30
Sha'ul himself wanted to appear before the crowd, but the talmidim wouldn't let him.
31
Even some of the officials of the province, friends of his, sent a message begging him not to risk entering the theater.
32
Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing and others something else, because the assembly was in complete confusion, and the great majority didn't even know why they were there.
33
Some of the crowd explained the situation to Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed to the front. So Alexander motioned for silence, hoping to make a defense speech to the people.
34
But as soon as they recognized that he was a Jew, they began bellowing in unison, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" and they kept it up for about two hours.
35
At last, the city clerk was able to quiet the crowd. "Men of Ephesus!" he said, "Is there anyone who doesn't know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone which fell from the sky?
36
Since this is beyond dispute, you had better calm down and not do anything rash.
37
For you have brought these men here who have neither robbed the temple nor insulted your goddess.
38
So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and the judges are there - let them bring charges and counter-charges.
39
But if there is something more you want, it will have to be settled in a lawful assembly.
40
For we are in danger of being accused of rioting on account of what has happened today. There is no justification for it; and if we are asked, we will be unable to give any reasonable explanation for this disorderly gathering."