A Jewish man, Alexander

“So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.” Here, the term “assembly” is the Greek word “ekkesia,” but it does not refer to the church. They are “those called out from among the people.” These were individuals who enjoyed causing a commotion. “Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. But when they recognized that he was a Jew…they shouted for about two hours.” (a) He stood as a representative of the Jewish community that did not believe in Jesus. (b) He intended to declare that they, as Jews, had no connection with Paul. (2) However, when it became known that he was a Jew, the crowd continued shouting loudly. They could not distinguish between Christianity and Judaism. Furthermore, anti-Semitism was widespread among them.

The town clerk

“The town clerk” was an elected official, akin to a modern-day mayor. To quell the riot, he attempted to persuade the mob with four points: (1) There is nothing to worry about. Everyone knows that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the Great Goddess Artemis and of her image that fell from heaven. (2) Gaius and Aristarchus have done nothing destructive. “For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess.” (3) If Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance, they should settle it through a formal court trial. Trials overseen by the provincial governors were held three times a month. (4) Unjustified riots risk being charged with the crime of public disorder. “For indeed, we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real reason for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” This persuasion was effective. The town clerk’s argument could also serve as favorable evidence in a legal trial. Suffering is a messenger from God, strengthening our faith and leading us to the next stage. God protected Paul through: (1) his friends, (2) the officials of the province, and (3) the town clerk. Having conviction in God’s protection gives us the strength to move toward our next goal. Paul wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).