21

Now after these things were ended, Paul came to a decision that when he had gone through Macedonia and Achaia he would go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I have a desire to see Rome.

22

And having sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, he himself went on living in Asia for a time.

23

And about that time a great outcry took place about the Way.

24

For there was a certain man named Demetrius, a silver-worker, who made silver boxes for the images of Diana, and gave no small profit to the workmen

25

Whom he got together, with other workmen of the same trade, and said to them, Men, it is clear that from this business we get our wealth.

26

And you see, for it has come to your ears, that not only at Ephesus, but almost all through Asia, this Paul has been teaching numbers of people and turning them away, saying that those are not gods who are made by men's hands:

27

And there is danger, not only that our trade may be damaged in the opinion of men, but that the holy place of the great goddess Diana may be no longer honoured, and that she to whom all Asia and the world give worship, will be put down from her high position.

28

And hearing this, they were very angry, crying out and saying, Great is Diana of Ephesus.

29

And the town was full of noise and trouble, and they all came running into the theatre, having taken by force Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia who were journeying in company with Paul.

30

And when Paul was about to go in to the people, the disciples did not let him.

31

And some of the rulers of Asia, being his friends, sent to him, requesting him seriously not to put himself in danger by going into the theatre.

32

And some said one thing, and some another: for there was no order in the meeting and most of them had no idea why they had come together.

33

Then they took Alexander out from among the people, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander, making a sign with his hand, was about to make a statement to the people in answer:

34

But when they saw that he was a Jew, all of them with one voice went on crying out for about two hours, Great is Diana of Ephesus.

35

And when the chief secretary had got the people quiet, he said, Men of Ephesus, is any man without knowledge that the town of Ephesus is the keeper of the holy place of the great Diana, who was sent down from Jupiter?

36

So then, because these things may not be doubted, it would be better for you to be quiet, and do nothing unwise.

37

For you have taken these men, who are not doing damage to the holy place or talking against our goddess.

38

If, then, Demetrius and the workmen who are with him have a protest to make against any man, the law is open to them, and there are judges let them put up a cause at law against one another.

39

But if any other business is in question, let it be taken up in the regular meeting.

40

For, truly, we are in danger of being made responsible for this day's trouble, there being no cause for it: and we are not able to give any reason for this coming together.

41

And when he had said this, he sent the meeting away.