Keraia
Acts 19

Acts 19:32

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

Modern
Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there.
Traditional
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Literal
Some indeed therefore were crying out one thing, some another. For the assembly was confused, and most did not know for what cause they were assembled.
Latin
…alii autem aliud clamabant. Erat enim ecclesia confusa: et plures nesciebant qua ex causa convenissent.

Original

Greek
English
Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there.

Notes

Acts 19:24–34

Demetrius, a silversmith whose business was harmed by Paul’s message about one God, stirred up a large riot against him.

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 The Church

Events

Glossary

Alexander Artemis Asiarch Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Church Church Meetings Demetrius Diana First Letter to the Corinthians Gods and Goddesses Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Paul the Apostle Persecution Philippians, Letter to the Second Letter to the Corinthians Theater Timothy, First Letter to Travel

Topics

Demetrius: A Silversmith, Noted for Raising a Riot Mob: At Ephesus Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes with the Makers of Idols Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot