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Acts 19:23-41

About that time there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen, whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, “Sirs, you know that by this business we have our wealth. You see and hear that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods that are made with hands. Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”

When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel. When Paul wanted to enter in to the people, the disciples didn’t allow him. Certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theater. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they had come together. They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people. But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? Seeing then that these things can’t be denied, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rash. For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another. But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly. For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning today’s riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn’t be able to give an account of this commotion.” When he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

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Acts 19:23-41 sits inside this longer paragraph.

Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. About that time there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen, whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, “Sirs, you know that by this business we have our wealth. You see and hear that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods that are made with hands. Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”

When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel. When Paul wanted to enter in to the people, the disciples didn’t allow him. Certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theater. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they had come together. They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people. But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? Seeing then that these things can’t be denied, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rash. For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another. But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly. For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning today’s riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn’t be able to give an account of this commotion.” When he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    About that time there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way.

    For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen,

    whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, “Sirs, you know that by this business we have our wealth.

    You see and hear that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods that are made with hands.

    Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”

    When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

    The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel.

    When Paul wanted to enter in to the people, the disciples didn’t allow him.

    Certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theater.

    Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they had come together.

    They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people.

    But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

    When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?

    Seeing then that these things can’t be denied, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rash.

    For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.

    If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.

    But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly.

    For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning today’s riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn’t be able to give an account of this commotion.”

    When he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

  • TYNDALE Tyndale New Testament (1534)

    The same tyme ther arose no lytell a do aboute that waye.

    For a certayne man named Demetrius a silvermyth which made silver schrynes for Diana was not a lytell beneficiall vnto the craftes men.

    Which he called to geder with the worke men of lyke occupacion and sayd: Syrs ye knowe that by this crafte we have vauntage.

    Moreover ye se and heare that not alone at Ephesus but almost thorowe oute all Asia this Paul hath persuaded and turned awaye moche people saying that they be not goddes which are made with hondes.

    So that not only this oure crafte cometh into parell to be set at nought: but also that the temple of the greate goddas Diana shuld be despysed and her magnificence shuld be destroyed which all Asia and the worlde worshippeth.

    When they hearde these sayinges they were full of wrathe and cryed out saying: Greate is Diana of the Ephesians.

    And all the cite was on a roore and they russhed in to the comen hall with one assent and caught Gayus and Aristarcus men of Macedonia Pauls companions.

    When Paul wolde have entred in vnto the people the disciples suffered him not.

    Certayne also of the chefe of Asia which were his frendes sent vnto him desyrynge him that he wolde not preace into the comen hall.

    Some cryed one thinge and some another and the congregacion was all out of quiet and the moare parte knewe not wherfore they were come togeder.

    Some of the company drue forth Alexander the Iewes thrustynge him forwardes. Alexander beckened with the honde and wolde have geven the people an answer.

    When they knewe that he was a Iewe ther arose a shoute almost for the space of two houres of all men cryinge greate is Diana of the Ephesians.

    When the toune clarcke had ceased the people he sayd: ye men of Ephesus what man is it that knoweth not how that the cite of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddas Diana and of the ymage which came from heven.

    Seinge then that no man sayth here agaynst ye ought to be content and to do nothinge rasshly:

    For ye have brought hyther these me whiche are nether robbers of churches nor yet despisers of youre goddes.

    Wherfore yf Demetrius and the craftes men which are with him have eny sayinge to eny man the lawe is open and ther are ruelars let the accuse one another.

    Yf ye goo about eny other thinge it maye be determined in a lawfull congregacion

    For we are in ieoperdy to be accused of this dayes busines: for as moche as ther is no cause wherby we maye geve a rekenynge of this concourse of people.

    And when he had thus spoken he let the congregacion departe.

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  • GNV Geneva Bible (1599)

    And the same time there arose no small trouble about that way.

    For a certaine man named Demetrius a siluersmith, which made siluer temples of Diana, brought great gaines vnto the craftesmen,

    Whom he called together, with the workemen of like things, and saide, Syrs, ye knowe that by this craft we haue our goods:

    Moreouer ye see and heare, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia this Paul hath perswaded, and turned away much people, saying, That they be not gods which are made with handes.

