Why did the riot occur in Ephesus in the bible Acts 19?

Answer 1

The Cult of Diana had their Temple in Ephesus. It was the center of their economy. When Paul, the Apostle came to town preaching the Gospel of Christ, people who were disillusioned by the useless goddess and ritual stopped buying the trinkets and idols that the silversmiths crafted.

A leader of the silversmiths named Demetrius, incited a riot against Paul and his companions, yelling "Great is Diana of the Ephesians" and much confusion ensued. As a Roman Province, they were all in danger of being scattered and/or killed by the Roman garrison for rioting until one of the city fathers was able to settle them down.

The account can be found in the book of Acts chapter 19.

Answer 2

Acts 19:23-41discusses a mob forming and becoming a full blown riot. In this account, a man named Demetrius stirs up trouble for the early Christians because their preaching was affecting their work - the making and selling of false idols. After all, the Christians did not worship idols. And Ephesis was the home of the great temple to the false goddess Artemis.

So he starts complaining and telling people that the Christians were "bad for business". Especially when he heard that the Apostle Paul and his companions were coming to the city to preach.

The account is discussed in these verses:

(Acts 19:23-41)

23 At that particular time there arose no little disturbance concerning The Way. 24 For a certain man named De·me′tri·us, a silversmith, by making silver shrines of Ar′te·mis furnished the craftsmen no little gain; 25 and he gathered them and those who worked at such things and said: "Men, YOU well know that from this business we have our prosperity. 26 Also, YOU behold and hear how not only in Eph′e·sus but in nearly all the [district of] Asia this Paul has persuaded a considerable crowd and turned them to another opinion, saying that the ones that are made by hands are not gods. 27 Moreover, the danger exists not only that this occupation of ours will come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Ar′te·mis will be esteemed as nothing and even her magnificence which the whole [district of] Asia and the inhabited earth worships is about to be brought down to nothing." 28 Hearing this and becoming full of anger, the men began crying out, saying: "Great is Ar′te·mis of the E·phe′sians!" 29 So the city became filled with confusion, and with one accord they rushed into the theater, taking forcibly along with them Ga′ius and Ar·is·tar′chus, Mac·e·do′ni·ans, traveling companions of Paul. 30 For his part, Paul was willing to go inside to the people, but the disciples would not permit him. 31 Even some of the commissioners of festivals and games, who were friendly to him, sent to him and began pleading for him not to risk himself in the theater. 32 The fact is, some were crying out one thing and others another; for the assembly was in confusion, and the majority of them did not know the reason why they had come together. 33 So together they brought Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews thrusting him up front; and Alexander motioned with his hand and was wanting to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, one cry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours: "Great is Ar′te·mis of the E·phe′sians!" 35 When, finally, the city recorder had quieted the crowd, he said: "Men of Eph′e·sus, who really is there of mankind that does not know that the city of the E·phe′sians is the temple keeper of the great Ar′te·mis and of the image that fell from heaven? 36 Therefore since these things are indisputable, it is becoming for YOU to keep calm and not act rashly. 37 For YOU have brought these men who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 Therefore if De·me′tri·us and the craftsmen with him do have a case against someone, court days are held and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another. 39 If, though, YOU are searching for anything beyond that, it must be decided in a regular assembly. 40 For we are really in danger of being charged with sedition over today's affair, no single cause existing that will permit us to render a reason for this disorderly mob." 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

For more information on Paul's missionary journeys, see attached links.