27
"Not only is there danger that thistrade of oursfall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the greatgoddessArtemis be regarded as worthless and that she whomall of 1Asia and 2the worldworship 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 3Ephesians!"
29
The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with oneaccord into the theater, draggingalong4Gaius and 5Aristarchus, Paul'straveling6companions from 7Macedonia.
30
And when Paulwanted to go into the assembly, 8the disciples would not let him.
31
Alsosome of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture* into the theater.
32
9Sothen, some were shoutingone thing and someanother, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for whatreason they had cometogether.
33
Some of the crowdconcluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having 10motioned 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 outcryarose from them all as they shouted for abouttwohours, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
35
Afterquieting the crowd, the townclerksaid, "Men of 11Ephesus, whatman is there afterallwho does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the greatArtemis and of the image whichfelldown from heaven?
36
"So, since these are undeniablefacts, you ought to keepcalm and to donothingrash.
37
"For you have broughtthesemen here who are neither12robbers of templesnorblasphemers of our goddess.