Acts 19:20-39

²⁰So mightily grew the word of God, and was confirmed.

²¹And when 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 see Rome also.

²²And sending into Macedonia two of them that ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself remained for a time in Asia.

²³Now at that time there arose no small disturbance about the way of the Lord.

²⁴For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver temples for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen;

²⁵Whom he calling together, with the workmen of like occupation, said: Sirs, you know that our gain is by this trade;

²⁶And you see and hear, that this Paul by persuasion hath drawn away a great multitude, not only of Ephesus, but almost of all Asia, saying: They are not gods which are made by hands.

²⁷So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought, but also the temple of great Diana shall be reputed for nothing; yea, and her majesty shall begin to be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

²⁸Having heard these things, they were full of anger, 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, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

³⁰And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

³¹And some also of the rulers of Asia, who were his friends, sent unto him, desiring that he would not venture himself into the theatre.

³²Now some cried one thing, some another. For the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what cause they were come together.

³³And they drew forth Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander beckoning with his hand for silence, would have given the people satisfaction.

³⁴But as soon as they perceived him to be a Jew, all with one voice, for the space of about two hours, cried out: Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

³⁵And when the town clerk had appeased the multitudes, he said: Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great Diana, and of Jupiter’s offspring.

³⁶For as much therefore as these things cannot be contradicted, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

³⁷For you have brought hither these men, who are neither guilty of sacrilege, nor of blasphemy against your goddess.

³⁸But if Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts of justice are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.

³⁹And if you inquire after any other matter, it may be decided in a lawful assembly.