Acts 19:33

Alexander

³¹ Even some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre.

³² Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there.

The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.

³⁴ But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

³⁵ Finally the city clerk quieted the crowd and declared, “Men of Ephesus, doesn’t everyone know that the city of Ephesus is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.
KJV: And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
WEB: They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people.
ASV: And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defense unto the people.
DARBY: But from among the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews pushing him forward. And Alexander, beckoning with his hand, would have made a defence to the people.
BLB: And out of the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with the hand, was wanting to make a defense to the people.

ÅB: Men noen av hopen satte Aleksander inn i saken, da jødene skjøv ham fram; Aleksander slo da til lyd med hånden og ville holde en forsvarstale til folket.
OTB: Jødene i mengden dyttet Alexander frem, og han gjorde tegn til stillhet, med hensikt å forsvare seg for folket.
B1930: Men nogen av hopen satte Aleksander inn i saken, da jødene skjøv ham frem; Aleksander slo da til lyd med hånden og vilde holde en forsvarstale til folket.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Acts 12:17
Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.
Read in context
1 Timothy 1:20
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Read in context
2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
Read in context
Acts 26:1–2
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
Read in context
Acts 21:40–22:1
Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:
Read in context
Acts 13:16
Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!
Read in context
Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
Read in context
Acts 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.
Read in context