The Riot at Ephesus

21 After these things had taken place, Paul resolved in his spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go on to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must see Rome also.” 22 So he sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he himself stayed in Asia for a period of time.

23 About that time a great disturbance arose concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a great deal of business to the craftsmen. 25 He gathered these men together, along with those who worked in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our wealth is derived from this business. 26 You also see and hear that, not only in Ephesus, but in nearly all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and drawn away a considerable crowd, saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all. 27 Not only is there the danger that this trade of ours might come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis might be regarded as nothing, and that [fn]her magnificence might be brought down, whom all Asia and the world worship.”

28 When they heard this, they were filled with rage and began crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the [fn]whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the amphitheater, seizing Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's traveling companions. 30 Although Paul wanted to go into the public assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were friends of Paul, sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the amphitheater. 32 Now some were shouting one thing, and some were shouting another, for the assembly was confused, and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together. 33 So the Jews put forward Alexander, who [fn]was then brought before the crowd. Alexander motioned with his hand, wishing to make a defense to the public assembly. 34 But when they realized he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35 When the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there that does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great [fn]goddess Artemis and of the image that fell down from Zeus? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of [fn]your goddess. 38 So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything [fn]concerning other matters, it must be settled in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting in connection with today's events, since there is no reason we can give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 And after saying this, he dismissed the assembly.