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But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

Verse Takeaways

1

Prejudice Drowns Out Reason

Commentators explain that as soon as the crowd identified the speaker, Alexander, as a Jew, their prejudice took over. To the mob, both Jews and Christians were enemies of their idol worship. This recognition instantly shut down any possibility of dialogue, replacing it with a two-hour, unified, irrational chant, demonstrating how prejudice fuels mob mentality.

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Acts

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Commentaries

7

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Acts 19:34

18th Century

Theologian

But when they knew. When they perceived or ascertained.

That he was a Jew. There was a general prejudice against the Jews.…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Acts 19:34

When they perceived (επιγνοντες). Recognizing, coming to know fully and clearly (επι-), second aorist (ingressive) active particip…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Acts 19:34

19th Century

Bishop

When they knew that he was a Jew.—Better, when they recognised.

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Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Acts 19:34

The Jewish community at Ephesus was large and enjoyed a number of special exemptions granted by past provincial proconsuls. Yet it also suffered fr…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Acts 19:34

16th Century

Theologian

Great is Diana of the Ephesians. This was a clamorous confession, but without any soundness; nor did it proceed from the faith of the hear…

John Gill

John Gill

On Acts 19:34

17th Century

Pastor

But when they knew that he was a Jew
And so equally an enemy to their idolatry, as Paul and his companions were, whe…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Acts 19:32–41

17th Century

Minister

The Jews came forward in this tumult. Those who are so careful to distinguish themselves from the servants of Christ now, and are afraid of being m…