21 Now after these things were finished , Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia , saying , "After I have been there , I must also see Rome ." 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus , he himself stayed in Asia for a while .
23 About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way . 24 For a man named Demetrius , a silversmith , who made silver shrines of Artemis , was bringing no little business to the craftsmen ; 25 these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said , "Men , you know that our prosperity depends e upon this business . 26 "You see and hear that not only in Ephesus , but in almost all of Asia , this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people , saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. 27 "Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute , but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence ." 28 When they heard this and were filled with rage , they began crying out, saying , "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians !" 29 The city was filled with the confusion , and they rushed with one accord into the theater , dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus , Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia . 30 And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly , the disciples would not let him. 31 Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture e into the theater . 32 So then , some were shouting one thing and some another , for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together . 33 Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander , since the Jews had put him forward ; and having motioned with his hand , Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly . 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew , a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours , "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians !" 35 After quieting the crowd , the town clerk said , "Men of Ephesus , what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven ? 36 "So , since these are undeniable facts , you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash . 37 "For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess . 38 "So then , if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man , the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another . 39 "But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly . 40 "For 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 e to account e for this disorderly gathering ." 41 After saying this he dismissed the assembly .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 19:21-42
Commentary on Acts 19:21-31
(Read Acts 19:21-31)
Persons who came from afar to pay their devotions at the temple of Ephesus, bought little silver shrines, or models of the temple, to carry home with them. See how craftsmen make advantage to themselves of people's superstition, and serve their worldly ends by it. Men are jealous for that by which they get their wealth; and many set themselves against the gospel of Christ, because it calls men from all unlawful crafts, however much wealth is to be gotten by them. There are persons who will stickle for what is most grossly absurd, unreasonable, and false; as this, that those are gods which are made with hands, if it has but worldly interest on its side. The whole city was full of confusion, the common and natural effect of zeal for false religion. Zeal for the honour of Christ, and love to the brethren, encourage zealous believers to venture into danger. Friends will often be raised up among those who are strangers to true religion, but have observed the honest and consistent behaviour of Christians.
Commentary on Acts 19:32-41
(Read Acts 19:32-41)
The Jews came forward in this tumult. Those who are thus careful to distinguish themselves from the servants of Christ now, and are afraid of being taken for them, shall have their doom accordingly in the great day. One, having authority, at length stilled the noise. It is a very good rule at all times, both in private and public affairs, not to be hasty and rash in our motions, but to take time to consider; and always to keep our passions under check. We ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly; to do nothing in haste, of which we may repent at leisure. The regular methods of the law ought always to stop popular tumults, and in well-governed nations will do so. Most people stand in awe of men's judgments more than of the judgement of God. How well it were if we would thus quiet our disorderly appetites and passions, by considering the account we must shortly give to the Judge of heaven and earth! And see how the overruling providence of God keeps the public peace, by an unaccountable power over the spirits of men. Thus the world is kept in some order, and men are held back from devouring each other. We can scarcely look around but we see men act like Demetrius and the workmen. It is as safe to contend with wild beasts as with men enraged by party zeal and disappointed covetousness, who think that all arguments are answered, when they have shown that they grow rich by the practices which are opposed. Whatever side in religious disputes, or whatever name this spirit assumes, it is worldly, and should be discountenanced by all who regard truth and piety. And let us not be dismayed; the Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters; he can still the rage of the people.