Alexander Ἀλέξανδρος
Jew put forward by the crowd in Ephesus
Who is Alexander in the Bible?
Alexander was a Jewish man brought forward by the crowd during a riot in Ephesus around 55 AD (Acts 19:33). When the silversmiths and craftsmen rioted over Paul's preaching threatening their business selling shrines to Artemis, some members of the crowd pushed Alexander forward, likely hoping he could speak on behalf of the Jewish community and distance themselves from the Christian disturbance. However, when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they shouted him down and would not let him speak (Acts 19:33). His brief appearance illustrates the complex social tensions of the era, showing how the Jewish community tried to separate themselves from the controversy surrounding Paul's missionary work, even as they faced suspicion and hostility from pagan crowds.
Biography
Alexander is mentioned during the account of the riot in Ephesus, which was instigated by Demetrius, a silversmith who crafted shrines of Artemis. Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen felt threatened by Paul's preaching, which led many people to turn away from worshipping Artemis. (Act.19.23-27)
The riot escalated, and the crowd rushed into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions. Paul wanted to address the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. (Act.19.28-31).
In the midst of the confusion, some of the crowd put Alexander forward, possibly to speak on behalf of the Jews and dissociate themselves from Paul and the Christians. The Jews may have been concerned that they would be blamed for the disturbance caused by Paul's preaching. (Act.19.33)
However, when the crowd realized that Alexander was a Jew, they shouted him down, chanting "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" for about two hours. (Act.19.34)
The city clerk eventually managed to calm the crowd, dismissing the assembly and stating that any grievances should be settled through the proper legal channels. (Act.19.35-41)
Alexander's brief appearance in this narrative highlights the complex social and religious dynamics in Ephesus, where the spread of Christianity was perceived as a threat to the established religious and economic order.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentActs 1 verse
- Acts 19:33
"The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἀλέξανδρος |