If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
I. Paul is here brought into some trouble at Ephesus, just when he is forecasting to go thence, and to cut out work for himself elsewhere. See here, 1. How he laid his purpose of going to other places, Act 19:21, Act 19:22. He was a man of vast designs for God, and was for making his influences as widely diffusive as might be.
Commenting on Acts 19:21-41
Verse 38. Have a matter against any man. Have a complaint of injury; if injustice has been done them by any one. The law is open. See the margin. αγοραιοιαγονται, i.e. ημεραι. There are court days; days which are open, or appointed for judicial trials, where such matters can be determined in a proper manner. Perhaps the courts were then held, and the matter might be immediately determined.
if Demetrius have a matter--of complaint. against any man, the law is open--rather, "the court days are being held." and there are deputies--literally "proconsuls" (see on Act 13:7); that is, probably, the proconsul and his council, as a court of appeal.