Thematic Bible: Spread of the gospel


Thematic Bible




And about that time there was not a little a stir about the Way. For a certain silversmith named Demetrius was making silver temples of Artemis, providing not a little trade for the craftsmen. And assembling the workmen about such things, he said, Men, you know that from this trade is our wealth. read more.
And you see and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost all Asia, this Paul having persuaded, he has perverted a huge crowd, saying that those which are made with hands are no gods. And not only is this dangerous to us, our share coming into dispute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted for nothing, and her magnificence is also about to be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships. And hearing, and becoming full of anger, they cried out, saying, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. And all the city was filled with confusion. And they rushed with one accord to the theater, keeping a firm grip on Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, traveling companions of Paul. And Paul intending to go in to the mob, the disciples did not allow him. And some of the chief men of Asia, being his friends, sent to him, begging him not to give himself into the theater. Then indeed others cried out, some other things; for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. And they dragged Alexander forward out of the crowd, the Jews thrusting him forward. And waving his hand Alexander desired to defend himself to the mob. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for two hours' time, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! And quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, Men, Ephesians! What one of you does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a worshiper of the great goddess Artemis, and of That Fallen from the Sky? Since these things cannot be spoken against, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. Therefore if Demetrius and those craftsmen with him truly have a matter against anyone, the court days are kept, and there are proconsuls. Let them plead against one another. But if you ask anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be accused of revolt concerning today; there being no cause by which we may give an account of this crowding together. And saying these things, he dismissed the assembly.

For, brothers, we would not have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength; so much so that we despaired even of life.