masc · διακονέωsubstantival participle (genitive with δύο τῶν)→ progressive present (ongoing service)διακονέω: 'serve, minister, assist'; a functional term for those supporting Paul's mission — not yet the technical office of 'deacon.'
αὐτῷhimDativedative of indirect object (those serving Paul)
ΤιμόθεονTimothyAccusativeaccusative in apposition to δύο (first named)Τιμόθεος: Timothy of Lystra, Paul's closest co-worker (Acts 16:1–3; 1 Cor 4:17; Phil 2:19–22; 1–2 Tim).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἜραστονErastusAccusativeaccusative in apposition to δύο (second named)Ἔραστος: possibly the city treasurer (οἰκονόμος) of Corinth mentioned in Rom 16:23; also 2 Tim 4:20.
αὐτὸςhimselfNominativeemphatic pronoun (subject of ἐπέσχεν, contrasting with the sent pair)
ἐπέσχενstayed onAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπέχωmain verb→ constative aorist (period of delay)ἐπέχω: 'hold on, remain, delay'; here = to stay behind / remain in a place.
χρόνονtimeAccusativeaccusative of durationχρόνος: 'time'; the indefinite χρόνον ('for a period of time') leaves the duration open.
εἰςinpreposition + accusative (location; εἰς = ἐν in Hellenistic Greek)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἈσίανAsiaAccusativeaccusative of location (εἰς used for ἐν in this context)
23

Ἐγένετο δὲ κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος περὶ τῆς ὁδοῦ.

And at that time there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way.

Opening of new episode (riot)δέThe transitional formula Ἐγένετο + κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον ('at that time') opens the final and longest episode of the chapter. Τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος is another Lukan litotes ('no small disturbance,' cf. οὐκ ὀλίγοι at 17:4, 12) — a rhetorical understatement for what becomes a major urban riot. The subject is 'the Way' (τῆς ὁδοῦ) — the Christian movement, which Demetrius identifies as the threat to the silversmith trade.
Ἐγένετοthere aroseAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (existential/event)→ constative aorist (onset of the disturbance)γίνομαι: 'arise, occur'; ἐγένετο + noun = 'there occurred.'
δὲandconnective particle
κατὰatpreposition + accusative (temporal reference)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
καιρὸνtimeAccusativeaccusative object of κατά (temporal)καιρός: 'appointed time, season'; not merely a time but the significant moment of the Ephesian ministry's climax.
ἐκεῖνονthatAccusativedemonstrative adjective (referring back to Paul's Ephesian stay)
τάραχοςdisturbanceNominativesubject of ἐγένετοτάραχος: 'disturbance, tumult, disorder'; a word for civil unrest (cf. τάραχος at 12:18 of Herod's guard).
οὐκnonegation (litotes with ὀλίγος)
ὀλίγοςsmallNominativepredicate adjective (litotes for 'great')ὀλίγος: 'little, small, few'; οὐκ ὀλίγος = litotes for 'considerable, very large' — a Lukan rhetorical favorite.
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (topic)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ὁδοῦWayGenitivegenitive object of περί (topic)ὁδός: 'way'; 'the Way' = the Christian community/movement, the self-designation recurring throughout Acts (9:2; 19:9; 22:4; 24:14, 22).
24

Δημήτριος γάρ τις ὀνόματι, ἀργυροκόπος, ποιῶν ναοὺς ἀργυροῦς Ἀρτέμιδος παρείχετο τοῖς τεχνίταις οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν·

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen.

Explanatory (cause of disturbance)γάρThe γάρ introduces the explanation of v.23's disturbance. Demetrius's occupation is precisely identified: ἀργυροκόπος ('silversmith') making ναοὺς ἀργυροῦς Ἀρτέμιδος ('silver shrines of Artemis'). Archaeological finds at Ephesus confirm the manufacture of miniature replicas of the Artemis temple and goddess-figures. The litotes οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν ('no little business') echoes v.23 — a rhetorically deliberate repetition underscoring the economic stakes.
ΔημήτριοςDemetriusNominativesubjectΔημήτριος: a common Greek name; this silversmith is otherwise unknown; 3 John 12 mentions a different Demetrius.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
τιςa certainNominativeindefinite pronoun (attributive with Δημήτριος)
ὀνόματιby nameDativedative of respect (by name Demetrius)ὄνομα: 'name'; the dative of respect/specification — 'by name = named.'
ἀργυροκόποςsilversmithNominativepredicate nominative in appositionἀργυροκόπος: 'silversmith'; compound of ἄργυρος ('silver') + κόπτω ('strike, work'); NT hapax.
ποιῶνmakingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ποιέωattributive participle (describing Demetrius's trade)→ progressive present (ongoing craft activity)ποιέω: 'make, produce'; the present participle characterizes his regular occupation.
ναοὺςshrinesAccusativedirect object of ποιῶνναός: 'temple, shrine'; miniature temple-replicas of the Artemision, sold as religious souvenirs or votive offerings.
ἀργυροῦςsilverAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀργυροῦς: 'made of silver'; the material emphasizes the costliness and commercial value of the products.
Ἀρτέμιδοςof ArtemisGenitivegenitive of dedication / subjectἌρτεμις: the great goddess of Ephesus, an Anatolian mother-goddess conflated with the Greek Artemis; her temple (Artemision) was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
παρείχετοwas providingImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · παρέχωmain verb (iterative imperfect)→ progressive/iterative imperfect (ongoing business provision)παρέχω: 'provide, supply, offer'; the middle voice = 'provide for oneself / cause.'
τοῖςtheDativearticle
τεχνίταιςcraftsmenDativedative of indirect object / beneficiaryτεχνίτης: 'craftsman, artisan'; the guild of silver workers dependent on Demetrius for their livelihood.
οὐκnonegation (litotes)
ὀλίγηνsmallAccusativeadjective in litotes (modifying ἐργασίαν)
ἐργασίανbusinessAccusativedirect object of παρείχετοἐργασία: 'work, trade, business, profit'; from ἔργον ('work'); the commercial activity — income generated by the shrine trade.
25

οὓς συναθροίσας καὶ τοὺς περὶ τὰ τοιαῦτα ἐργάτας εἶπεν· Ἄνδρες, ἐπίστασθε ὅτι ἐκ ταύτης τῆς ἐργασίας ἡ εὐπορία ἡμῖν ἐστιν,

Having gathered these men together, and also the workmen engaged in similar trades, he said, 'Men, you know that from this business comes our prosperity,

