Ἀσιάρχης (Asiarchēs)
Asiarchēs
Asiarch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun asiarchēs refers to an Asiarch, a high-ranking civic official in the Roman province of Asia. These men were typically elected from various cities within the province to serve as presidents or leaders. Their primary responsibility involved organizing and funding public games, festivals, and religious ceremonies, particularly those honoring the Roman emperor and the imperial cult.
Historical records indicate that there were about ten such officials active during this period. The term appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:31. Here, it describes friends of the Apostle Paul who prevented him from entering the theater during a riot in Ephesus. This single occurrence highlights the significant social and political influence these men held in the region.
The word combines asia ("Asia") and archō ("to lead" or "rule"). It does not denote a military commander but rather a civil administrator with religious duties. Translators consistently render it as "Asiarch" to preserve this specific historical title, reflecting its unique role in the civic life of first-century Asia Minor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asiarches points to a specific kind of influence in the ancient world. These were civic leaders who organized public events and managed religious ceremonies for the Roman province of Asia. Their role was not military, but civil and social, carrying significant weight in the communities where they served.
In Acts 19:31, we see these men acting as friends to Paul during a dangerous riot in Ephesus. They begged him not to enter the theater, showing that even amidst hostility toward the gospel, there were individuals of high standing who cared for his safety. This moment reveals that faith does not exist in isolation from society.
For your life, this reminds us that influence can be used for protection and peace. You may encounter people in positions of authority or community leadership who support you quietly. It is a comfort to know that God can work through unexpected allies, even those with political power, to preserve His servants.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Asiarchs1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀσιαρχῶν1×
Key Verses
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Acts 19:31
Certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theater.
This verse shows Asiarchs using their social standing to protect Paul from a violent mob, highlighting their role as civil mediators rather than just religious figures.