26. “And you see and hear that not only at Ephesos, but throughout almost all Asia, this Sha’ul has persuaded and turned away a large number, saying that they are not mighty ones which are made with hands.
27. “And not only is this trade of ours in danger of coming to rejection, but also that the temple of the great female mighty one Artemis whom all Asia and the world worship, shall be regarded as worthless and her greatness diminished.”
28. And having heard this, they were filled with rage and cried out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
29. And the entire city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one mind into the theatre, having seized Gaios and Aristarchos, Makedonians, Sha’ul’s fellow travellers.
30. And Sha’ul, intending to go in among the mob, the taught ones did not allow him.
31. And some of the officials of Asia, being his friends, sent to him begging him not to risk himself into the theatre.
32. Then others indeed shouted this and others that, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
33. And some of the crowd instructed Alexander – the Yehuḏim putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wished to make his defence to the people.
34. But having recognised that he was a Yehuḏite, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35. And the city clerk, having calmed the crowd, said, “Men of Ephesos, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the guardian of the temple of the great female mighty one Artemis, and of that which fell down from Zeus?
36. “Therefore, if these matters are undeniable, you need to be calm, and do not act rashly.
37. “For you have brought these men here who are neither temple-robbers nor speaking evil of your female mighty one.
38. “If truly then Demetrios and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another.
39. “And if you have any further complaint, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
40. “For we are in danger of being accused of riot concerning today, there being no reason which we could give to account for this disorderly gathering.”