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Book of Acts - Chapter 19 - Verse 37

19:37
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

Meaning

In this verse from Acts 19:37, the speaker is addressing a crowd in Ephesus who are upset about the preaching of the apostle Paul and his companions. The speaker is pointing out that the men brought before them are not criminals who have committed sacrilegious acts against their religious beliefs. The men are not robbers of churches, meaning they have not stolen from places of worship, nor are they blasphemers of their goddess, indicating they have not spoken disrespectfully or insulted their religious practices.

This verse highlights the misunderstanding and false accusations that can arise when people are quick to judge others based on rumors or hearsay. It serves as a reminder to carefully consider the motives and actions of individuals before making accusations or passing judgment. By clarifying that the men are not guilty of the crimes they are accused of, the speaker is urging the crowd to approach the situation with reason and fairness.

As readers of the Bible, we can learn from this verse the importance of seeking the truth, practicing discernment, and avoiding jumping to conclusions about others. It also reminds us of the significance of upholding justice and righteousness in our interactions with one another.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Acts 19:37, the speaker is addressing a crowd who brought in two men accused of causing trouble in Ephesus. The speaker asserts that these men are not robbers of churches nor blasphemers of their goddess, referring to the fact that the accused individuals did not engage in criminal activities nor did they disrespect the city's religious beliefs. Theological interpretation of this verse can focus on the importance of upholding the law and respecting religious practices. It highlights the idea that Christians should strive to live peaceably with others and avoid actions that bring harm or dishonor to others. This verse also emphasizes the distinction between criminal behavior and religious disagreements, urging believers to handle disputes with grace and wisdom. Word studies on "robbers" and "blasphemers" can provide further insight into the cultural context of the time, shedding light on the specific accusations made against the men in this particular situation.

American Standard Version

For ye have brought [hither] these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.
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