What does Acts 19:28 mean?

The story of Jesus is needed everywhere in the Roman Empire, but the power of the Holy Spirit is perhaps nowhere more needed than in Ephesus. In addition to the traditional god-worship, the city was saturated with witchcraft and demonic activity. The Holy Spirit empowers Paul to heal both physical and spiritual ailments, and people from all over the province of Asia exult in their newfound freedom (Acts 19:11–12).

Paul has met resistance in nearly every city where he has preached. In Pisidian Antioch and Thessalonica, it was jealousy (Acts 13:45; 17:5). In Galatia and Athens, it was unbelief (Acts 14:2; 17:32). In Philippi, like now in Ephesus, it was money (Acts 16:19; 19:26–27). Paul's preaching that the true God is not represented by idols made by hands threatens the Ephesian craftsmen who make idols. They can't say that, of course, so they resort to regional fidelity to the temple of Artemis. They start a protest, affirming their devotion.

As they march to the theater, which also serves as a forum, others in the city get caught up in the fervor, joining the chant with no idea why they're chanting. The craftsmen grab two of Paul's companions; people from the church prevent Paul from following. Alexander, a Jew, tries to make a defense, but when the crowd realizes his ethnicity, they shout louder. Eventually, the town clerk steps in and threatens the crowd with the charge of rioting. He tells the craftsmen they can take Paul to court if they have an actual case and dismisses the crowd (Acts 19:29–41).