Acts 19:21-40 - A Major Riot In Ephesus
21 And when these things were accomplished, Paul was disposed by the Spirit, passing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there I must see Rome. 22 And sending two that served him into Macedonia, Timothy and Erastus, he continued a time in Asia.
23 And there was at that time no small tumult about the way [of the Lord]. 24 For a certain Demetrius by name, a silversmith, who made silver temples of Diana, and afforded his artisans no small gain, 25 assembling them together and laborers of like employments, said, Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this employment, 26 and you see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but in almost all Asia, this Paul has led away a great multitude by persuasion, saying that things which are made by hands are not gods. 27 And not only this work of ours is in danger of coming into contempt, but even the temple of the great goddess Diana of being set at nought, and her majesty also which all Asia and the world worships, of being destroyed.
28 And hearing this they were full of wrath, and cried, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians! 29 And the whole city was full of confusion; and they rushed with one accord to the theatre, taking Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, fellow travellers of Paul. 30 And Paul wishing to go in to the people, the disciples did not permit him; 31 and some of the rulers of Asia also, who were friendly to him, sending to him, besought him not to expose himself in the theatre. 32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what reason they had come together. 33 And they advanced Alexander from the multitude, the Jews putting him forward; and Alexander motioning with his hand, wished to defend himself before the people. 34 But knowing that he was a Jew, there was one voice from all, for about two hours, crying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
35 And the clerk having stilled the multitude, said, Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great Diana, and of the Jove descended [image]? 36 These things therefore being indisputable, it is best to be quiet, and do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought these men here, who are neither temple-robbers nor blasphemers of your goddess. 38 If, therefore, Demetrius and the artisans with him have a charge against any, court days are held, and there are pro-consuls; let them accuse one another. 39 And if you desire any thing of other matters, let it be determined in a lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called to account for the tumult of to-day, there being no cause by which we can excuse this concourse.