Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
CHIEF OF A'SIA . Acts 19:31. Certain wealthy persons were appointed annually in the Asiatic provinces of Rome to preside over the religious rites, public games, etc., which they maintained in honor of the gods, and at their own expense. They received their title from the name of the province; as, the chief of Caria was called cariarch, or of Lycia, lyciarch, etc. The title is properly "asiarch," and was borne, it would seem, after the duties of the office had been discharged. This explains the reference in the Acts.
These asiarchs, who advised Paul not to expose himself needlessly to the fury of the populace in Ephesus, may well have been friendly to the apostle, without being Christians.
✦ Scripture References 2 references