Direct speech / economic appealasyndetonDemetrius's assembly of the craftsmen opens with a frank economic appeal: ἐκ ταύτης τῆς ἐργασίας ἡ εὐπορία ἡμῖν ἐστιν ('from this trade comes our prosperity'). He is honest about his primary motive — livelihood — before moving to the religious and civic arguments of vv.26–27. The verb ἐπίστασθε ('you know') is a rhetorical appeal to shared knowledge.
οὓςwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative, object of συναθροίσας; antecedent = τεχνῖται v.24)
συναθροίσαςhaving gathered togetherAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · συναθροίζωattendant-circumstance participle (prior to εἶπεν)→ constative aorist (prior assembly)συναθροίζω: 'gather together, assemble'; the deliberate convening of a guild meeting.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοὺςthe onesAccusativearticle (substantivizing participle/noun phrase)
περὶengaged inpreposition + accusative (occupation/concern)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
τοιαῦταsuch thingsAccusativedemonstrative adjective (object of περί)
ἐργάταςworkersAccusativedirect object of συναθροίσας (second group)ἐργάτης: 'worker, laborer'; the broader guild of allied craftsmen (not just silversmiths but all associated trades).
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
ἌνδρεςMenVocativevocative address (opening of speech)ἀνήρ: 'man'; the standard address for a public assembly (cf. 1:11, 16; 2:14, 22, 29).
ἐπίστασθεyou knowPres Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἐπίσταμαιmain verb (appeal to shared knowledge)→ gnomic present (established fact)ἐπίσταμαι: 'know, understand'; direct appeal to the guild's shared awareness of their economic situation.
ὅτιthatconjunction (introducing content of ἐπίστασθε)
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
ταύτηςthisGenitivedemonstrative pronoun (genitive with ἐργασίας)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἐργασίαςtradeGenitivegenitive of sourceἐργασία: 'trade, business'; repeating the same word from v.24 to reinforce the economic frame.
theNominativearticle
εὐπορίαprosperityNominativesubject of ἐστινεὐπορία: 'prosperity, abundance, ease'; NT hapax; from εὖ ('well') + πόρος ('way, resource') — the good resource-supply that sustains their livelihood.
ἡμῖνto usDativedative of possession / advantage
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopulative verb→ gnomic present (standing economic reality)
26

καὶ θεωρεῖτε καὶ ἀκούετε ὅτι οὐ μόνον Ἐφέσου ἀλλὰ σχεδὸν πάσης τῆς Ἀσίας ὁ Παῦλος οὗτος πείσας μετέστησεν ἱκανὸν ὄχλον λέγων ὅτι οὐκ εἰσὶν θεοὶ οἱ διὰ χειρῶν γινόμενοι.

And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable crowd, saying that gods made with hands are not gods.

Evidence supporting the economic threatκαίDemetrius's speech now moves from economics to geography and theology. He characterizes Paul's preaching with the formula οὐκ εἰσὶν θεοὶ οἱ διὰ χειρῶν γινόμενοι ('gods made by hands are not gods') — an accurate summary of Paul's monotheistic critique (cf. 14:15; 17:24–25, 29; Isa 44:9–20; Ps 115:4–8). The aorist πείσας μετέστησεν ('having persuaded, he turned away') frames Paul's success as completed and quantified: ἱκανὸν ὄχλον ('a considerable crowd').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
θεωρεῖτεyou seePres Act Indic 2 Pl · θεωρέωmain verb (appeal to observable evidence)→ gnomic present (ongoing observation)θεωρέω: 'see, observe, behold'; appeal to what the guild members can directly observe.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀκούετεhearPres Act Indic 2 Pl · ἀκούωcoordinate main verb→ gnomic present (ongoing report)
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of θεωρεῖτε / ἀκούετε)
οὐnotnegation (part of οὐ μόνον … ἀλλά)
μόνονonlyadverb (part of correlative structure οὐ μόνον … ἀλλά)
ἘφέσουEphesusGenitivegenitive of place (limitation — 'in Ephesus')Ἔφεσος: the starting point of Paul's impact.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative (completing οὐ μόνον … ἀλλά)
σχεδὸνalmostapproximating adverbσχεδόν: 'almost, nearly'; the scope of Paul's influence is nearly province-wide.
πάσηςallGenitivequantifier adjective (modifying Ἀσίας)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἈσίαςAsiaGenitivegenitive of placeἈσία: the Roman province; ironic echo of v.10 (all Asia heard the word — Luke's summary now confirmed by an opponent).
theNominativearticle
ΠαῦλοςPaulNominativesubject
οὗτοςthisNominativedemonstrative pronoun (contemptuous or emphatic with Παῦλος)οὗτος: 'this one'; the contemptuous demonstrative distancing the speaker from Paul.
πείσαςhaving persuadedAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · πείθωattendant-circumstance participle (means of μετέστησεν)→ constative aorist (completed persuasion)πείθω: 'persuade'; the same word as v.8 — Paul's method of persuasion is now the accusation against him.
μετέστησενturned awayAor Act Indic 3 Sg · μεθίστημιmain verb→ constative aorist (completed turning away)μεθίστημι: 'move away, turn away, cause to change'; here the conversion/defection of many from idolatry.
ἱκανὸνconsiderableAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ὄχλον)
ὄχλονcrowdAccusativedirect object of μετέστησενὄχλος: 'crowd, multitude'; the converted crowd represents the lost customer-base for the shrine trade.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle (Paul's quoted preaching)→ progressive present (ongoing proclamation)
ὅτιthatrecitative conjunction (introducing Paul's quoted teaching)
οὐκnotnegation
εἰσὶνarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopulative verb→ gnomic present (ontological claim)
θεοὶgodsNominativepredicate nominativeθεός: 'god'; the claim that handmade idols are not gods echoes the OT polemic against idolatry (Isa 44:9–20; Ps 115:4–8; Jer 10:3–5).
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantivizing participle)
διὰbypreposition + genitive (intermediate agency)
χειρῶνhandsGenitivegenitive of agencyχείρ: 'hand'; οἱ διὰ χειρῶν γινόμενοι = 'those coming into being through human hands' — the standard OT contrast between the true God who is not made and idols fashioned by craftsmen.
γινόμενοιmadePres Mid Part Nom Pl Masc · γίνομαιsubstantival participle (subject of εἰσὶν θεοί)→ progressive present (the process of manufacture)γίνομαι: 'become, come into being'; οἱ … γινόμενοι = manufactured objects.
27

οὐ μόνον δὲ τοῦτο κινδυνεύει ἡμῖν τὸ μέρος εἰς ἀπελεγμὸν ἐλθεῖν, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ τῆς μεγάλης θεᾶς Ἀρτέμιδος ἱερὸν εἰς οὐθὲν λογισθῆναι, μέλλειν τε καὶ καθαιρεῖσθαι τῆς μεγαλειότητος αὐτῆς ἣν ὅλη ἡ Ἀσία καὶ ἡ οἰκουμένη σέβεται.

And not only is there danger that this trade of ours will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing, and that she whom all Asia and the world worship will even be deposed from her magnificence.

