Acts 19:21-40 - A Major Riot In Ephesus
21 After this ended Paul was directed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he passed through Macedonia and Achaia. He said: After I have been there, I must also see Rome. 22 He sent two of his helpers Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia. He stayed in Asia for a while.
23 A great disturbance occurred about The Way. 24 A man named Demetrius, a silversmith made silver shrines of Diana. He brought a lot of business to the craftsmen. 25 They gathered together along with similar related workmen, and said: Sirs, You know we receive a good income from this business. 26 You see and hear that Paul, in Ephesus and throughout all Asia, has persuaded and turned away many people. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger that our trade will lose its good name. The temple of the great goddess Artemis (Diana) would then become useless. The goddess who is worshiped in all Asia would be robbed of her divine majesty.
28 When they heard this they were filled with anger. They shouted: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. 29 The city was filled with the confusion. They rushed with one accord into the theatre and seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. 30 Paul wanted to enter the theatre with the people but his disciples would not permit it. 31 Some of the officials and his friends sent him a message begging him not to enter the theatre. 32 Some cried one thing and others another for the crowd was in confusion. Most of them did not know why they assembled. 33 The crowd of Jews thrust Alexander forward. Alexander motioned with his hand and wanted to make a defense to the people. 34 They perceived that he was a Jew and all with one voice shouted for two hours: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.
35 The city recorder quieted the crowd. He said: You men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? 36 Seeing that these things are indisputable it is fitting that you keep calm and do nothing rash. 37 You brought these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him have a grievance against any man, the courts are open, and there are judges. Let them accuse one another. 39 But if you seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For indeed we are in danger to be charged with rioting (sedition) because of today's events. We would not be able to account for this ruckus for there is no reason for it.