Read Acts 19:23-41 (Free Bible Version) on maBible, the Bible online. Other reference formats: Acts 19.23-41, Acts 19v23-41, Ac. 19:23-41. It was about this time that serious problems occurred regarding the Way. A man called Demetrius, a silversmith, was producing small silver replicas of the templ…
Other reference formats: Acts 19.23-41, Acts 19v23-41, Ac. 19:23-41.
23 It was about this time that serious problems occurred regarding the Way.
24 A man called Demetrius, a silversmith, was producing small silver replicas of the temple of the goddess Artemis. This business brought in a great deal of work for such craftsmen.
25 Demetrius called them together, along with others who worked in similar trades, and said, “Fellow-workers, you know that it's through this business we make our money.
26 As you're no doubt aware from what you've seen and heard—not just here in Ephesus, but throughout almost the whole of Asia—this man Paul has convinced and misled many people, telling them that there are no such things as gods made by human hands.
27 It's not just a question that our business will be in danger of losing respect, but that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be considered worthless. Artemis herself would be dethroned from her high position as the one whom everyone in Asia and the whole world worships.”
28 When they heard this they became furious, and shouted out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
29 The city was in complete chaos. People rushed towards the amphitheatre, dragging along with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions who were from Macedonia.
30 Paul thought he should confront the mob, but the other believers would not let him.
31 Some of the provincial officials, who were Paul's friends, also sent a message begging him not to go into the amphitheater.
32 Some were shouting one thing, and some something else, for the crowd that had gathered was in total confusion—most of them had no idea why they were there.
33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front. Alexander motioned with his hand for them to be quiet, wanting to explain things to the people.
34 But when they realized he was a Jew, they all took up a chant that lasted for about two hours, shouting “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 After the town clerk had managed to quiet the mob down, he told them, “People of Ephesus, who doesn't know that the city of the Ephesians is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image that fell from heaven?
36 Since these facts can't be denied, you should stay calm—don't do anything rash.
37 You have brought these men here, but they haven't robbed any temples or blasphemed against our goddess.
38 So if Demetrius and the other craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, then go to the authorities and the courts. They can press charges there.
39 If there's anything else, it can be taken to the legal assembly.
40 In fact we ourselves are in danger of being accused of being responsible for this riot today, since there was no reason for it, and we can't justify why it happened.”
41 When he had finished speaking, he dismissed the crowd.
Author: Luc · Written: ~ 65 et 80 ap. J.-C. · Reading time: ≈ 2h40 · Characters: Etienne, Barnabas, Philippe, Pierre, Paul, Corneille, Prisca (Priscille) et Aquilas, Lydie, Silas (Sylvain), Timothée, Jean Marc