    So that not onely this thing is dangerous vnto vs, that this our portion shall be reproued, but also that the temple of the great goddesse Diana should be nothing esteemed, and that it would come to passe that her magnificence, which all Asia and the world worshippeth, should be destroyed.

    Now when they heard it, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

    And the whole citie was full of confusion, and they rushed into the common place with one assent, and caught Gaius, and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, and Pauls companions of his iourney.

    And when Paul would haue entred in vnto the people, the disciples suffred him not.

    Certaine also of the chiefe of Asia which were his friendes, sent vnto him, desiring him that hee woulde not present him selfe in the Common place.

    Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assemblie was out of order, and the more part knewe not wherefore they were come together.

    And some of the company drew foorth Alexander, the Iewes thrusting him forwards. Alexander then beckened with the hande, and woulde haue excused the matter to the people.

    But when they knew that he was a Iewe, there arose a shoute almost for the space of two houres, of all men crying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

    Then the towne clearke when hee had stayed the people, saide, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is it that knoweth not howe that the citie of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddesse Diana, and of the image, which came downe from Iupiter?

    Seeing then that no man can speake against these things, ye ought to be appeased, and to doe nothing rashly.

    For yee haue brought hither these men, which haue neither committed sacrilege, neither doe blaspheme your goddesse.

    Wherefore, if Demetrius and the craftes men which are with him, haue a matter against any man, the lawe is open, and there are Deputies: let them accuse one another.

    But if ye inquire any thing cocerning other matters, it may be determined in a lawful assembly.

    For we are euen in ieopardie to be accused of this dayes sedition, for as much as there is no cause, whereby we may giue a reason of this concourse of people.

    And when he had thus spoken, hee let the assembly depart.

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Cross-references (133)

