Acts 19:29-41

29So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions.

30Although Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples did not let him.

31Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to venture into the amphitheater.

32Some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

33Some Jews in the crowd gave instructions to Alexander after they pushed him to the front. Motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people.

34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35When the city clerk had calmed the crowd down, he said, “People of Ephesus! What person is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple guardian of the great Artemis, and of the image that fell from heaven?

36Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash.

37For you have brought these men here who are not temple robbers or blasphemers of our goddess.

38So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

39But if you seek anything further, it must be decided in a legal assembly.

40In fact, we run a risk of being charged with rioting for what happened today, since there is no justification that we can give as a reason for this disturbance.”

41After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.