Acts 19:29

"When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”"

Key Reflection

The crowd's response in Acts 19:29 reflects the intense religious fervor and local pride prevalent in Ephesus, a major center of Artemis worship. The phrase “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” underscores both their devotion to this goddess and their deep-seated fear of any perceived threat to her temple or cult, highlighting the political and social significance of religious sanctuaries in ancient Greek cities.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 29. Confusion. Tumult; disorder. Gaius. He had lived at Corinth, and had kindly entertained Paul at his house, 1 Co 1:14; Ro 16:23. Aristarchus. He attended Paul to Rome, and was there a prisoner with him, Col 4:10. With one accord. Tumultuously; or with one mind, or purpose. Into the theatre. The theatres of the Greeks were not only places for public exhibitions, but also for holding assemblies, and often for courts, elections, etc. The people, therefore, naturally rushed there, as being a suitable place to decide this matter.

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