Escalation (from economic to religious/civic threat)δέDemetrius escalates his argument from economic (v.25–26) to religious and civic: two further dangers are framed with the formula οὐ μόνον … ἀλλὰ καί. (1) The temple of Artemis faces being counted as nothing (εἰς οὐθὲν λογισθῆναι — a passive infinitive of divine reckoning); (2) the goddess herself faces being 'deposed from her magnificence' (καθαιρεῖσθαι τῆς μεγαλειότητος). The repeated use of 'great' (μεγάλης, μεγαλειότητος) ironically prepares for the crowd's counter-chant 'Great is Artemis' (v.28).
οὐnotnegation (part of οὐ μόνον … ἀλλὰ καί)
μόνονonlyadverb
δὲandconnective particle
τοῦτοthisNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of κινδυνεύει — 'this part of our trade')
κινδυνεύειis in dangerPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κινδυνεύωmain verb→ gnomic/futuristic present (immediate danger)κινδυνεύω: 'be in danger, risk'; followed by infinitive ἐλθεῖν.
ἡμῖνto usDativedative of disadvantage
τὸtheNominativearticle (in apposition to τοῦτο)
μέροςtrade / partNominativeappositive to τοῦτομέρος: 'part, share, trade, business'; τὸ … μέρος = 'this trade of ours.'
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (result)
ἀπελεγμὸνdisreputeAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (result/direction)ἀπελεγμός: 'refutation, disrepute, discrediting'; NT hapax; from ἀπελέγχω ('refute, expose').
ἐλθεῖνto comeAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιcomplementary infinitive (with κινδυνεύει)→ constative aorist
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative (completing οὐ μόνον … ἀλλά)
καὶalsoadverbial καί (additive)
τὸtheNominativearticle (subject of λογισθῆναι)
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
μεγάληςgreatGenitiveattributive adjectiveμέγας: 'great'; the epithet μεγάλη Ἄρτεμις appears verbatim in Ephesian inscriptions.
θεᾶςgoddessGenitivegenitive of possession (of the goddess)θεά: 'goddess'; feminine of θεός.
ἈρτέμιδοςArtemisGenitivegenitive of identification (apposition to θεᾶς)Ἄρτεμις: the Ephesian patron goddess.
ἱερὸνtempleNominativesubject of λογισθῆναιἱερόν: 'temple, sanctuary'; the Artemision at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders.
εἰςaspreposition + accusative (predicate of result)
οὐθὲνnothingAccusativepredicate accusative with εἰςοὐθέν: strengthened form of οὐδέν ('nothing'); 'counted as nothing' — total dismissal.
λογισθῆναιto be countedAor Pass Inf · λογίζομαιcomplementary infinitive (second subject of κινδυνεύει)→ constative aorist (feared outcome)λογίζομαι: 'reckon, count, regard'; the passive allows God or public opinion to be the implied agent of reckoning.
μέλλεινand also to be about toPres Act Inf · μέλλωcoordinate infinitive (third danger, with τε καί)→ progressive present (impending loss)μέλλω: 'be about to, be destined'; μέλλειν + infinitive = the imminent prospect.
τεandenclitic connective particle (joining third infinitive)
καὶevenadverbial καί (emphatic)
καθαιρεῖσθαιto be deposedPres Pass Inf · καθαιρέωcomplementary infinitive (with μέλλειν)→ progressive present (ongoing process of deposition)καθαιρέω: 'take down, destroy, depose'; metaphorically — Artemis's prestige being dismantled.
τῆςfrom herGenitivearticle
μεγαλειότητοςmagnificenceGenitivegenitive of separation (stripped of magnificence)μεγαλειότης: 'greatness, magnificence, majesty'; used in the NT also of God's majesty (Luke 9:43; 2 Pet 1:16).
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession
ἣνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative, object of σέβεται; antecedent = Ἄρτεμις)
ὅληwholeNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἡ Ἀσία)
theNominativearticle
ἈσίαAsiaNominativesubject of σέβεται
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
theNominativearticle
οἰκουμένηworldNominativecoordinate subject of σέβεταιοἰκουμένη: 'the inhabited world'; the Roman Empire, rhetorical hyperbole for universal veneration of Artemis — attested in inscriptions ('Artemis of all the world').
σέβεταιworshipsPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · σέβομαιmain verb of relative clause→ gnomic present (universal devotion)σέβομαι: 'worship, reverence, show piety toward'; the standard verb for religious veneration.
28

ἀκούσαντες δὲ καὶ γενόμενοι πλήρεις θυμοῦ ἔκραζον λέγοντες· Μεγάλη ἡ Ἄρτεμις Ἐφεσίων.

And when they heard this and were filled with rage, they cried out, saying, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!'

Emotional reaction / chantδέThe crowd's response moves from hearing (ἀκούσαντες) to emotion (πλήρεις θυμοῦ — 'full of rage') to acclamation (ἔκραζον — iterative imperfect, 'kept crying out'). The chant Μεγάλη ἡ Ἄρτεμις Ἐφεσίων ('Great is Artemis of the Ephesians') is attested verbatim in Ephesian inscriptions, making this one of the most historically verified acclamations in Acts. The imperfect ἔκραζον captures the sustained, repeated shouting.
ἀκούσαντεςhaving heardAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἀκούωtemporal participle (prior to the emotional response)→ constative aorist (trigger-event)
δὲandconnective particle
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
γενόμενοιhaving becomeAor Mid Part Nom Pl Masc · γίνομαιattendant-circumstance participle (emotional state prior to crying out)→ constative aorist (emotional onset)γίνομαι: 'become'; γενόμενοι πλήρεις = 'having become full.'
πλήρειςfullNominativepredicate adjective (with γενόμενοι)πλήρης: 'full, filled'; πλήρεις θυμοῦ = 'filled with rage.'
θυμοῦrageGenitivegenitive of content (what they were full of)θυμός: 'passion, rage, anger'; intense, passionate anger — different from ὀργή (settled wrath).
ἔκραζονwere crying outImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · κράζωmain verb (iterative imperfect)→ progressive/iterative imperfect (sustained shouting)κράζω: 'cry out, shout'; the imperfect captures the sustained two-hour chant (v.34).
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle→ progressive present
ΜεγάληGreatNominativepredicate adjective (verbless acclamation)μέγας: 'great'; the acclamatory nominative — the formula is a civic-religious chant attested epigraphically at Ephesus.
theNominativearticle
ἌρτεμιςArtemisNominativesubject of verbless clauseἌρτεμις: the patron goddess of Ephesus.
Ἐφεσίωνof the EphesiansGenitivegenitive of relationship / possessionἘφέσιος: 'Ephesian'; the full title Ἄρτεμις Ἐφεσίων ('Artemis of the Ephesians') appears verbatim in Ephesian inscriptions — confirmed by epigraphy.
29

καὶ ἐπλήσθη ἡ πόλις τῆς συγχύσεως, ὥρμησάν τε ὁμοθυμαδὸν εἰς τὸ θέατρον, συναρπάσαντες Γάϊον καὶ Ἀρίσταρχον Μακεδόνας, συνεκδήμους Παύλου.

