No allusion to Timothy occurs between XVIII 5 (where he rejoined Paul at Corinth) and XIX 22. According to the analogy of Luke's method (p. 46 f.), this shows that he was understood by the author to have been attached to Paul's service during the inter- vening period, ready for any mission, such as that to Galatia, or this to Macedonia. According to I Cor. IV 17, Timothy was to go on to Corinth : Luke speaks only of Macedonia. Both are correct ; it becomes clear from II Cor. that Timothy did not go on tc Corinth, and that Paul found him in Macedonia: probably he met Titus on his way back to report to Paul the result of the first letter, and waited instructions before going on. See p. 285.
The plan of staying in Ephesus till Pentecost was interrupted by a popular riot. Already in the autumn of 55 Paul spoke of the difficulties in Ephesus caused by the opposition of the vulgar populace (p. 230, I Cor. XV 32) ; and the character of the citv shows how
Sec. 4. The Church in the Province of Asia. 277
inevitable that was. The superstition of all Asia was concentrated in Ephesus. Throughout the early centuries the city mob, superstitious, uneducated, frivolous, swayed by the most commonplace motives, was everywhere the most dangerous and unfailing enemy of Christianity, and often carried the imperial officials further than they wished in the way of persecution. Moreover, round the great Ephesian temple, to which worshippers came from far, many tradesmen got their living from the pilgrims, sup- plying them with victims and dedicatory offerings of various kinds, as well as food and shelter. During the year 55, the tension in Ephesus grew more severe: on the one hand, the teaching spread so fast that Paul was tempted to remain longer than he had intended (p. 275) : on the other hand, his success only enraged and alarmed the opposing forces. "A great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries " (I Cor, XVI 9) : " after the manner of men I fought with beasts in Ephesus " (id. XV 32, p. 230).
The most sensitive part of " civilised " man is his pocket ; and it was there that opposition to Christian changes, or " reforms," began. Those " reforms " threatened to ex- tinguish some ancient and respectable trades, and promised no compensation ; and thus all the large class that lived off the pilgrims and the temple service was marshalled against the new party, which threatened the livelihood of all.
5. DEMETRIUS THE SILVERSMITH. The scene
which follows is the most instructive picture of society in an Asian city at this period that has come down to us. It is impossible here to treat it so fully as it deserves; and we can only enumerate the more striking points, and refer to previous discussions. A certain Demetrius was a
278 The Church in Asia. Chap. XII.
leading man in the associated trades, which made in various materials, terra-cotta, marble and silver, small shrines {naoi) for votaries to dedicate in the temple, representing the Goddess Artemis sitting in a niche or naiskos, with her lions beside her. Vast numbers of these shrines were offered to the goddess by her innumerable votaries. The rich bought and offered them in more expensive materials and more artistic form, the poor in simple rude terra-cotta. The temple and the sacred precinct were crowded with dedications ; and the priests often cleared away the old and especially the worthless offerings to make room for new gifts. The richer tradesmen made shrines in the more expensive material, and silver was evidently a favourite material among the wealthy. Demetrius, then, must have had a good deal of capital sunk in his business. He called a meeting of the trades, doubtless in a guild- house where they regularly met, and pointed out that Paul, by teaching the worthlessness of images, was seriously affecting public opinion and practice over almost the whole province Asia,1 and endangering their business as well as the worship of the goddess. The tradesmen were roused ; they rushed forth into the street ; 2 a general scene of confusion arose, and a common impulse carried the excited crowd into the great theatre. The majority of the crowd were ignorant what was the matter ; they only knew from the shouts of the first rioters that the worship of Artemis was concerned ; and for about two hours the