Acts chapter 19

vs 31

Funny how everyone has this feeling Paul's going to go out and address the angry crowd. The officials might have had two reasons not to want to get Paul involved. Firstly because he was a friend, but also because as officials of the province they wanted the riot to go away quickly.

vs 32

Probably a fair description of any riot, really. Started by a small group, sweeping together a larger group, and some people go along for the ride.

vs 33

Alexander, then, is one of the Jews. What did he want to say? Not sure. Were they pro-riot? That is, anti-Christian? Unclear at the moment.

vs 34

Obviously, regardless of whether they are pro- or anti- , the Ephesians are not impressed. Imagine chanting for 2 hours. Hopefully they had some more interesting things to say.

vs 35

So the clerk seems to want the riot to stop. And fair thing too - such a large crowd of angry people could lead to looting or other dangerous or bad things.

vs 36

Basically, why are they making such a big deal out of it. The argument that the precious goddess or her stature might be harmed by the work of Paul is a weak one, because everyone knows Ephesus for Artemis. So why get in such tight knicker twists about it? Because of the money, remember.

vs 37

The implication being that this is how they would treat people who had done so.

vs 38

You really have to question the motives of anyone who has a grievance and doesn't attempt to take it through proper legal channels first. Remember, Paul has already been beaten and jailed for removing a source of income from someone - via exorcism.

vs 39

Must! Strong words! I guess he's got the law on his side though.

vs 40

But he is still sympathetic to the crowd, in that he would rather all this just calmed down and was sorted out through proper channels, than getting out of hand and dangerous.

vs 41

His words work, and for the moment, the people scatter. But the problem has not been dealt with. Not yet.