(23)And about that time, there arose no small tumult concerning the Way. (24)For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen; (25)whom he called together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said: Sirs, ye well know that by this craft we have our wealth. (26)Moreover ye see and hear, that this Paul has persuaded and turned aside much people, not only of Ephesus, but of almost all Asia, saying that they are not gods, which are made with hands. (27)And there is danger to us, not only that this branch of business will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be accounted nothing, and her magnificence will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship. (28)And hearing it, they became full of wrath, and continued crying out, saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (29)And the whole city was filled with confusion; and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. (30)And Paul wishing to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. (31)And some also of the chiefs of Asia, being his friends, sent to him, entreating him not to adventure himself into the theatre. (32)Some therefore were crying one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not wherefore they had come together. (33)And they brought forward Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, desiring to make his defense to the people. (34)But when they knew that he was a Jew, one voice arose from all, crying about two hours: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (35)And the town-clerk, having quieted the people, said: Men of Ephesus, what human being is there, who knows not that the city of the Ephesians is keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? (36)These things being therefore undeniable, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. (37)For ye brought hither these men, who are neither robbers of temples, nor blasphemers of your goddess. (38)If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open[19:38], and there are proconsuls; let them implead one another. (39)But if ye make any demand concerning other matters, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. (40)For we are in danger of being called in question for this day's riot, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. (41)And having thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. XX.