MPV Commentary

6:1-2 The city of Ephesus was known for its massive temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul's preaching had a significant impact on the people, and many were turning away from their idolatrous practices.

6:3-4 The silversmiths who made idols of Diana were concerned that Paul's message would hurt their business. They saw the temple as a source of income and were worried that if people stopped worshiping Diana, they would lose customers.

6:5-7 The silversmiths gathered a crowd and stirred up a riot, shouting "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" This was a common phrase used to express devotion to the goddess. They also accused Paul and his companions of being troublemakers who were trying to undermine their way of life.

6:8-9 The town clerk intervened and tried to calm down the crowd. He reminded them that the city of Ephesus was known for its worship of Diana, and that the image of the goddess had fallen from heaven (a common myth about many ancient idols).

6:10-12 The town clerk pointed out that Paul and his companions were not temple-plunderers or blasphemers of the goddess. He suggested that if Demetrius, the leader of the silversmiths, had a complaint against them, he should take it to court.

6:13-14 The crowd was still agitated, but the town clerk continued to speak, reminding them that they were in danger of being called into question by their superiors for causing a disturbance. He urged them to calm down and go home.

6:15-16 The crowd eventually dispersed, but not before shouting "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" for two hours straight. This was a remarkable display of devotion to the goddess, and it shows how deeply ingrained idolatry was in the culture of ancient Ephesus.

6:17-21 Paul's companions were worried about him, so they tried to prevent him from going into the theater where the crowd had gathered. However, some of the Asiarchs (wealthy and influential citizens) intervened on his behalf, urging him not to risk himself by entering the theater.

6:22-23 Alexander, a Jewish man who was part of the crowd, was pushed forward by the Jews to speak on their behalf. However, when he tried to defend Paul, the crowd shouted him down, crying out "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" for two hours straight.

6:24 The town clerk finally intervened and calmed down the crowd, reminding them that the city was known for its worship of Diana and that they were in danger of being called into question by their superiors.