CAB(i)
23 Now there arose during that time a serious disturbance concerning the Way.
24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, providing no little trade for the craftsmen,
25 whom he gathered, with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know out of this trade is our prosperity.
26 And you observe and hear that not only at Ephesus, but almost in all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great multitude, saying that they are not gods which are made by human hands.
27 And not only is this business of ours in danger to come into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and also her magnificence, about to be destroyed, she whom all Asia and the world worship."
28 And hearing, and becoming full of anger, they were crying out saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
29 And the whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one purpose into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, traveling companions of Paul.
30 Now when Paul desired to enter into the people, the disciples would not permit him.
31 And also some of the officials of Asia, being friends with him, sent word to him and urged him not to present himself in the theater.
32 Then others were calling out something different, for the assembly was confused, and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.
33 And from the crowd they brought forward Alexander, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and desired to make a defense to the people.
34 But recognizing he was a Jew, there arose one voice from them all, calling out for two hours, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
35 And having quieted the crowd, the city clerk said: "Men of Ephesus, for what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image fallen from heaven?
36 Therefore, since these things are undeniable, it is necessary for you to be quieted and to do nothing rash.
37 For you brought these men, neither temple thieves nor blasphemers of your goddess.
38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a word against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
39 But if you are wanting to know anything about other matters, it shall be determined by the lawful assembly.
40 For we also are in danger of being accused of insurrection concerning today, there being no cause for which we will be able to give, as an explanation for this commotion.
41 And having said these things, he dismissed the assembly.