And the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians and traveling companions of Paul.

Escalation of riotκαίThe riot moves from guild meeting to citywide chaos (ἐπλήσθη ἡ πόλις τῆς συγχύσεως — 'the city was filled with confusion') to the theater. The Ephesian theater, archaeologically confirmed, held roughly 25,000 people — the natural venue for a civic assembly. Gaius and Aristarchus are Paul's Macedonian traveling companions caught up in the mob (cf. Aristarchus at 20:4; 27:2; Philm 24; Col 4:10).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπλήσθηwas filledAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πίμπλημιmain verb→ constative aorist (sudden filling)πίμπλημι: 'fill'; the city becoming filled with confusion echoes the earlier filling with the Spirit (2:4; 4:31) — an ironic contrast.
theNominativearticle
πόλιςcityNominativesubjectπόλις: 'city'; Ephesus, a city of c. 200,000–250,000 in the first century.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
συγχύσεωςconfusionGenitivegenitive of content (what the city was filled with)σύγχυσις: 'confusion, tumult'; NT hapax; from συγχέω ('pour together, confuse'); the same root as the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:9 LXX: συνέχεεν).
ὥρμησάνthey rushedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ὁρμάωmain verb→ constative aorist (sudden rush)ὁρμάω: 'rush, dash, surge'; used of the Gadarene pigs (Mark 5:13) and here of the mob's surge into the theater.
τεandenclitic connective particle
ὁμοθυμαδὸνwith one accordadverb (manner of rushing)ὁμοθυμαδόν: 'with one mind, unanimously'; a Lukan favorite (cf. 1:14; 2:46; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6) — here the mob's unanimity, usually reserved for the church, is ironically used of the rioters.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
θέατρονtheaterAccusativeaccusative of destinationθέατρον: 'theater'; the great Ephesian theater on the western slope of Mt. Pion, seating ~25,000, still largely preserved today.
συναρπάσαντεςhaving seizedAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · συναρπάζωattendant-circumstance participle (manner of rushing in)→ constative aorist (seizure of the two men)συναρπάζω: 'seize together, carry off by force'; ἁρπάζω ('snatch') + συν- ('together with') — violent dragging.
ΓάϊονGaiusAccusativedirect object of συναρπάσαντεςΓάϊος: Gaius; a common Latin name. Several men named Gaius appear in Paul's letters (1 Cor 1:14; Rom 16:23; 3 John 1); this Macedonian Gaius is perhaps distinct from all of them.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἈρίσταρχονAristarchusAccusativecoordinate direct objectἈρίσταρχος: Aristarchus of Thessalonica, a regular Pauline companion (20:4; 27:2; Col 4:10; Philm 24).
ΜακεδόναςMacedoniansAccusativeaccusative in apposition (nationality)Μακεδών: 'Macedonian'; from the province of Macedonia.
συνεκδήμουςtraveling companionsAccusativeaccusative in apposition (relationship to Paul)συνέκδημος: 'fellow traveler, traveling companion'; NT hapax (also 2 Cor 8:19); from σύν + ἔκδημος ('away from home').
Παύλουof PaulGenitivegenitive of relationship (companions of Paul)
30

Παύλου δὲ βουλομένου εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὸν δῆμον, οὐκ εἴων αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταί·

And when Paul wanted to enter the crowd, the disciples would not allow him.

Restraint of PaulδέThe genitive absolute Παύλου βουλομένου ('Paul wishing/wanting') frames his desire as a persistent intention that is overridden by the disciples. The imperfect εἴων ('were not allowing') is progressive — the disciples kept preventing him. Paul's impulse to speak publicly before the hostile crowd is characteristic (cf. 14:19–20; 20:22–24) but is overruled by others' concern for his safety.
ΠαύλουPaulGenitivesubject of genitive absolute
δὲandconnective particle
βουλομένουwantingPres Mid Part Gen Sg Masc · βούλομαιgenitive absolute (concurrent with οὐκ εἴων)→ progressive present (ongoing desire)βούλομαι: 'want, wish, desire'; the present participle marks the desire as continuous.
εἰσελθεῖνto enterAor Act Inf · εἰσέρχομαιcomplementary infinitive (with βουλομένου)→ constative aorist
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
δῆμονcrowd / assemblyAccusativeaccusative of destinationδῆμος: 'people, assembly, crowd'; the assembled mob in the theater — also the official word for a lawful popular assembly.
οὐκnotnegation
εἴωνwere allowingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐάωmain verb (imperfect of ongoing restraint)→ progressive imperfect (persistent prevention)ἐάω: 'allow, permit, let'; οὐκ εἴων = 'were not letting' — the iterative imperfect captures the disciples' repeated efforts to hold Paul back.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of εἴων
οἱtheNominativearticle (subject)
μαθηταίdisciplesNominativesubject of εἴωνμαθητής: 'disciple'; the Ephesian believers protecting their apostle.
31

τινὲς δὲ καὶ τῶν Ἀσιαρχῶν, ὄντες αὐτῷ φίλοι, πέμψαντες πρὸς αὐτὸν παρεκάλουν μὴ δοῦναι ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὸ θέατρον.

And also some of the Asiarchs, who were his friends, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater.

Additional restraint (from civic officials)δέThe Asiarchs (Ἀσιαρχῶν) were prominent figures in the province of Asia — wealthy men responsible for overseeing the provincial cult and funding civic festivals (including gladiatorial games and festivals of the imperial cult). Their friendship with Paul is remarkable and historically interesting: it suggests Paul had social connections among the Ephesian elite, and it shows that the riot was not officially sanctioned. Their message confirms the dangerous situation Paul faced.
τινὲςsomeNominativeindefinite pronoun (subject)
δὲandconnective particle
καὶalsoadverbial καί (additive)
τῶνof theGenitivepartitive genitive with τινές
ἈσιαρχῶνAsiarchsGenitivepartitive genitive (specifying the group)Ἀσιάρχης: 'Asiarch'; a high civic official of the Roman province of Asia, responsible for supervising the provincial imperial cult and civic festivals; their friendship with Paul suggests his social reach.
ὄντεςbeingPres Act Part Nom Pl Masc · εἰμίcircumstantial participle (causal: because they were his friends)→ progressive present (ongoing friendship)
αὐτῷto himDativedative of relationship (friends to Paul)
φίλοιfriendsNominativepredicate nominative with ὄντεςφίλος: 'friend'; personal friendship between Paul and Asiarchs is historically plausible given the social mixing of the first-century Roman East.
πέμψαντεςhaving sentAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · πέμπωattendant-circumstance participle (prior to παρεκάλουν)→ constative aorist (prior sending of messengers)πέμπω: 'send'; they sent messengers rather than coming in person — perhaps to avoid being seen taking sides.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of πρός (Paul)
παρεκάλουνwere urgingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · παρακαλέωmain verb (iterative imperfect)→ progressive imperfect (repeated urgent appeal)παρακαλέω: 'urge, exhort, appeal, comfort'; the imperfect implies a sustained appeal — they kept urging.
μὴnotnegation (with infinitive)
δοῦναιto give / ventureAor Act Inf · δίδωμιcomplementary infinitive (with παρεκάλουν)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; ἑαυτὸν δοῦναι εἰς = 'to give/throw himself into' — to venture into (the theater). A colloquial idiom for putting oneself in danger.
ἑαυτὸνhimselfAccusativereflexive pronoun (direct object of δοῦναι)
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (destination)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
θέατρονtheaterAccusativeaccusative of destination
32

ἄλλοι μὲν οὖν ἄλλο τι ἔκραζον· ἦν γὰρ ἡ ἐκκλησία συγκεχυμένη, καὶ οἱ πλείους οὐκ ᾔδεισαν τίνος ἕνεκεν συνεληλύθεισαν.

