Acts 19:23-41

Modern English Version

²³ About that time great trouble arose about the Way. ²⁴ For a silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines for Artemis, brought much business to the craftsmen. ²⁵ He gathered them together with the workmen of similar trades and said, “Men, you know that by this trade we have our wealth. ²⁶ And you see and hear, not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, that this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that these things made by hands are not gods. ²⁷ Now not only is our trade in danger of coming into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis, whom all Asia and the world worship, may be discredited and her magnificence destroyed.”

²⁸ When they heard this, they were full of anger and cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” ²⁹ The city was filled with confusion. And in unison they seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and rushed into the theater. ³⁰ When Paul intended to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. ³¹ Even some of the rulers of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him begging him not to venture into the theater.

³² The assembly was confused. Therefore some cried out one thing and some another, and most of them did not know why they had come together. ³³ The Jews pushed Alexander to the front as the crowd prompted him. Alexander motioned with his hand, wishing to make his defense to the mob. ³⁴ But when they learned that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all with one voice cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

³⁵ The city clerk quieted the crowd and said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell from heaven? ³⁶ Seeing then that these things are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. ³⁷ For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of your goddess. ³⁸ So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another. ³⁹ If you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the legal assembly. ⁴⁰ For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no reason we may give to account for this uproar.” ⁴¹ When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.