The Riot in Ephesus

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 19:21-41

 

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you ^[a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

(NKJV)

 

Jesus reminds us that He spoke so we may have peace, but in the world, we will have tribulation, but we need not fear because Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). The riot in Ephesus in this text is an example of how persecution can come because of the message of the gospel threatening someone’s trade from the selling of pagan shrines. In today’s world, it may not be pagan shrines but can be the message of the gospel going against someone’s political agenda. For revival to come, the Church must not back down from its message of spreading the truth of the gospel.

 

After the working of miracles by the hands of Paul and the exposing of those who thought they could do similar miracles by using the name of Jesus, Paul purposed in his heart to go to Jerusalem and then Rome (Acts 19:21). Paul then sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia while he remained in Asia for a time (Acts 19:22). Then a great commotion arose about the way, what Christianity was called at that time (Acts 19:23).

 

The source of the commotion was a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who profited from the making of silver shrines to the goddess Diana (Acts 19:24). He assembled his craftsmen along with others in the trade, reminding them of how they profit from their trade, and how Paul’s preaching is persuading some to believe Diana is not a god (Acts 19:25-26). Not only does this threaten their trade, but it also threatens the temple of Diana, which all in Asia worship (Acts 19:27).

 

At hearing this, the crowd was full of wrath, praising Diana, causing the whole city to rush into the theater, seizing Gaius and Aristarchus along the way (Acts 19:28-29). When Paul wanted to go to the people gathered in the theater, the disciples would not allow it, with some of the officials of Asia who were friends of Paul pleading with him not to go (Acts 19:30-31). The multitude gathered in the theater was in confusion, with many not even knowing why they were there (Acts 19:32). Alexander was drawn out of the crowd by the Jews and motioned with his hand to speak, but when the crowd found out he was a Jew, they cried out, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” (Acts 19:33-34).

 

After quieting the crowd, the city clerk told the men of Ephesus that all knew Ephesus was the temple guardian of the great goddess Diana and the image that fell from Zeus (Acts 19:35). Since no one can deny these things, the clerk advised not doing anything rash, because the men brought before him were neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of Diana (Acts 19:36-37). He then told Demetrius and his craftsmen to take their complaint to court where a proconsul can hear it (Acts 19:38). He also told them that if they have any other inquiries, to let them be heard in a lawful assembly, because they were in danger of being called into question for their disorderly gathering (Acts 19:39-40). After saying these things, the clerk dismissed the assembly (Acts 19:41).

 

Preaching the Gospel threatens those who profit from the worship of other gods. Those profiting from this attempted to silence Paul and those with him through intimidation. The same tactic of intimidation was used against Peter and John in Acts 4:1-22; they did not cower in fear but instead prayed for boldness (Acts 4:23-31). Even Paul once joined with the intimidators trying to silence Stephen, but Stephen too was not intimidated, being stoned to death for his belief (Acts 7:54-60). Jesus Himself told us that in this world we would have tribulation but also reminded us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

 

The preaching of the Gospel by the church is still a threat to those with an agenda to propagate a woke agenda. This is because the Bible, the Word of God clearly speaks out against this lifestyle. Disciples of Christ must choose whether to remain silent about the advancing woke agenda or speak out against it as going against God’s Word. The Church has a clear and simple mission: lift up Christ and make disciples (John 12:32; Matthew 28:18-20). While this mission is simple, carrying it out can become difficult when we endure persecution. The question disciples of Christ must ask is will we cower in fear and remain silent when facing persecution, or remain bold and determined to carry out our godly mission? I pray for boldness.

 

One way for disciples of Christ to speak out loudly is to vote so we elect Godly leaders who will lead with Godly values. In the United States, Christians will show up to vote in a new Congress and Senate. Many will also be voting for governors for their states and local leaders in their cities. However, this is an off-year election, which means the President is not up for election. Unfortunately, many stay home during off-year elections, which is a mistake. I want to urge all disciples of Christ reading this to show up and vote this November, so we have more Godly leaders in office.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this who is not a disciple of Christ to pray with me now and know they will have eternal life with God.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

Just as the name of Jesus is not some magical word, this prayer is not some magical prayer, but it must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.