Acts 19:23-41

Thomson(i) 23 And during that time there was a considerable disturbance about this way. 24 For one Demetrius, a silversmith, a maker of silver shrines of Diana, kept in employ a great number of artists; 25 and having assembled these and the workmen of like occupation, he said, "Men, you know that on this manufacture dependeth our maintenance. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul by his persuasion hath perverted a vast multitude, saying that they which are made with hands, are not gods. 27 So that not only this occupation of ours is in danger of being brought into disrepute; but the temple also of the great goddess Diana, of .being set at naught; and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth." 28 Upon hearing this and being full of rage they shouted, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29 And the whole city was filled with confusion. And they rushed with one accord into the theatre, dragging along with them Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's fellow travellers. 30 Upon this Paul had a mind to go to the people, but the disciples did not permit him. 31 And some of the chiefs of Asia also, who were his friends, sent to him and advised him not to venture into the theatre. 32 Now some cried one thing; and some, another. For the congregation was in the utmost confusion, and the greater part did not know for what particular purpose they had convened. 33 But when they had thrust Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews pushing him forward, and Alexander waving his hand wished to make a defence to the people, 34 they knowing that he was a Jew, there was, for about two hours, one continued shout from all, crying out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 35 At length the recorder having stilled the crowd, said, Men of Ephesus, who is there who doth not know that the city of the Ephesians is a humble devotee of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell from Jupiter? 36 Since these things are incontestable you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought hither these men, who have neither violated things sacred, nor reviled your goddess. 38 If now Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have an action against any one, the courts are open and there are proconsuls to judge: let them bring their suits. 39 And if you seek any thing in respect to other matters, let it be discussed in a legal assembly of the people. 40 For we indeed are in danger of being called in question for this day's riot, there being no cause which we can assign for this tumultuous concourse. 41 Having said this, he dismissed the assembly.