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Acts 19:21-41 — The Riot in Ephesus

Acts.19.21-41

²¹Now when these things were completed, Paul resolved in spirit to go to Jerusalem after passing through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” ²²So he sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, while he himself stayed for a time in the province of Asia. ²³About that time there arose no small disturbance about the Way. ²⁴For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided no little business for the craftsmen. ²⁵He gathered these together, along with the workers in such trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our prosperity.” ²⁶And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but also in nearly all the province of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable crowd, saying that gods made by hands are not gods. ²⁷And not only is there danger that this trade of ours may come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that her majesty may even be brought down—she whom all the province of Asia and the world worship. ²⁸When they heard this, they were filled with anger and began crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” ²⁹And the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed together into the theatre, seizing Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's traveling companions. ³⁰When Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples would not let him. ³¹Even some of the Asiarchs , who were friends of Paul, sent word to him and urged him not to venture into the theatre. ³²So then some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. ³³And from the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having pushed him forward. Then Alexander motioned with his hand and wanted to make a defense before the people. ³⁴But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single shout arose from them all, and for about two hours they cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” ³⁵But after quieting the crowd, the Town Clerk said, "Men of Ephesus, what person is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Artemis and of the thing that fell from heaven ? ³⁶Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you ought to be calm and do nothing rash. ³⁷For you have brought these men here, who are neither temple-robbers nor blasphemers of our Artemis. ³⁸If, therefore, Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another there. ³⁹But if you seek anything further , it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. ⁴⁰For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning today's disturbance , since there is no cause that we will be able to give as an account for this disorder." ⁴¹And after saying these things, he dismissed the assembly.

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4/11/2026

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