(23) “And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way. (24) For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no little business unto the craftsmen; (25) whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this business we have our wealth. (26) And ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they are no gods, that are made with hands; (27) and not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana be made of no account, and that she should even be deposed from her magnificence whom all Asia and the world worshipeth. (28) And when they heard this they were filled with wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (29) And the city was filled with the confusion; and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel. (30) And when Paul was minded to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. (31) And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theater. (32) Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. (33) And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defense unto the people. (34) But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (35) And when the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? (36) Seeing then that these things can not be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash. (37) For ye have brought hither these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. (38) If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another. (39) But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. (40) For indeed we are in danger to be accused concerning this day’s riot, there being no cause for it; and as touching it we shall not be able to give account of this concourse.”
NOTE.—Learn by heart verses 29-31, also Matt. 10: 16, 34. The time of this lesson was about A. D. 57, near the close of Paul’s work at Ephesus, also near the close of his third missionary journey.
Golden Text.—“The Lord preserveth the faithful.” Ps. 31: 23.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What stir arose in Ephesus at the time of this lesson? Verse 23. (2) Who is mentioned as instrumental in creating this stir? What was his business? Why was he able to arrest the attention of so many? Verse 24. (3) What did he do with these persons? Of what did he remind them? Verse 25. (4) What matter of common knowledge did he bring to their attention? What did he say Paul had been teaching? Verse 26. (5) What two dangers did he lay before his fellow craftsmen? What do we learn from his speech concerning the worship of Diana? Verse 27. (6) What effect did this have upon the idol-makers? What did they do? Verse 28. (7) What was the result of the action of the silversmiths? To what place did they go? Whom did they seize and carry with them? Verse 29. (8) What did Paul purpose to do? How was this prevented? Verse 30. (9) Who besides the disciples interfered in Paul’s behalf? Verse 31. (10) What characteristic of mob action was seen on this occasion? What was the condition of the assembly? What is said of the majority of those who had come together? Verse 32. (11) Whom did the Jews put forward in the hope of quelling the disturbance? How was he received? Why would they not hearken to him? What cry did they take up? Verses 33, 34. (12) Who did succeed in quieting the people? Of what did he remind the Ephesians? What was their tradition in regard to the origin of this goddess? Verse 35. (13) In view of their belief in these things, what counsel did he give them? Verse 36. (14) What did the town clerk say of the men whom they had dragged to their meeting? Verse 37. (15) What advice did he give Demetrius and his associates? Verses 38, 39. (16) What danger did the town clerk fear for his townspeople? What did he say concerning the reason for such an uproar? Verse 40.
