Failing to find the object of their wrath, the mob seized two of his companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and with them hurried on to the theater. Paul’s place of concealment was not far distant, and he soon learned of the peril of his beloved brethren. His courage was in keeping with the occasion. He was ever ready to press to the front in the battle for his Master. Forgetful of his own safety, he desired to go at once to the theater, to address the rioters. But his friends refused to permit him thus to sacrifice himself. Gaius and Aristarchus were not the prey that the people sought; no serious harm to them was apprehended. But should the apostle’s pale, care-worn face be seen, it would arouse at once the worst passions of the mob, and there would not be the least human possibility of saving his life. {LP 143.2}

Når de ikke fandt noget mål for deres vrede, fangede hoben to af hans kammerat, Gajus og Aristarkus, og hastede dem til teateret. Paulus hemmelige skjulested var ikke langt derfra, og han hørte hurtigt om sine elskede brødres fare. Han var på højde med anledningen. Han var altid parat til at tage ud til fronten for at kæmpe for sin Mester. Uden at tænke på sin egen sikkerhed, ville han straks tage til teateret, for at tale til urostifterne. Men hans venner nægtede at lade ham ofre sig selv. Gajus og Aristarkus var ikke det bytte som folket søgte; de led ingen alvorlig skade. Men skulle apostlens ligblege og forgræmmede kunne ses, ville det straks vække folkehobens værste lidenskaber, og der ville ikke være den miste menneskelige mulighed for at redde hans liv.