Bible Dictionary
Asiarchae
The Asiarchae were annually chosen officials in the Roman province of Asia. They supervised public games and religious festivals and helped bear their expenses.
Definition
The Asiarchae, or “chiefs of Asia,” were officials chosen annually by the cities of the Roman province of Asia. They supervised public games and religious theatrical spectacles and bore their expenses.
Biblical Usage
Some Asiarchae are mentioned in connection with Paul at Ephesus in Acts 19:31, where they are described as his friends.
Historical Background
They were selected by the cities of the province of Asia, whose metropolis was Ephesus under Roman government.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(chief of Asia) (Authorized Version; (Acts 19:31)), officers chosen annually by the cities of that part of the province of Asia of which Ephesus was, under Roman government, the metropolis. They had charge of the public games and religious theatrical spectacles, the expenses of which they bore.