The silversmiths, who made models of Diana's (Artemis) temple in Ephesus, were very worried and angry. Paul had been preaching that the pagan gods had neither personality nor any divine power (Acts 19:26-27). However the temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and attracted many pilgrims. Part of the economy of Ephesus was based on this religious tourist trade; the models were expensive and were supposed to bring Diana's power into people's homes. It was a lucrative trade.

The craftsmen saw Paul's preaching as an insult to their trade and income, as well as to the honour of the goddess. Instead of taking the matter to the courts to decide, they incited the people to riot. They claimed that Paul had dishonoured their religion. Other people soon joined in the public protest even though they were not quite clear what it was about. Two of Paul's team were grabbed and taken urgently to the city's amphitheatre – a grand structure seating 25,000 people.

Although Paul wanted to use the opportunity to preach the gospel, the believers would not let him. Even some unbelieving city officials, who respected Paul, sent messages imploring Paul not to go to the amphitheatre. The Jews used Alexander the coppersmith (1 Timothy 1:20 & 2 Timothy 4:14) to add to the complaints about Paul. This divided the crowd further: many resented the Jewish population of the city. The riot got worse as the people who worshipped Artemis (Diana) joined the aggrieved silversmiths in chanting in support of their goddess.

Fear of losing control, money, or respect for a community figure (religious, sporting or political) can excite the strongest emotions. People feel that their identity is as bound up with whatever appears to be disrespected. Joining with others in protest is an opportunity to affirm that each one must be right because so many others agree. It is a dangerous and unpredictable style of persecution. But if you are suffering under it, please be aware that it is not personal to you; but that when Jesus claims to be greater than everything they hold dear, they will be inclined to blame the person who represents Jesus. When that happens, rejoice that He has counted you worthy to suffer in that way (Acts 5:41).