Acts 19:29-41

29The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging along 1Gaius and 2Aristarchus, Paul’s 3Macedonian traveling 4companions. 30And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, 5the disciples would not let him. 31Also some of the 6Asiarchs who were friends of his sent word to him and repeatedly urged him not to 7venture into the theater. 328So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the 9assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know 10for what reason they had come together. 33Some of the crowd 11concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having 12motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. 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 13Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35After quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, “Men of 14Ephesus, what person is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great 15Artemis and of the image which fell down from 16the sky? 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 17temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and 1819proconsuls are available; have them bring charges against one another. 39But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the 20lawful 21assembly. 40For indeed, we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real reason for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41After saying this he dismissed the 22assembly.