Translations
Original
Notes
The city clerk stopped the demonstration to prevent the city from being accused of rioting by the Roman government. This story shows that Christians in the Roman world had the right to a fair legal process.
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.
Events
People
Demetrius: Silversmith who opposed Paul in Ephesus
Glossary
Alexander Artemis Asiarch Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Church Church Meetings Demetrius Deputy Diana First Letter to the Corinthians 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
Citizens: Duties of Citizens: Rights of Demetrius: A Silversmith, Noted for Raising a Riot Deputy: An officer Who Administers the Functions of a Superior in his Absence 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 Tact: The Town Clerk of Ephesus