The word is Ἀσιαρχῶν, 'chiefs of Asia.' They were officers chosen annually by the cities in the Roman province of Asia. They had charge of the public games and religious festivals. Acts 19:31 . There were similar officers in other districts, as Syriarchs for Syria, etc. Some of the Asiarchs were friends of Paul and begged him not to endanger himself in the theatre: tumultuous mobs could not always be controlled.