Acts 19:40For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning this day's riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn't be able to give an account of this commotion."
The setting
The town clerk's final warning to the mob. Rome was watching Ephesus closely — any riot could cost the city its freedom and prosperity...
The emotion here: desperate fear for his city's survival
The original word
stasis (στάσις) — seditious uprising, the exact charge that could trigger Roman military intervention
Why it matters
Cities that lost control faced losing their 'free city' status and having Roman troops permanently stationed there
Read with care
What most readers miss in Acts 19:40
The clerk wasn't just worried about Paul — he was terrified Rome would strip Ephesus of its independence
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about personal reputation, but the clerk was actually terrified that Roman investigators would punish the entire city for one day's riot.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Acts 19:40
Bible Genome reading
Acts 19:40 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Acts 19:40 comes from the book of Acts, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to town_clerk. The dominant emotion in this verse is anxious, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is urgent. It belongs to the prophecy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include consequences, accountability. Notable phrases: in danger; accused concerning riot.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same anxious
“And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:14
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
— 2 Timothy 3:12
“The evil spirit answered, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"”
— Acts 19:15
“I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'”
— Acts 22:7
“When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is har…”
— Acts 26:14
Your reflection
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