Act 19:23-41 | PNT | STEP | No small stir about that way . Thus far his labors at Ephesus had been without violent opposition. We now have given the account of the events that led to his departure.

‏ Acts 19:23-41

No small stir about that way. Thus far his labors at Ephesus had been without violent opposition. We now have given the account of the events that led to his departure. A certain [man] named Demetrius, . . . made silver shrines. The temple of Diana at Ephesus was counted one of the wonders of the world. It was at this time (this was the third temple which had been built in succession) of white marble, 425 feet long by 220 wide, with 127 columns, and of surpassing wealth and splendor. It contained an image said to have fallen from heaven (Ac 19:35). It was visited by thousands of pilgrims, and a great industry grew up in making miniature representations of the temple, of wood, gold, or silver. This was the work of Demetrius and his fellow-workers. After paganism fell, much of the material of this temple was transported to Constantinople, and was used in the construction of the church of St. Sophia. Sirs, ye know. Observe the argument of Demetrius: (1) By this craft we have our wealth (Ac 19:25); (2) Paul teaches that these are not gods that are made with hands (Ac 19:26); (3) therefore our craft is in danger (Ac 19:27); (4) the great goddess Diana is despised (Ac 19:27); (5) great is Diana of the Ephesians! (Ac 19:28). The prime incentive of his religious zeal is that his craft is in danger. Many are like him still. The whole city was filled with confusion. Nothing would more quickly arouse a mob than the belief that both their business and religion were assailed.

Gaius. A Macedonian.

Aristarchus. Of Thessalonica (Ac 20:4).

They rushed with one accord into the theatre. The remains of the theater are still to be seen. It was of vast extent, and would seat, as its remains show, from 20,000 to 30,000 persons. It was the custom to use the theater, not only for amusements, but for public assemblies. The disciples suffered him not. Paul's intrepidity and zeal would have led him to appear in person to reply to the charges, but the Ephesian disciples thought that he would be sacrificed to the rage of the mob. Certain of the chief of Asia. The chief officials of the province. These men, called Asiarchs, were ten in number, and were chosen annually from the chief towns of the province called Asia to preside over games and festivals. The president of their body always lived in Ephesus.

Which were his friends. Possibly in sympathy with the gospel. We have many instances in the life of Paul in which the great Roman officials treat him with not only respect, but sympathy. They drew Alexander out of the multitude. A Jew, evidently of great prominence, and put forward by the Jews, in order to disavow Paul, and to turn the tumult to their advantage. They wished to shift all blame on the Christians. The Gentile aversion to Jews was, however, too great to allow him a hearing. And when the townclerk had appeased the people. Stopped their foolish outcry so that he could be heard. This town clerk, or recorder, was an officer of great influence in the Grecian cities of Asia. He stood next in rank to the officer that we now call the mayor, and in the absence of the latter acted for him. His address is a very judicious one.

The [image] which fell down from Jupiter. It was a common superstition that some hideous image worshiped in a heathen temple had fallen from heaven. Some of them were meteoric stones, of others the origin was unknown, and the delusion was in part due to the deception of the priests. The Palladium of Troy, the Diana of Tauris, and the Pallas of Athena were all said to have fallen. These men. Gaius and Aristarchus (19:29), men against whom there was no charge. They were neither "robbers of temples" (Revised Version) nor blasphemers of Diana. If Demetrius, etc. If they have anything to charge there are courts of justice.

Deputies. "Proconsuls", as in the Revised Version. We are in danger. The Roman law made it a capital offense to incite a riot, nor did the Roman officials wink at any disturbance in the provinces. Ephesus was what was called "a free city"; that is, it governed itself in local matters. It might have its liberties taken away for just such occurrences as those of this day.