Acts 19:28

KJV

And when they heard [these sayings], they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when they heard {G191} these sayings, they were {G1096} full {G4134} of wrath {G2372}, and {G2532} cried out {G2896}, saying {G3004}, Great {G3173} is Diana {G735} of the Ephesians {G2180}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hearing this, they were filled with rage and began bellowing, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

Berean Standard Bible

When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

American Standard Version

And when they heard this they were filled with wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:28 captures the explosive reaction of Ephesian silversmiths and artisans to Paul's gospel message, which threatened their lucrative trade centered around the worship of the goddess Diana (Artemis). Upon hearing Paul's teachings, which declared idols made by human hands to be no gods, they were consumed by intense anger and erupted in a unified, fervent cry, proclaiming the greatness of Diana, thereby initiating a city-wide uproar in defense of their deity and their economic livelihood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 19:28 is a dramatic turning point within Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus, detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"). Preceding this verse, Paul had been preaching the Gospel with great power, leading many to abandon pagan practices and embrace Christ ([Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - Paul's Two-Year Ministry in Asia")). This success directly undermined the trade of Demetrius, a silversmith who manufactured silver shrines of Artemis. Demetrius convened his fellow craftsmen, articulating how Paul's message not only jeopardized their business but also diminished the glory of their revered goddess ([Acts 19:24-27](/acts/19-24-27 "Acts 19:24-27 - Demetrius Incites a Riot")). Verse 28 is the immediate, visceral response to Demetrius's inflammatory speech, setting the stage for the chaotic riot that engulfs the city in the verses that follow ([Acts 19:29-41](/acts/19-29-41 "Acts 19:29-41 - The Ephesian Riot")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor, serving as a major commercial and religious hub. Its most distinguishing feature was the magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana in Latin), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This temple was not merely a place of worship but also a significant economic engine, attracting pilgrims and supporting a vast industry of artisans who crafted idols, shrines, and souvenirs. The cult of Artemis was deeply ingrained in Ephesian identity, involving elaborate rituals, festivals, and a powerful priesthood. The city's prosperity was intimately linked to the temple's prestige and the flow of pilgrims. Therefore, Paul's declaration that "gods made with hands are no gods" ([Acts 19:26](/acts/19-26 "Acts 19:26 - Paul's Critique of Idolatry")) was perceived as a direct assault on their religious heritage, cultural pride, and, critically, their economic stability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **clash between the Gospel and idolatry**, demonstrating how the monotheistic truth of Christ directly confronts and exposes the emptiness of pagan worship. Secondly, it underscores the **economic opposition to the Gospel**, revealing that the spread of Christianity can disrupt established systems and livelihoods built on unrighteous or idolatrous practices, leading to fierce resistance. The silversmiths' wrath was a potent mix of religious fervor and financial anxiety. Thirdly, the scene vividly portrays the dangers of **mob mentality and popular delusion**, as a crowd can be easily swayed into irrational and violent behavior in defense of perceived threats to their traditions or interests, echoing similar events in [Acts 17:5](/acts/17-5 "Acts 17:5 - Thessalonian Mob"). Finally, it foreshadows the **persecution faced by early believers** as they proclaimed a message that challenged the status quo, a theme consistent with Jesus' warnings to his disciples about the world's hatred for His followers ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrath (Greek, _thymós'_):** From G2372, this term signifies "passion (as if breathing hard)," denoting a fierce, boiling anger or indignation. It describes a sudden, intense outburst of emotion, often characterized by agitation and a loss of self-control. In this context, it vividly portrays the immediate and overwhelming fury that seized the crowd upon hearing the perceived threat to their goddess and livelihood.
* **cried out (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, this verb means "to 'croak' (as a raven) or scream," and more generally, "to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)." It indicates a loud, vehement, and often uninhibited vocal expression, characteristic of a public outcry or a mob's chant. Here, it emphasizes the unified, passionate, and almost animalistic roar of the Ephesians.
* **Diana (Greek, _Ártemis'_):** From G735, this is the Greek goddess Artemis, whose name was borrowed by Asiatics for one of their deities. In Ephesus, she was worshipped as a fertility goddess, often depicted with multiple breasts, symbolizing abundance. Her cult was central to Ephesian identity and economy. The use of her name here highlights the specific object of their idolatrous devotion and the direct challenge Paul's message posed to it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they heard these sayings":** This phrase establishes the immediate cause of the crowd's reaction. "These sayings" refer to Demetrius's inflammatory speech, which detailed how Paul's preaching was turning people away from the worship of idols and, consequently, threatening their economic well-being and the prestige of Artemis. The hearing of these words acted as the catalyst for their outburst.
* **"they were full of wrath":** This clause describes the intense emotional state that overwhelmed the artisans and the crowd. The Greek term for "wrath" (thymós) conveys a passionate, boiling anger, indicating a sudden and powerful surge of indignation. This "fullness" of wrath suggests that their anger was complete, consuming, and overwhelming, leading to an immediate and uncontrolled response.
* **"and cried out, saying":** This signifies the vocal and public expression of their wrath. The act of "crying out" implies a loud, unified, and vehement shout, characteristic of a mob. The subsequent "saying" introduces the content of their collective declaration, which was both a protest and a defiant affirmation of their faith.
* **"Great is Diana of the Ephesians.":** This is the core declaration, serving as a rallying cry. It is a statement of allegiance, a defense of their goddess, and an assertion of her supreme status, particularly in relation to Ephesus. The phrase encapsulates their religious devotion, civic pride, and economic interest, all threatened by the Gospel message. It was a direct counter-proclamation to Paul's teaching that "gods made with hands are no gods."

