Acts 19:9-41 ▼

9 But, when some were hardening themselves and were disbelieving, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he, withdrawing from them, separated the disciples; reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

10 And this continued for two years; so that all those dwelling in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

11 And God kept performing special miracles through the hands of Paul;

12 So that there were even carried from his body to the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.

13 But some also of the wandering Jews, exorcists, attempted to name over those having evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus Whom Paul preaches."

14 Now there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish high priest, who did this.

15 And the evil spirit, answering, said to them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I understand; but who are ye?"

16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit, leaping upon them, and, overcoming them both, prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who were dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.

18 Many also of those who had believed were coming, confessing, and declaring their practices.

19 A considerable number, moreover, of those who had practiced the curious arts, having brought together the books, were burning them in the presence of all; and they counted the prices of them, and found them fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.

21 Now, when these things were ended, Paul purposed in his spirit, after passing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem; saying, "After I have been there, I must see Rome also."

22 And, having sent into Macedonia two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself remained for a time in Asia.

23 And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way.

24 For a certain one, Demetrius by name, a silver-smith, making silver shrines of Diana, was bringing to the artisans no small business;

25 gathering whom together, and the workmen of like occupation, be said, "Men, ye know that out of this business we have our wealth.

26 And ye perceive and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost in all Asia, this Paul, having persuaded, turned away a great multitude, saying, that they are not gods that are made with hands.

27 And not only is there danger to us that this branch of our business will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana be reckoned of no account, and also her magnificence will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the inhabited earth worship."

28 And, hearing this, and becoming full of wrath, they were crying aloud, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"

29 And the city was filled with the confusion; and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus—Macedonians—fellow-travelers of Paul.

30 And, Paul purposing to enter in unto the people, the disciples were not permitting him.

31 And some also of the chief men of Asia, being his friends, sending to him, were beseeching him not to venture himself into the theater.

32 Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another; for the assembly had become confused, and the greater part knew not for what cause they had come together.

33 And they brought Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander, waving his hand, wished to make defense to the people.

34 But, when they perceived that he was a Jew, one voice arose from all, crying aloud for about two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"

35 But the town-clerk, having quieted the multitude, says, "Men of Ephesus, who, indeed, of men is there that does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the image that fell down from Jupiter?

36 These things, therefore, being incontrovertible, it is needful that ye be quiet, and do nothing rash.

37 For ye brought hither these men, who are neither temple-robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess.

38 If, indeed, therefore, Demetrius and the artisans with him have a matter against any one, court-days are held, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.

39 But, if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.

40 For, indeed, we are in danger of being accused of riot respecting this day, there existing no cause for it , and regarding which we will be unable to give an account of this concourse."

41 And, having thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.