35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
19:35
And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?
The city clerk (equivalent to a mayor) reminded the mob that everyone knew that Ephesus was the keeper of the Temple of Artemis and that the goddess had fallen as a heavenly stone from Zeus. Since the crowd protested something no one denied, their reckless emotions got in the way of logic.
19:36
Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly.
The clerk asserted that, since his statement in verse 35 was valid, they should cease from their rash, violent attitude toward the Christians.
19:37
For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.
The town official also affirmed that Gaius and Aristarchus were not thieves, nor had they blasphemed the goddess Artemis.
19:38
Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
The clerk reminded Demetrius and his fellow artisans that they had the option to go to court with due legal process.
19:39
But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.
Romans believed in settling issues in a democratic assembly.
19:40
For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.”
Concluding his speech, the clerk warned the crowd that they would have to give an account for mob action if they chose this disorderliness. They would have to justify their actions in a Roman court. The Roman government considered rioting as a civil violation and would take military action to resolve the problem.
19:41
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
The clerk dismissed the assembly in the theater.
PRINCIPLE:
God sovereignly intervenes in the governmental affairs of men for the cause of Christ.
APPLICATION:
Mob psychology is always dangerous. The city clerk in Ephesus did not defend Christianity. His concern was the stability of the government.
The book of Daniel testifies to how God intervenes in governmental affairs. He raises up governments, and He takes them down.