Now some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most did not even know why they had come together.

Narrative description (confused assembly)μὲν οὖνThe confused assembly is described with characteristic Lukan irony: ἄλλοι … ἄλλο τι ἔκραζον ('some were shouting one thing, others another') captures the chaotic mob. The perfect participle συγκεχυμένη ('confused' — intensive perfect, 'thoroughly confused') shares the root σύγχυσις with v.29 — the riot narrative's key word. The pluperfect συνεληλύθεισαν ('had come together') frames the gathering as a past-completed event whose purpose was unknown to most participants.
ἄλλοιsomeNominativeindefinite adjective (correlative with ἄλλο)ἄλλος: 'another, other'; ἄλλοι … ἄλλο = 'some … something else' — the standard Greek idiom for chaotic diversity.
μὲνnowparticle (with οὖν, resumptive/narrative)
οὖνtheninferential/resumptive particle
ἄλλοsomething elseAccusativeindefinite pronoun (direct object of ἔκραζον)
τιsomethingAccusativeindefinite pronoun (partitive with ἄλλο)
ἔκραζονwere shoutingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · κράζωmain verb (iterative imperfect)→ progressive imperfect (multiple simultaneous shouts)
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (explanatory clause with γάρ)→ progressive imperfect (ongoing state of confusion)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
theNominativearticle
ἐκκλησίαassemblyNominativesubject of ἦνἐκκλησία: 'assembly, congregation'; Luke uses the civic term for the mob here (not the church!) — the theater crowd as an irregular assembly, contrasting with the ἐκκλησία of the church.
συγκεχυμένηin confusionPerf Pass Part Nom Sg Fem · συγχέωpredicate participle with ἦν (periphrastic perfect: state of confusion)→ intensive perfect (thoroughly and persistently confused)συγχέω: 'pour together, confuse, throw into disorder'; the same root as σύγχυσις (v.29) — a wordplay threading through the riot narrative.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
πλείουςmajority / mostNominativesubject (comparative used as superlative: 'most')πλείων: 'more, greater'; οἱ πλείους = 'the majority, most of them.'
οὐκnotnegation
ᾔδεισανknewPlpf Act Indic 3 Pl · οἶδαmain verb (pluperfect as simple past in this context)→ state of ignorance (prior to the current moment)οἶδα: 'know'; the pluperfect of οἶδα functions as a simple past = 'did not know.'
τίνοςfor what reasonGenitivegenitive interrogative pronoun (indirect question with ἕνεκεν)
ἕνεκενfor the sake ofpost-positive preposition + genitive (reason/purpose)ἕνεκεν: 'for the sake of, because of'; τίνος ἕνεκεν = 'for what reason, why' — indirect question.
συνεληλύθεισανthey had gatheredPlpf Act Indic 3 Pl · συνέρχομαιverb of indirect question→ perfect (prior completed gathering whose purpose is now unknown to participants)συνέρχομαι: 'come together, assemble'; the pluperfect stresses that the gathering was already complete — most participants had been swept along without knowing the reason.
33

ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ὄχλου συνεβίβασαν Ἀλέξανδρον, προβαλόντων αὐτὸν τῶν Ἰουδαίων· ὁ δὲ Ἀλέξανδρος κατασείσας τὴν χεῖρα ἤθελεν ἀπολογεῖσθαι τῷ δήμῳ.

And some from the crowd prompted Alexander, the Jews having pushed him forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd.

Attempted Jewish dissociationδέThe Jews thrust forward Alexander — apparently to distance the Jewish community from Paul and Christianity and to declare that Jews also rejected Paul's monotheism. Alexander κατασείσας τὴν χεῖρα ('motioning with his hand') is the standard gesture for calling for silence before a public speech (cf. 13:16; 21:40); but when the crowd recognizes him as a Jew, they refuse to hear him. His name is unknown; possibly the Alexander the coppersmith of 2 Tim 4:14.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
δὲandconnective particle
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ὄχλουcrowdGenitivegenitive of source
συνεβίβασανprompted / instructedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · συμβιβάζωmain verb→ constative aoristσυμβιβάζω: 'bring together, instruct, prompt'; here the sense may be 'brought Alexander forward / coached him' — or 'concluded' (other sense). The former fits better with the genitive absolute that follows.
ἈλέξανδρονAlexanderAccusativedirect object of συνεβίβασανἈλέξανδρος: 'Alexander'; a common Greek name; possibly the coppersmith of 2 Tim 4:14, but uncertain.
προβαλόντωνhaving pushed forwardAor Act Part Gen Pl Masc · προβάλλωgenitive absolute (cause/occasion)→ constative aorist (prior pushing forward)προβάλλω: 'push forward, put forward'; the Jews strategically thrust Alexander forward as their spokesman.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of προβαλόντων
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (genitive absolute subject)
ἸουδαίωνJewsGenitivesubject of genitive absoluteἸουδαῖος: the Jewish community in Ephesus distancing itself from Paul's 'no-gods-made-by-hands' preaching.
theNominativearticle
δὲandconnective particle
ἈλέξανδροςAlexanderNominativesubject
κατασείσαςhaving motionedAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · κατασείωattendant-circumstance participle (gesture for silence)→ constative aoristκατασείω: 'wave down, motion with a gesture'; κατασείσας τὴν χεῖρα = the standard oratorical gesture requesting silence before speech (cf. 13:16; 21:40).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
χεῖραhandAccusativedirect object of κατασείσας
ἤθελενwantedImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · θέλωmain verb (conative imperfect — desire that was frustrated)→ conative imperfect (unfulfilled desire)θέλω: 'wish, want'; the conative imperfect captures his persistent but frustrated desire to speak.
ἀπολογεῖσθαιto make a defensePres Mid Inf · ἀπολογέομαιcomplementary infinitive (with ἤθελεν)→ progressive present (ongoing defensive speech intended)ἀπολογέομαι: 'speak in defense, make a defense'; the Jewish attempt at dissociation from Paul.
τῷtheDativearticle
δήμῳcrowdDativedative of indirect object / addressee
34

ἐπιγνόντες δὲ ὅτι Ἰουδαῖός ἐστιν φωνὴ ἐγένετο μία ἐκ πάντων ὡς ἐπὶ ὥρας δύο κραζόντων· Μεγάλη ἡ Ἄρτεμις Ἐφεσίων.

