Asiarchs

Narrator: Chris Genthree

Duration: 1min

Acts 19:31

The word is Ἀσιαρχῶν, “chiefs of Asia.” They were officers chosen annually by the cities in the Roman province of Asia. They had charge of the public games and religious festivals (Acts 19:31³¹And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. (Acts 19:31)). There were similar officers in other districts, as Syriarchs for Syria. Some of the Asiarchs were friends of Paul and begged him not to endanger himself in the theater: tumultuous mobs could not always be controlled.