Acts 19:23-41 Revival challenged by Persecutors
19:23-27 Evil designs of Demetrius
19:28-34 Riot at Ephesus
19:35-41 Wisdom of City Clerk
Acts 19:23-27 Evil designs of Demetrius
There was a riot at Ephesus because of the revival of spirituality. Earlier passages explained to us that the preaching of Paul affected change in the hearts of the people. They threw their books and idols into the fire. This act has affected the idol trade as well as the profit to the trader. So they tactfully disturbed the city people with their evil devices in the name of religion. The silversmith named Demetrius raised a concern that the new religion made many labours lose their job and struggle for survival. Demetrius was cunning enough to get the attention of the idol traders, temple workers, religious fanatics and labourers, and unite them as one voice to raise against the missionaries. How often it has become a reality even in our days. Gospel workers would face this problem in every era and every place.
Acts 19:28-34 Riot at Ephesus
The chaotic situation in the City of Ephesus put the missionaries team out of control. The Ephesians shouted that their goddess Artemis is great. The crowd seized Gaius and Aristarchus travelling companions of Paul. Paul, the seasoned missionary, wanted to address the rioting crowd to save his comrades. But local disciples did not permit him to do. The situation was totally out of order even the officials requested Paul to leave that place. The crowd was confused, and even some of them did not know for what purpose they were there. There was a man named Alexander, who was a Jew, who addressed the people. As soon as the crowd learned that he was a Jew, they shouted, “Artemis is great”. It is a natural reaction out of compulsion and enmity.
Acts 19:35-41 Wisdom of City Clerk
The city clerk used his intelligence to calm down the crowd. He addressed the issue. He explained the illogical provocation to disturb the peace of the City to gain an advantage out of it. He further talked about the legal remedies available for any violations and rebellion of the people. It is better to settle the issue through legal forums rather than rioting and destroying the peace and properties of the people. He guided the crowd to understand the motives behind Demetrius and his colloquies. He reminded them they come under governors and the magistrates who can settle the disputes and any issues. He told them not to indulge in violence and not to take the law into their hands. The chapter ends that the crowd dispersed after the talk of the clerk.
Discussions:
1. How to create an alternate livelihood for trades that are against the Christian faith?
2. How to react to the opposing groups while we preach the gospel?
3. What lesson did we learn from this passage on the providence of God?