But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single cry went up from all of them, shouting for about two hours, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!'

Reaction: sustained acclamationδέThe recognition of Alexander as a Jew triggers the crowd's refusal to hear him: φωνὴ μία ('a single voice') — a unanimity of rejection — followed by the two-hour acclamation. ὡς ἐπὶ ὥρας δύο ('for about two hours') is Luke's most precise time-notice for the riot's duration. The verbatim repetition of Μεγάλη ἡ Ἄρτεμις Ἐφεσίων frames the two-hour chant as the crowd's only consistent utterance amid the general chaos (v.32).
ἐπιγνόντεςhaving recognizedAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἐπιγινώσκωtemporal participle (occasion of the outcry)→ constative aorist (recognition as trigger)ἐπιγινώσκω: 'recognize, know fully'; the crowd's recognition of Alexander as a Jew triggered their refusal.
δὲbutadversative-connective particle
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of ἐπιγνόντες)
Ἰουδαῖόςa JewNominativepredicate nominativeἸουδαῖος: being recognized as Jewish meant being associated with the anti-idol stance of Paul's preaching in the crowd's mind.
ἐστινhe isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopulative verb (indirect statement)→ gnomic present
φωνὴa voice / cryNominativesubject of ἐγένετοφωνή: 'voice, sound, cry'; φωνὴ μία = 'a single voice' — the unified chant of the crowd.
ἐγένετοwent upAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ constative aorist (sudden united cry)
μίαoneNominativenumeral / attributive adjective (modifying φωνή)
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
πάντωνallGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ
ὡςaboutapproximating particle (temporal)ὡς: 'about, approximately' when modifying a number; the temporal approximation.
ἐπὶforpreposition + accusative (duration)
ὥραςhoursAccusativeaccusative of durationὥρα: 'hour'; ὡς ἐπὶ ὥρας δύο = 'for about two hours' — Luke's precise time notice for the duration of the chant.
δύοtwoAccusativenumeral (modifying ὥρας)
κραζόντωνshoutingPres Act Part Gen Pl Masc · κράζωgenitive absolute (manner/content of φωνή ἐγένετο)→ progressive present (sustained shouting)κράζω: 'cry out, shout'; third use of this verb in the riot narrative (vv.28, 32, 34).
ΜεγάληGreatNominativepredicate adjective (verbless acclamation, repeated from v.28)
theNominativearticle
ἌρτεμιςArtemisNominativesubject of verbless acclamation
Ἐφεσίωνof the EphesiansGenitivegenitive of relationship
35

καταστείλας δὲ ὁ γραμματεὺς τὸν ὄχλον φησίν· Ἄνδρες Ἐφέσιοι, τίς γάρ ἐστιν ἄνθρωπος ὃς οὐ γινώσκει τὴν Ἐφεσίων πόλιν νεωκόρον οὖσαν τῆς μεγάλης Ἀρτέμιδος καὶ τοῦ διοπετοῦς;

And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, 'Men of Ephesus, who is there among men who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple-keeper of the great Artemis and of the sacred image that fell from the sky?

Resolution — town clerk's speechδέThe γραμματεύς ('town clerk') is the most important civic official of Ephesus — the executive secretary of the civic council who drafted official documents and communicated with the Roman governor. His speech is masterfully crafted: it opens with a rhetorical question establishing Ephesus's unassailable status (νεωκόρος — 'temple-keeper,' an official civic title documented epigraphically), and the διοπετής ('fallen from the sky/Zeus'), a sacred object — perhaps a meteorite — venerated in the temple.
καταστείλαςhaving quietedAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · καταστέλλωattendant-circumstance participle (prior to φησίν)→ constative aorist (silencing achieved)καταστέλλω: 'restrain, quiet, calm'; the town clerk's authoritative gesture silencing the crowd.
δὲandconnective particle
theNominativearticle
γραμματεὺςtown clerkNominativesubject of φησίνγραμματεύς: 'clerk, secretary'; in Ephesus the chief civic official who managed civic affairs and liaised with Rome — the most important local official.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ὄχλονcrowdAccusativedirect object of καταστείλας
φησίνsaysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · φημίmain verb (historic present)→ historic present (vividness)φημί: 'say'; the historic present lends vividness to the speech introduction.
ἌνδρεςMenVocativevocative address
ἘφέσιοιEphesiansVocativevocative apposition to ἌνδρεςἘφέσιος: 'Ephesian'; the civic address flatters the assembled citizens by their civic identity.
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject of rhetorical question)
γάρindeedconfirmatory/explanatory particle
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopulative verb→ gnomic present
ἄνθρωποςmanNominativepredicate nominative
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of οὐ γινώσκει)
οὐnotnegation
γινώσκειknowsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωverb of relative clause (rhetorical question implies no such person exists)→ gnomic present (universal knowledge)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
Ἐφεσίωνof the EphesiansGenitivegenitive of possession
πόλινcityAccusativedirect object of γινώσκει (accusative subject of oὖσαν)
νεωκόρονtemple-keeperAccusativepredicate accusative with oὖσαννεωκόρος: 'temple-keeper, warden'; from ναός + κορέω ('sweep'); official civic title for the city's role as custodian of a major cult — documented in Ephesian inscriptions.
οὖσανbeingPres Act Part Acc Sg Fem · εἰμίindirect statement participle (with γινώσκει)→ progressive present (ongoing status)
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
μεγάληςgreatGenitiveattributive adjective
ἈρτέμιδοςArtemisGenitivegenitive of the deity served
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
διοπετοῦςsacred image fallen from ZeusGenitivegenitive coordinate with Ἀρτέμιδοςδιοπετής: 'fallen from Zeus/sky'; from Διός (genitive of Ζεύς, 'Zeus/sky') + πίπτω ('fall'); an object — perhaps a meteorite — venerated in the Artemision as having fallen from the sky.
36

ἀναντιρρήτων οὖν ὄντων τούτων δέον ἐστὶν ὑμᾶς κατεσταλμένους ὑπάρχειν καὶ μηδὲν προπετὲς πράσσειν.

Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash.

