Acts 19:29-41

29The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed 1with one accord into the theater, dragging along 2Gaius and 3Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling 4companions from 5Macedonia.

30And when Paul wanted to go into the 6assembly, 7the disciples would not let him.

31Also some of the 8Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to 9venture into the theater.

3210So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the 11assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know 12for what reason they had come together.

33Some of the crowd 13concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having 14motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the 15assembly.

34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is 16Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35After quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, “Men of 17Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great 18Artemis and of the image which fell down from 19heaven?

36So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash.

37For you have brought these men here who are neither 20robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.

38So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and 2122proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another.

39But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the 23lawful 24assembly.

40For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.”

41After saying this he dismissed the 25assembly.