Acts 19:36

"When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?"

Key Reflection

In Acts 19:36, the town clerk addresses a crowd in Ephesus, drawing on their deep connection to the temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. This reference highlights the cultural significance of Artemis worship, which was central to Ephesian identity and economics. By invoking this deity, the town clerk aims to assert authority and calm the assembly, reminding them of their civic duty as protectors of their city’s sacred site—a strategy rooted in leveraging local religious sentiments for social control.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 36. Seeing then, etc. Since this is established and admitted. Since no one can call in question the zeal of the Ephesians on this subject, or doubt the sincerity of their belief. And since there can be no danger that this well-established worship is to be destroyed by the efforts of a few evil-disposed Jews, there is no occasion for this tumult. Be quiet. Be appeased. The same Greek word which is used in Ac 19:35, "had appeased the people." To do nothing rashly. To do nothing in a heated, inconsiderate manner. There is no occasion for tumult and riot. The whole difficulty can be settled in perfect consistency with the maintenance of order.

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