The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie
Since I last posted on the Book of Acts I have had some great on-line conversations with Eric, Deb and Robin concerning Acts chapter 19. I think one of the key things I noted about the chapter was its time line. So often when we read a chapter of the Bible we think that everything happens in about as much time as it takes us to read the verses through but that is not generally so. Acts chapter 19 spanned a solid two and a half years. That is significant. You try to think back over your last two years. That’s a lot of water under the bridge isn’t it?
If you would like to go back to some of our previous classes and join the conversation you can find them at our House On Fire Page under the Pastor Wrinkles heading above.
Here is today’s study: Acts 19: 23-20:1
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy.25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. 31 Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
32 Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak. 34 But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 At last the mayor was able to quiet them down enough to speak. “Citizens of Ephesus,” he said. “Everyone knows that Ephesus is the official guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, whose image fell down to us from heaven.36 Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, but they have stolen nothing from the temple and have not spoken against our goddess.
38 “If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges. 39 And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly. 40 I am afraid we are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Roman government, since there is no cause for all this commotion. And if Rome demands an explanation, we won’t know what to say.” 41 Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed.
Paul Goes to Macedonia and Greece
20 When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia.
TODAY’S QUESTIONS:
What actions and attitudes caused the riot?
Was it Paul’s fault?
Was it the church’s fault?
Was it Demtrius fault?
Lillie-Put 
After reading this passage it definitely appears that Demetrius was the instigator in the whole thing. I think maybe he was afraid that his business profits would drop, maybe they already had because so many were being converted and he felt threatened. I’m sure many believers no longer needed their silver shrine of the Greek goddess Artemis and that was a threat to Demetrius’ bottom-line. You know I said it was Demetrius who was the instigator but thinking about it a bit it all might have stemmed from the The Way or The Church. So I guess ultimately in an indirect way one could say it was The Church that caused the riot.
Interesting thoughts. The world’s reaction to the message we preach causes riots even today. Persecution breaks out at the mention of the name of Jesus and all we have to do to stop the persecution is bend the knee to the god of this world and make nice.
It is the world that boils but it does seem to be Christians who stir the pot or maybe it is God using Christians. So another question arises does the pot need to be stirred sometimes? Or is there a way we can preach without causing trouble?
I think sometimes trouble is unavoidable and sometimes that’s OK. Still we always stir in love don’t we?
I think that sometimes, stirring the pot is inevitable. I notice this at work whenever I try and minister to anyone there is almost always a distraction, or even a literal spiritual retalliation against me. The more I choose to walk with the Lord, I can literally see anger in the eyes of some of my co-workers. In other words, I can tell for sure that we don’t play for the same team spiritually.
I like the way that Paul reacts here. He never once lashes out, points fingers at anyone, or tries to defend himself. He stays focused on the mission at hand, while walking in love toward those who are angered. Paul knows that the reaction isn’t his fault, nor the fault of the church, or even the people who are deceived. That’s what makes truth so wonderful. There is never any fear in truth because it just simply can’t be disproven, discredited, or changed. The fear exists only in the ones who see their business beginning to crumble, and their gods proven false. The lies of the enemy are always exposed for what they are, and that doesn’t make the devil a happy camper.
We can see even in today’s religions the ones who are real, and the ones who aren’t truly centered in Christ. The ones who are continue to go about the Fathers’ business while speaking the truth in love. Funny how thats exactly what Paul demonstrates here. The ones who are not, are “making nice” with all different groups. Christ wasn’t out to “make nice”, but he always walked in love no matter who came against Him. Those who are in fear today, are the ones who are beginning to bend their “rules” and become more tolerant towards lifestyles and behaviors that always have been, and always will be sinful. It’s all fear based rather than truth based. Fear causes compromise, while truth causes redemption, and freedom.
I love how you say this Eric. We have to live love based rather than fear based and when we do we will stir someone’s pot for sure. The darkness hates the light and has not understood it!