In the biblical account, specifically in the book of Acts in the New Testament, Paul and his companions face significant danger in Ephesus due to their missionary activities and the impact these had on the local economy and religious practices. In Acts 19, it's noted that Paul's preaching about Christianity led to a decline in the worship of the goddess Artemis, which was central to the city's culture and economy. This provoked a backlash among local silversmiths and artisans who profited from making and selling idols of Artemis.
As a result, a riot broke out in Ephesus, with the local population gathering in the theater to express their outrage and to defend their goddess. The situation became quite dangerous for Paul and his companions, as they were at risk of violence from the frenzied crowd. Eventually, cool heads prevailed, and the city clerk was able to disperse the crowd, preventing further violence.
This incident highlights the challenges and dangers faced by early Christians as they spread their message in regions where established religious and economic interests were threatened.
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