n]

{421}

whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and
said, "Sirs, ye know that by this business we have our wealth. And ye
see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia,
this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they
are no gods, which are made with hands: and not only is there danger
that this our trade come into disrepute; but also that the temple of the
great goddess Diana be made of no account, and that she should even be
deposed from her magnificence, whom all Asia and the world worshipeth."
And when they heard this, they were filled with wrath, and cried out,
saying,

"GREAT IS DIANA OF THE EPHESIANS!"

And the city was filled with the confusion: and they rushed with one
accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of
Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. And when Paul was minded to
enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain
also of the chief officers of Asia, being his friends, sent unto him,
and besought him not to venture into the theater. Some therefore cried
one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the
larger part knew not wherefore they were come together.

And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him
forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a
defense unto the people. But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all
with one voice about the space of two hours cried out,--

"GREAT IS DIANA OF THE EPHESIANS!"

{422}

And when the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, "Ye men of
Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the
Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which
fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be denied,
ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash. For ye have brought hither
these men, which are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our
goddess. If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him,
have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and here are judges:
let them accuse one another. But if ye seek anything about other
matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. For indeed we are
in danger of being accused concerning this day's riot, there being no
cause for it: and we shall not be able to give account of this
concourse."

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the as