Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
So if Demetrius and his crew of craftsmen have beef with someone, there's a legal system for that. The courts are open and there are officials ready to handle it, let them take it to court like civilized people.
Got drama? Take it to court instead of starting a riot.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of Acts 19, the apostle Paul is preaching in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman Empire known for its temple to the goddess Artemis, which sparked economic concerns among local silversmiths who made idols. Demetrius, a leader of these craftsmen, stirred up a riot against Paul because his message was turning people away from idolatry and hurting their business. The town clerk, acting as a voice of reason, addressed the crowd and urged them to handle any legal disputes through the proper Roman authorities rather than through violent unrest.
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