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey the intensity of the moment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration "Great is Diana of the Ephesians," which, while a statement of belief, also functions as an exaggerated claim of her power and importance, especially in the face of perceived threat. The unified "cried out" suggests a form of **Chorus** or collective voice, emphasizing the mob mentality and the widespread nature of their indignation. There is also a strong element of **Conflict** —a direct confrontation between the truth of the Gospel and entrenched idolatry, manifested in the emotional and verbal outburst. Furthermore, the scene is rich in **Irony**, as the "great" goddess Diana, whose worship supported a vast industry, is shown to be so vulnerable that her devotees must resort to a riot to defend her against the words of a single man.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:28 serves as a powerful illustration of the inherent conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, particularly when those earthly systems are built upon idolatry and economic exploitation. The Ephesian riot demonstrates that the Gospel's transformative power extends beyond individual conversion, often challenging and exposing societal structures, cultural norms, and economic interests that are antithetical to God's truth. The wrath of the crowd, fueled by both religious zeal and financial fear, underscores humanity's deep-seated resistance to relinquishing control and trusting in the one true God, especially when it demands a reordering of their lives and livelihoods. This resistance highlights the spiritual battle inherent in spreading the Gospel, where the principalities and powers of darkness often manifest through human opposition.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Do Not Go After Other Gods")
* [1 Thessalonians 1:9](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning from Idols to Serve God")
* [Revelation 18:11-13](/revelation/18-11-13 "Revelation 18:11-13 - Merchants Mourn Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Ephesus offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that proclaiming the truth of the Gospel can still provoke strong reactions, especially when it challenges deeply ingrained cultural practices, economic systems, or personal comforts. We must be prepared for opposition, recognizing that it often stems from a fear of losing what is familiar or profitable, even if it is contrary to God's will. This verse calls us to examine our own lives: are there "idols" we cling to—whether material possessions, career success, cultural traditions, or even our own opinions—that we might defend with "wrath" if threatened by God's truth? True devotion to Christ requires a willingness to surrender all allegiances to anything or anyone other than Him, trusting that His kingdom is eternal and His provision is sufficient. It also challenges us to stand firm in our faith, speaking truth in love, even when it is unpopular or costly, remembering that our ultimate allegiance is to the "Great" God, not to the fleeting gods of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (material, cultural, or ideological) in our society or personal lives might provoke a similar "wrath" if challenged by the Gospel?**
* **How can believers effectively navigate situations where their faith threatens established economic or cultural norms without compromising truth or love?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Ephesians, prioritize our comfort or financial security over our commitment to God's truth?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Ephesians so angry about Paul's preaching?**

Answer: The Ephesians' anger, described as being "full of wrath," stemmed from a combination of religious devotion and economic self-interest. Paul's preaching declared that "they be no gods, which are made with hands" ([Acts 19:26](/acts/19-26 "Acts 19:26 - Paul's Teaching on Idols")), which directly challenged the worship of Artemis (Diana), their patron goddess. This not only insulted their deeply held religious beliefs and civic pride but also directly threatened the lucrative trade of silversmiths like Demetrius, who made and sold shrines of Diana. Their livelihood was intertwined with the idolatrous system, so Paul's success in converting people to Christianity meant a direct loss of income. The perceived threat to both their goddess and their prosperity ignited their fury, leading to the unified cry, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:28, with its fervent cry "Great is Diana of the Ephesians," powerfully underscores the human tendency towards idolatry and the ultimate futility of worshipping anything other than the one true God. This scene, born of economic fear and misguided religious zeal, foreshadows the universal call for humanity to turn from false gods to the living God, a turning that is fully realized in Christ. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all that is truly "great" and worthy of worship. He is not a god made with human hands, but the eternal Son of God, who created all things ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The empty boast for Diana pales in comparison to the true greatness of Christ, who alone is "the image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")) and the only mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). The wrath directed at Paul for challenging idolatry is ultimately a manifestation of humanity's rebellion against the rightful Lordship of Christ, who demands exclusive allegiance. The Gospel, which provoked such a violent reaction in Ephesus, is the very power of God for salvation to everyone who believes ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")), offering freedom from the bondage of sin and the empty worship of created things, inviting all to bow down before the truly "Great" one, Jesus Christ, to whom every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 17:13

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

Revelation 13:4

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Acts 21:28

Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all [men] every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

Acts 21:31

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

Acts 19:34

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

Acts 19:35

And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, [Ye] men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the [image] which fell down from Jupiter?