Keraia
Acts 19

Acts 19:23

The Riot in Ephesus · Acts 19:21–41
Read Acts 19

Translations

Modern
About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.
Traditional
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
Literal
And there arose at the same time no little disturbance concerning the Way.
Latin
Facta est autem illo tempore turbatio non minima de via Domini.

Original

Greek
English
About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.

Notes

Acts 19:23–41

The main god worshiped in Ephesus was the Greek goddess Artemis. People believed she was born there, so the city of Ephesus was known as the guardian of her temple.

Each year, the people held large festivals in her honor. These included sports, music, and theater. During these events, people would shout, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

As more people became Christians, the worship of Artemis began to decline. This also affected the local economy, since many people earned money from her temple. However, it became clear that Paul and his coworkers had not committed any crime.

Acts 18:23–19:41

This section describes Paul's third mission journey, which happened around AD 53 to 57. Paul visited Galatia and Phrygia again to build stronger relationships with the disciples (18:23). He then traveled to Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years (19:1, 8–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesus Paul (Saul) Rome Dealing with Conflict

Events

Glossary

Alexander Artemis Asiarch Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Demetrius Diana First Letter to the Corinthians Followers of the Way Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Paul the Apostle Persecution Philippians, Letter to the Second Letter to the Corinthians The Way Timothy, First Letter to Travel

Topics

Macedonia: Disciples In Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes with the Makers of Idols Way: Doctrines Taught by Christ