Acts 19:21-41New King James Version (NKJV) The Riot at Ephesus 21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. 23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana,[a] brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed,[b] whom all Asia and the world worship.” 28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 29 So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. 30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. 31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your[c] goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. Riot in Ephesus Along with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the grand Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This massive structure was over six million cubic feet in size, and contained 127 columns! Quite literally, the worship of Artemis was the central facet of Ephesian life. The Temple of Artemis was also central to the economic life of Ephesus, and the growing presence of Christianity was troubling to some. The silversmith Demetrius roused the ire of the tradesmen by reminding them of Paul’s message: “gods made by human hands are no gods at all” (v. 26). In other words, the entire practice and economy of the worship of Artemis (including the production of silver shrines) was being undermined by the Christian message. Demetrius very tactfully presented the case as one concerning the reputation of the temple and the “divine majesty” of the goddess herself, but the underlying truth was that Christianity was a threat to their financial profits! The reaction to this apparent threat was swift and strong: the craftsmen were “furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” (v. 28). Soon a mob developed and “the whole city was in an uproar” (v. 29). Scripture tells us that some of Paul’s companions were seized and thrust into the theater. For hours, confusion and chaos reigned. As is often the case with mobs, some did not even know why they were there. One Jewish man, Alexander, tried to speak, only to be shouted down for two hours by the frenzied crowd. Finally, the city clerk calmed them, urging them to use the legal courts rather than risk charges of rioting. What a telling picture of the violent reaction we have when the idols in our life are threatened by the lordship of Christ! Apply the Word Idols come in many forms, from cherished physical objects to intangible longings for power, money, and honor. What idols in your life need to be overthrown by Christ’s claim of lordship? Think about the allegiances and pursuits in your life, make a list of your own personal idols, and then ask God to remove them and replace them with Himself.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 10:24:27 +0000
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