25
These he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
26
Moreover, ye see and hear that, not alone at Ephesus but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands,
27
so that not only this our craft is in danger of being set at nought, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshipeth."
28
And when they heard these things, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"
29
And the whole city was filled with confusion and, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia who were Paul's companions in his travel, they rushed with one accord into the theater.
30
And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
31
And certain of the Asian chiefs, who were his friends, sent unto him, urging that he would not venture into the theater.
32
Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and the greater part knew not why they had come together.
33
And they drew Alexander out from the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made his defense unto the people;
34
but when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for about the space of two hours cried out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"
35
And when the town clerk had appeased the people, he said, "Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is a worshiper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?