Acts 19:24-41
– – – – v. 28–34: The craftsmen were furious and started shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” The whole city was in an uproar. People rushed into the theater, dragging Paul’s companions Gaius and Aristarchus with them. Paul wanted to go in and speak to the crowd, but his friends and even some local officials urged him not to risk his life. The crowd was confused, and many people didn’t even know why they were there. Some Jews tried to make a defense, but when the crowd realized they were Jews, they shouted even louder for two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” – – – – – – v. 35–41: The city clerk finally quieted the crowd. He reminded them that Ephesus was famous for the temple of Artemis, and that no one could deny its greatness. He told the people that Paul and his friends had not robbed temples or blasphemed the goddess. If Demetrius and the craftsmen had a legal complaint, they should use the courts. The city clerk warned them not to cause a riot, because the Roman authorities could punish the city for disorder. After his speech, he dismissed the crowd, and the riot ended peacefully.
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