A CONTENTIOUS SILVERSMITH CAUSES A RIOT IN EPHESUS (19:21-41):
There was a magnificent temple in Ephesus dedicated to the god Artemis.
A silversmith named Demetrius who made “silver shrines” of Artemis (Diana), gathered his fellow silversmiths and warned them about Paul’s message.
Paul was encouraging people to give up devotion to other gods, including Artemis.
If devotion to Artemis decreased, their profits were destined to decline.
The silversmiths caused a riot in the city.
Paul wanted to address the mob, but the believers prohibited him.
More than 2 hours later, the town clerk was finally able to stop the chaos and dismisses the crowd after warning them they were in danger or angering the authorities.
