The Riot at Ephesus
21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
22So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. time
23And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
24For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen; a good profit
25Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, youp know that by this craft we have our wealth.
26Moreover youp see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
27So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nothing; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships. of becoming worthless
28And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
30And when Paul would have entered in to the people, the disciples permitted him not.
31And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent to him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. risk going
32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. majority
33And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense to the people.
34But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
35And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Youp men of Ephesus, what man is there that knows not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? quieted
36Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, youp ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
37For youp have brought here these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of yourp goddess.
38Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. complaint; available; accuse
39But if youp inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
40For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. accused; disorderly gathering
41And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