Inference from the established factsοὖνThe genitive absolute ἀναντιρρήτων ὄντων τούτων ('these things being undeniable') is the clerk's rhetorical concession — Ephesus's status as Artemis's city is so well-established that it needs no defense and no riot to affirm it. The logical inference (οὖν — 'therefore') is that the mob should be κατεσταλμένους ('having calmed down,' intensive perfect participle) and refrain from προπετές ('rash') action. δέον ἐστίν ('it is necessary') is an impersonal construction parallel to δεῖ.
ἀναντιρρήτωνundeniableGenitivegenitive absolute (predicate of ὄντων)ἀναντίρρητος: 'undeniable, incontrovertible'; from ἀν- (negative) + ἀντί ('against') + ῥητός ('spoken'); NT hapax (also 10:29 in different form).
οὖνthereforeinferential particle
ὄντωνbeingPres Act Part Gen Pl Neut · εἰμίgenitive absolute (impersonal: 'these things being so')→ progressive present (ongoing undeniable state)
τούτωνthese thingsGenitivedemonstrative pronoun (subject of genitive absolute)
δέονit being necessaryPres Act Part Acc Sg Neut · δεῖimpersonal participle (accusative absolute)→ progressive presentδεῖ: 'it is necessary'; δέον ἐστίν = the participial construction of impersonal necessity.
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopulative verb (with δέον: 'it is necessary')→ gnomic present
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitives
κατεσταλμένουςcalmed downPerf Pass Part Acc Pl Masc · καταστέλλωpredicate participle with ὑπάρχειν→ intensive perfect (resultant state of having calmed)καταστέλλω: 'restrain, calm'; cf. v.35 — the same root. The perfect participle stresses the resultant state.
ὑπάρχεινto bePres Act Inf · ὑπάρχωcomplementary infinitive (with δέον ἐστίν)→ progressive present (ongoing required state)ὑπάρχω: 'be, exist'; often nearly synonymous with εἶναι in Hellenistic Greek.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μηδὲνnothingAccusativeindefinite pronoun (direct object of πράσσειν — negated)
προπετὲςrashAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying μηδέν)προπετής: 'rash, reckless, hasty'; from πρό ('forward') + πίπτω ('fall') — falling forward headlong.
πράσσεινto doPres Act Inf · πράσσωcoordinate complementary infinitive→ progressive presentπράσσω: 'do, practice'; the injunction against rash action implies the riot itself is rash.
37

ἠγάγετε γὰρ τοὺς ἄνδρας τούτους οὔτε ἱεροσύλους οὔτε βλασφημοῦντας τὴν θεὸν ἡμῶν.

For you have brought these men here who are neither temple-robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess.

Legal argument (the accused have committed no crime)γάρThe town clerk's second argument: the men dragged into the theater (Gaius and Aristarchus) have committed no chargeable offense. The two specific charges are: ἱεροσύλους ('temple-robbers' — the gravest religious crime under Roman law) and βλασφημοῦντας τὴν θεόν ἡμῶν ('blaspheming our goddess' — verbal desecration). Paul's missionary method of non-direct verbal attack on the cult (cf. v.26: he said 'gods made by hands are not gods,' not 'Artemis is demonic') is precisely what the clerk cites as grounds for dismissal.
ἠγάγετεyou have broughtAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ἄγωmain verb→ constative aorist (the dragging in of v.29)ἄγω: 'bring, lead'; the clerk turns their own action against them — they brought men who are legally innocent.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἄνδραςmenAccusativedirect object of ἠγάγετε
τούτουςtheseAccusativedemonstrative pronoun (appositional)
οὔτεneithercorrelative conjunction (οὔτε … οὔτε = 'neither … nor')
ἱεροσύλουςtemple-robbersAccusativepredicate accusative (characterizing the accused)ἱερόσυλος: 'temple-robber, sacrilege'; from ἱερόν + συλάω ('strip, plunder'); a capital offense under Roman provincial law.
οὔτεnorcorrelative conjunction (second element)
βλασφημοῦνταςblasphemingPres Act Part Acc Pl Masc · βλασφημέωpredicate accusative (second characterization)→ progressive present (no such ongoing blasphemy)βλασφημέω: 'blaspheme, speak impiously against'; the clerk acknowledges Paul has not directly verbally attacked Artemis — an accurate legal reading.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
θεὸνgoddessAccusativedirect object of βλασφημοῦνταςθεός: 'god'; here feminine use (with feminine article τήν) = 'goddess.'
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
38

εἰ μὲν οὖν Δημήτριος καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ τεχνῖται πρός τινα λόγον ἔχουσιν, ἀγοραῖοι ἄγονται καὶ ἀνθύπατοί εἰσιν· ἐγκαλείτωσαν ἀλλήλοις.

If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another.

Legal remedy (first alternative)μὲν οὖνThe clerk redirects Demetrius to the proper legal channels: ἀγοραῖοι ἄγονται ('court days are held,' literally 'market days are being conducted') refers to the regular ἀγορά court sessions at which civil complaints could be heard; ἀνθύπατοί εἰσιν ('there are proconsuls') refers to the Roman governor's assize courts (conventus) held in the provincial capital and major cities. The plural ἀνθύπατοί is often explained as generalizing — 'there are proconsuls [as the case may be]' — rather than implying multiple simultaneous governors.
εἰifconditional conjunction (first-class condition)
μὲνnowparticle (with οὖν — transitional 'now then')
οὖνtheninferential particle
ΔημήτριοςDemetriusNominativesubject of ἔχουσιν (with οἱ τεχνῖται)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (accompaniment)
αὐτῷhimDativedative object of σύν
τεχνῖταιcraftsmenNominativecoordinate subject of ἔχουσιν
πρόςagainstpreposition + accusative (legal complaint against)
τιναanyoneAccusativeindefinite pronoun (object of πρός)
λόγονcomplaintAccusativedirect object of ἔχουσινλόγος: 'word, account, matter'; πρός τινα λόγον ἔχειν = legal idiom for 'have a complaint/case against someone.'
ἔχουσινthey havePres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἔχωverb of protasis→ gnomic present
ἀγοραῖοιcourt sessionsNominativesubject of ἄγονταιἀγοραῖος: 'market/court day'; the regular court days held in the ἀγορά (public square); the context for civil litigation.
ἄγονταιare being heldPres Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἄγωmain verb (apodosis)→ gnomic present (standing institutional fact)ἄγω: 'lead, conduct, hold'; ἀγοραῖοι ἄγονται = 'court days are conducted.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀνθύπατοίproconsulsNominativesubject of εἰσινἀνθύπατος: 'proconsul'; the Roman provincial governor of Asia, whose assize courts (conventus) traveled through the province.
εἰσινthere arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίexistential verb→ gnomic present
ἐγκαλείτωσανlet them bring chargesPres Act Imptv 3 Pl · ἐγκαλέωmain verb (third-person imperative: command to Demetrius et al.)→ progressive present (ongoing legal recourse available)ἐγκαλέω: 'accuse, bring charges against'; from ἐν + καλέω ('call against'); the same word root as v.40's ἐγκαλεῖσθαι.
ἀλλήλοιςone anotherDativedative of indirect object (the reciprocal — let them accuse each other in court)ἀλλήλων: 'one another, each other'; the reciprocal pronoun — 'let them file charges against each other through proper channels.'
39

εἰ δέ τι περαιτέρω ἐπιζητεῖτε, ἐν τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐπιλυθήσεται.

