Today, the silversmithing business in Ephesus is threatened by Paul’s preaching. Demetrius expresses concern also that the chief divinity of Ephesus will be “deprived of her majesty”— the mixed motives are interesting to me. There’s the real reason, his own livelihood. Then there’s the reason that maybe masks the real reason, the honor of the goddess.

The crowd also seems concerned about tourism and livelihood also, and also about honor of the goddess. So complicated to know what really is the reason they are upset.

The town clerk quiets everyone down; he wants disputes to be settled in court, not in mayhem and riots.