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Bruce, F.F. (1988). "Acts 19:21-41." In The Book of Acts (Revised). (370-379). William B. Eerdmans Publishing,
Paul's time in Ephesus comes to a close as he makes plans to go to Jerusalem, then Rome. Bruce notes that Paul had spent two and a half years in Ephesus. During that time, Christianity had increased in the eastern Aegean region (Bruce 1988, p. 370). Paul's ultimate travel goal was not Rome, but Spain. Bruce comments, but without giving proof, that Luke knew by the time of publishing Acts whether Paul had been to Spain, but that Luke's literary goal was Rome (Bruce 1988, p. 371). In Acts 19:21-22 we read about Paul's plans. Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia, intending to meet them there.
As these plans were underway, the silversmiths of Ephesus began protesting the growth of Christianity (19:23-28). The silversmiths felt threatened and objected to the Christian rejection of polytheism, as well as the consequences which could result in economic ruin for the temple of Artemis (Bruce 1988, p. 373). Bruce briefly describes the history of the cult of Artemis in Ephesus (Bruce 1988, p. 374). The sale of objects for devotion was a major part of the silversmiths' economy. Verses 25-27 introduce Demetrius, likely the president of the silversmiths' guild. The smiths were moved to make loud calls of protest (Bruce 1988, p. 375).
Acts 19:29-34 describes the demonstration in more detail. Bruce briefly describes the geography of Ephesus and the location of the theater, which makes for a natural gathering place (Bruce 1988, p. 375). He notes the level of detail given in this passage suggests that Gaius or Aristarchus, who were taken by the crowd into the theater, may have provided Luke with the specifics (Bruce 1988, p. 376). In verses 30-31, not only did the Christians of Ephesus encourage Paul to avoid the mob, but so did the Asiarchs, political leaders. Bruce describes their office briefly and comments on the apparent friendly relationship they had with Paul (Bruce 1988, p. 377). The mob in the theater became more animated and, in verses 33-34, when a Jewish leader named Alexander tried to address them, they began chanting in favor of Artemis. Bruce considers the Jewish leaders to be interested in distancing their community from association with Paul.
The riot is ended in Acts 19:35-41, when the town clerk, who served as the liaison with Roman provincial authorities, persuaded the people to calm down and disperse. Bruce reminds us that Ephesus was the provincial capitol and that the Roman authorities could penalize a disorderly city (Bruce 1988, p. 378). The clerk affirmed the importance of Artemis and said the Christians there had not broken any laws. He asserted rule of law and the fact of legitimate means for prosecution of criminals (Bruce 1988, p. 379). Bruce again emphasizes that here, as elsewhere in Acts, Luke describes a positive relationship between the Christians and the Roman authorities.