23Now there arose no little disturbance about the Way at that time.24For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver temples of Artemis, was furnishing the craftsmen no little work.25After assembling these men and the workers who dealt with such things, he said, "Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this work."26And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in nearly all Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a sufficient crowd, saying that gods made by hands are not gods.27Not only is this in danger of coming to discredit for us, but also the sacred place of the great goddess Artemis is about to be counted as nothing, and her majesty is about to be brought down, which all Asia and the world worship.28When they heard this and became full of wrath, they cried out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians."29And the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed united into the theatre, seizing Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonian companions of Paul.30When Paul intended to go in among the people, the disciples would not let him.31Some of the Asiarchs also, who were his friends, sent to him and urged him not to venture into the theatre.32Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confounded, and most did not know for what reason they had assembled.33And some from the crowd put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand, wished to defend himself before the people.34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians."35And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "Men of Ephesus, who is there among men who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great Artemis and of the image that fell from heaven?"36Since these things are indisputable, it is necessary that you be quiet and do nothing reckless.37For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our God.38If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a word against anyone, courts are held and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.39But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly.40For we are in danger of being accused concerning an uprising about today, there being no reason for which we will not be able to give an account concerning this commotion.41And when he had said these things, he released the assembly.