  • Acts 20:4 (v29) These accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea; Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy; and…
  • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (v24) But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and…
  • Acts 17:29 (v26) Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design…
  • Acts 21:34 (v32) Some shouted one thing, and some another, among the crowd. When he couldn’t find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be…
  • 1 Corinthians 8:4 (v26) Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no other…
Show all 100 cross-references
  • Isaiah 44:10-20 (v26) Who has fashioned a god, or molds an image that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his fellows will be disappointed; and the workmen…
  • Acts 12:17 (v33) But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, “Tell these…
  • Acts 16:16 (v24) As we were going to prayer, a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling.
  • Acts 19:28 (v34) When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
  • Acts 27:2 (v29) Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of…
  • Colossians 4:10 (v29) Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, “if he comes to…
  • Philemon 1:24 (v29) as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
  • Acts 19:10 (vv26, 31) This continued for two years, so that all those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
  • Deuteronomy 4:28 (v26) There you shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.
  • Zephaniah 2:11 (v27) Yahweh will be awesome to them, for he will famish all the gods of the land. Men will worship him, everyone from his place, even all the…
  • Acts 14:15 (v26) “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these…
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 (v35) and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be…
  • Revelation 9:20 (v26) The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn’t repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn’t worship demons,…
  • Acts 16:19 (vv24–25) But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the…
  • Acts 19:34-35 (vv24, 28) But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”…
  • Romans 2:22 (vv34, 37) You who say a man shouldn’t commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
  • Revelation 13:4 (vv28, 34) They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is…
  • Proverbs 14:29 (v36) He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
  • Jeremiah 10:11 (v26) “You shall say this to them: ‘The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth, and from under the…
  • Jeremiah 10:14-15 (v26) Every man has become brutish and without knowledge. Every goldsmith is disappointed by his engraved image; for his molten image is…
  • Hosea 12:7-8 (v25) A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand. He loves to defraud. Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich, I have found myself wealth. In…
  • Matthew 6:7 (v34) In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.
  • Acts 13:7 (v38) who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God.
  • Acts 14:12-13 (v35) They called Barnabas “Jupiter”, and Paul “Mercury”, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of…
  • Acts 16:20 (v34) When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, are agitating our city
  • Acts 19:9 (v23) But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the…
  • Acts 19:22 (v29) Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
  • Acts 19:27-28 (v24) Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as…
  • Acts 21:30 (v29) All the city was moved and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple. Immediately the doors were shut.
  • Acts 21:39 (v30) But Paul said, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
  • Acts 24:22 (v23) But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will…
  • Romans 16:23 (v29) Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:14 (v29) I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius,
  • 1 Corinthians 4:9 (v29) For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world,…
  • 1 Corinthians 10:19-20 (v26) What am I saying then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? But I say that the things which the…
  • 1 Corinthians 12:2 (v26) You know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (v26) But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:3 (v37) We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,
  • Galatians 4:8 (v26) However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.
  • Ephesians 2:12 (v35) that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the…
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (v26) For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living…
  • 1 Timothy 1:20 (v33) of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
  • 1 Timothy 4:2 (v35) through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron,
  • 1 Timothy 6:5 (v27) constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself…
  • 2 Timothy 4:14 (v33) Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds,
  • Revelation 17:13 (v28) These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast.
  • Acts 18:19 (vv26, 28, 35) He came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
  • Acts 19:26 (vv34–35) You see and hear that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying…
  • Acts 21:38 (vv29, 40) Aren’t you then the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the…
  • 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (vv23, 41) For we don’t desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia, that we were weighed down…
  • 1 Samuel 5:3-5 (v28) When the people of Ashdod arose early on the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before Yahweh’s ark. They took…
  • 2 Samuel 18:2-3 (v30) David sent the people out, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s…
  • 2 Samuel 21:17 (v30) But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “Don’t go…
  • 1 Kings 1:41 (v40) Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they had finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “Why…
  • 1 Kings 18:26 (v34) They took the bull which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, “Baal,…
  • 1 Kings 18:26-29 (v28) They took the bull which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, “Baal,…
  • Psalms 2:2 (v28) The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying,
  • Psalms 65:7 (v41) You still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.
  • Psalms 115:4-8 (v26) Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they don’t speak. They have eyes, but they don’t see. They…
  • Psalms 135:15-18 (v26) The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they can’t speak. They have eyes, but they…
  • Proverbs 15:1-2 (v41) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush…
  • Proverbs 16:7 (v31) When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
  • Proverbs 25:8 (v36) Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
  • Ecclesiastes 9:17 (v41) The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools.
  • Isaiah 41:5-7 (v28) The islands have seen, and fear. The ends of the earth tremble. They approach, and come. Everyone helps his neighbor. They say to their…
  • Isaiah 46:5-8 (v26) “To whom will you compare me, and consider my equal, and compare me, as if we were the same? Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh…
  • Isaiah 56:11-12 (v24) Yes, the dogs are greedy. They can never have enough. They are shepherds who can’t understand. They have all turned to their own way, each…
  • Jeremiah 10:3-6 (v26) For the customs of the peoples are vanity; for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the ax. They…
  • Jeremiah 50:38 (v28) A drought is on her waters, and they will be dried up; for it is a land of engraved images, and they are mad over idols.
  • Hosea 4:8 (v25) They feed on the sin of my people, and set their heart on their iniquity.
  • Hosea 8:6 (v26) For this is even from Israel! The workman made it, and it is no God; indeed, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
  • Matthew 11:7-9 (v32) As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed…
  • Matthew 23:13 (v27) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will…
  • Matthew 26:5 (v40) But they said, “Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people.”
  • Luke 1:22 (v33) When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them,…
  • Luke 7:24-26 (v32) When John’s messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed…
  • Acts 5:35-39 (v36) He said to them, “You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do. For before these days Theudas rose up,…
  • Acts 7:54 (v28) Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
  • Acts 9:2 (v23) and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might…
  • Acts 13:16 (v33) Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.
  • Acts 14:14-18 (v30) But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes, and sprang into the multitude, crying out, “Men, why are…
  • Acts 16:6 (v31) When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
  • Acts 16:9 (v29) A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him, and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help…
  • Acts 16:19-24 (v28) But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the…
  • Acts 17:5-8 (v40) But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the…
  • Acts 17:8 (v29) The multitude and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things.
  • Acts 17:22-31 (v30) Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things. For as I…
  • Acts 18:14 (v38) But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it…
  • Acts 19:18-20 (v26) Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds. Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their…
  • Acts 19:21 (v27) Now after these things had ended, Paul determined in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem,…
  • Acts 19:29 (v32) The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of…
  • Acts 19:32 (v29) Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they had come together.
  • Acts 19:40 (v32) For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning today’s riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn’t be able to give an…
  • Acts 20:1 (v40) After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.
  • Acts 20:34 (v29) You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.

