Bible Dictionary
IMPLEAD
To implead means to bring a legal accusation or sue at law. In Acts 19:38 the term refers to taking a dispute before the proper court rather than settling it through a riot.
Definition
To implead is to sue at law or bring a legal accusation against another person. It involves taking a dispute to court rather than attempting to settle it through disorder or violence.
Biblical Usage
In Acts 19:38 the King James Version says, “Let them implead one another.” The Revised Version renders this, “Let them accuse one another,” in the context of directing the disputing parties toward lawful prosecution.
Historical Background
The Greek verb means to call in or call to account. The passage contrasts court proceedings with settling matters through a riot.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>im-pled' (Ac 19:38 the King James Version, "Let them impIead one another"): "Implead" means "to sue at law," hence, the Revised Version (British and American) "Let them accuse one another." Court days are kept, let them prosecute the suit in court and not settle matters in riot. egkalein, means "to call in," "to call to account."</p>