V. DEMETRIUS, a Goldsmith of Ephesus, whose principal trade it was to make niches or little chapels for Diana of Ephesus, which he sold to foreigners. This man observing the progress which the Gospel made, not in Ephesus only, but in all Asia besides, called together those who got their livelihood, as he did, in making little chapels, and represented the great prejudice their trade would suffer by this new doctrine which St. Paul preached; he told them, that not only their trade would suffer much by it, but the worship of the great Diana of Ephesus would be in danger of being intirely forsaken. At these words they were enraged, and began to cry, Great is Diana of the Ephesians! The whole city was immediately in an uproar, and they seized on Gaius and Aristarchus, St. Paul’s companions, and brought them in a tumultuous manner to the Theatre. St. Paul himself had an inclination to be present there, but his friends prevented him.
They afterwards laid hands on one Alexander a Jew, whom they dragg’d to the Assembly; but as soon as he attempted to speak, and it was perceived that he was a Jew, they repeated their cries, and continued them for two hours, so that nothing was heard every where but these words, Great is the Diana of Ephesus! At last the Town-Clerk of the City coming into the Assembly, told them, That no one intended any thing to the prejudice of the Great Diana and her honour; that all the world was convinced of their zeal for her service and worship; and that if they continued their cries in this manner, they might be accused of raising a sedition. Lastly, that if Demetrius had any contest with any one, he might address himself to the magistrates, without filling the City with confusion in such a manner. The Ephesians submitted to these reasons, and every one returned to his own house.