100 distinct cross-references across this passage (133 total citations).

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Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv23, 25, 27, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 37 23. Tumult about that way. Concerning this word way,…

23. Tumult about that way. Concerning this word way, let the readers understand thus much, that it is here taken for that which the Latins call sect; the Greek philosophers call it heresies or heresy. But because in the Church of God, where the unity of faith ought to reign, there is nothing more odious or detestable than for every man to choose, at his pleasure, that which he will follow, I think that Luke did fly that name which was, for good causes, infamous among the godly, and that after the Hebrew phrase, he put way instead of ordinance. And as touching the sum of the matter, we see how wonderfully the Lord did exercise his servant. He did hope when he did address himself for his journey, that the Church would be quiet after his departure, and, lo, there ariseth an uproar at a sudden where he did least fear. But in Demetrius it appeareth what a hurtful plague covetousness is. For one man, for his own gain’s sake, is not afraid to trouble a whole city with sedition. And the craftsmen, who were as firebrands kindled by him, and do spread abroad the fire everywhere, do teach us what an easy matter it is to cause filthy [sordid] men, and whose belly is their God, to commit all manner [of] wickedness; especially if they live only by gains evil gotten, and the hope of gain be taken from them.

Moreover, in his history we see a lively image of our time. Demetrius and his band raised a tumult; because, if superstition whereby they were wont to get gains be taken away, their craft will fall to the ground. Therefore they fight as if it were for their life, lest Demetrius go without his fat prey, and the rest want their daily living. What zeal doth at this day prick forward the Pope, the horned bishops, the monks, and all the rabblement of the Popish clergy? Yea, what fury doth drive them so sore to resist the gospel? They boast that they strive for the Catholic faith; neither did Demetrius want an honest color, pretending the worship of Diana. But the matter itself doth plainly declare that they fight not so much for the altars as for the fires, to wit, that they may have hot kitchens. They can well wink at filthy blasphemies against God, so they lack nothing of their revenues, only they are more than courageous in maintaining such superstitions as are meetest for their purpose.

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Therefore, being taught by such examples, let us learn to make choice of such a kind of life as is agreeable to the doctrine of Christ; lest desire of gain a provoke us to enter a wicked and ungodly combat. And as for those who, through ignorance or error, are fallen unto any ungodly occupation, or are entangled in any other impure and wicked kind of life, let them, notwithstanding, beware of such sacrilegious rashness. And as touching godly teachers, let them learn by this example, that they shall never want adversaries, until the whole world, through denial of itself, offer peace, which we know will never come to pass. Because Paul’s doctrine taketh away Demetrius and the rest of the silversmiths’ gains, they leap out furiously to put out [destroy] the same, will not they do the same whom the gospel shall contrary? But there is no man who hath not occasion to fight. For all the affections of the flesh are enemies to God. So that it must needs be, that how many lusts of the flesh there be [reign] in the world, there are as many armed enemies to resist Christ. It will, indeed, oftentimes fall out, that God will bridle the wicked, lest they raise some tumult, or break out into open rage. Yet, whosoever is not tamed and brought down to bear Christ’s yoke, he shall always hate his gospel. So that faithful and godly teachers must persuade themselves that they shall always have to deal with great store of enemies. Demetrius’ covetousness is manifest. Nevertheless, we must also know this, that he was Satan’s fan, [bellows] who, seeking by all means to overthrow Paul’s doctrine, found this fit instrument. Now, forasmuch as we know that Satan is a deadly enemy to Christ and the truth, do we think that he shall ever want ministers, who shall rage through his motion and persuasion, either with open rage, or else seek to work the overthrow of the gospel by secret practices, or spew out the poison of their hatred, or else, at least, show some token of enmity by fretting and murmuring?

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

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