The riot at Ephesus
Demetrius, a silversmith who made shrines of Artemis, stirred up his fellow craftsmen: Paul's preaching was ruining their trade and the honor of the goddess. The city filled with confusion, and a crowd shouted for two hours in the theater.
But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Acts 19:34 (World English Bible)
The temple of Artemis at Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The town clerk finally quieted the crowd, warning that Rome might call the city to account for a riot. Soon afterward Paul left for Macedonia.
Places
Dating notes
Near the end of Paul's time in Ephesus, about AD 55. Ussher: AD 59.