But if you seek anything further, it shall be resolved in the lawful assembly.

Second alternative (lawful assembly)δέThe second alternative: if the complaint exceeds simple civil litigation, it can be resolved in the ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ ('lawful assembly') — the regular civic assembly (ἐκκλησία) convened according to established law (ἔννομος), as opposed to the present irregular riot. The contrast between the lawful ἐκκλησία and the current chaotic gathering is implicit — Luke's choice of ἐκκλησία (also the NT word for 'church') may be theologically ironic.
εἰifconditional conjunction
δέbutadversative-connective particle
τιanythingAccusativeindefinite pronoun (direct object of ἐπιζητεῖτε)
περαιτέρωfurtheradverb (comparative: 'beyond this point')περαιτέρω: 'beyond, further'; comparative adverb from πέρα ('beyond'); NT hapax.
ἐπιζητεῖτεyou seekPres Act Indic 2 Pl · ἐπιζητέωverb of protasis→ gnomic presentἐπιζητέω: 'seek additionally, inquire further'; from ἐπί ('upon, in addition') + ζητέω ('seek').
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location/sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
ἐννόμῳlawfulDativeattributive adjectiveἔννομος: 'lawful, legal, within the law'; from ἐν + νόμος ('law'); contrasting with the current unlawful gathering.
ἐκκλησίᾳassemblyDativedative of place/sphereἐκκλησία: 'assembly'; the regular civic assembly constituted by law — Luke's wordplay on the NT term for 'church' is probably deliberate.
ἐπιλυθήσεταιit shall be resolvedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιλύωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive future (institutional resolution)ἐπιλύω: 'resolve, settle, untie'; NT hapax in this sense; the future passive implies the matter will be settled by due process.
40

καὶ γὰρ κινδυνεύομεν ἐγκαλεῖσθαι στάσεως περὶ τῆς σήμερον, μηδενὸς αἰτίου ὑπάρχοντος περὶ οὗ οὐ δυνησόμεθα ἀποδοῦναι λόγον περὶ τῆς συστροφῆς ταύτης.

For we are in danger of being accused of sedition concerning today's disturbance, there being no cause for it, and we will not be able to give an account of this commotion.

Final argument (risk of Roman reprisal)γάρThe town clerk's ultimate argument is the threat of Roman reprisal: κινδυνεύομεν ἐγκαλεῖσθαι στάσεως ('we are in danger of being charged with sedition') — στάσις ('sedition, insurrection') was a capital charge under Roman law. Provincial cities could lose their privileges or face direct punishment for civil disorder. The genitive of charge στάσεως is the technical legal form. The admission μηδενὸς αἰτίου ὑπάρχοντος ('there being no cause') is the clerk's honest acknowledgment that the riot lacks legitimate justification.
καὶindeedadverbial καί (emphatic, 'indeed, moreover')
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
κινδυνεύομενwe are in dangerPres Act Indic 1 Pl · κινδυνεύωmain verb→ gnomic/futuristic present (immediate real danger)κινδυνεύω: 'be in danger'; cf. v.27 — the same verb Demetrius used of the shrine trade's danger; now the clerk turns the word on the rioters themselves.
ἐγκαλεῖσθαιto be chargedPres Pass Inf · ἐγκαλέωcomplementary infinitive (with κινδυνεύομεν)→ progressive present (risk of ongoing charges)ἐγκαλέω: 'bring charges against, accuse'; cf. v.38 — the clerk now uses the same word he directed at Demetrius.
στάσεωςof seditionGenitivegenitive of charge (legal genitive of accusation)στάσις: 'sedition, insurrection, standing/faction'; a Roman legal term for organized civic violence; charges of στάσις could result in the loss of a city's civic privileges.
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (topic)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
σήμερονtoday'sGenitiveadverb used as attributive adjective (genitive by attraction)σήμερον: 'today'; the adverb functions attributively — 'today's [disturbance].'
μηδενὸςnoGenitiveindefinite adjective (genitive absolute subject)
αἰτίουcauseGenitivegenitive absolute (predicate: 'no cause existing')αἴτιος: 'cause, reason, responsible party'; the clerk's honest admission that the riot has no legitimate justification.
ὑπάρχοντοςexistingPres Act Part Gen Sg Neut · ὑπάρχωgenitive absolute (circumstantial: there being no cause)→ progressive present (ongoing absence of legitimate cause)
περὶfor whichpreposition + genitive (reference / the charge referred to)
οὗwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (genitive after περί; antecedent = αἰτίου or the situation)
οὐnotnegation
δυνησόμεθαwe will be ableFut Mid Indic 1 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb→ predictive future (inability to account to Rome)δύναμαι: 'be able'; the future stresses the practical impossibility of defending the riot to Roman authorities.
ἀποδοῦναιto giveAor Act Inf · ἀποδίδωμιcomplementary infinitive (with δυνησόμεθα)→ constative aoristἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, render, give account'; λόγον ἀποδοῦναι = 'to give an account' — the same accountability formula used in Roman legal contexts (cf. Luke 16:2).
λόγονaccountAccusativedirect object of ἀποδοῦναιλόγος: 'word, account, reason'; λόγον ἀποδοῦναι = legal/administrative idiom 'to render an account.'
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (topic of the account)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
συστροφῆςcommotionGenitivegenitive object of περίσυστροφή: 'commotion, mob gathering, conspiracy'; from συστρέφω ('twist together, gather in a mass'); a word for illegal mob assembly in Roman legal parlance.
ταύτηςthisGenitivedemonstrative adjective (genitive with συστροφῆς)
41

καὶ ταῦτα εἰπὼν ἀπέλυσεν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν.

And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Narrative closureκαίThe chapter closes with the town clerk's formal dismissal: ἀπέλυσεν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ('he dismissed the assembly'). The final use of ἐκκλησία — the same word used for the church throughout Acts — with the sense of a civic mob dispersed by a pagan official is Luke's closing irony: the crowd that chanted for two hours is simply sent home. The speech of the town clerk is among the finest examples in Acts of a Gentile official unwittingly serving the protection of the gospel.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object of εἰπὼν
εἰπὼνhaving saidAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωtemporal participle (prior to ἀπέλυσεν)→ constative aorist (completion of speech)
ἀπέλυσενdismissedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπολύωmain verb→ constative aorist (single act of dismissal)ἀπολύω: 'release, dismiss, dissolve'; the official term for formally dissolving an assembly.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐκκλησίανassemblyAccusativedirect object of ἀπέλυσενἐκκλησία: 'assembly'; the final occurrence of ἐκκλησία in the chapter — used three times (vv.32, 39, 41) for the civic mob, in ironic contrast to the church (ἐκκλησία) throughout Acts.