The
second half of Acts 19 tells of how a few men resisting Paul caused a great
disruption in Ephesus. Demetrius gathered a group of silversmiths, craftsmen
and workers in related trades to discuss their situation (v. 24-25). We see
that there were two causes for their worry. First, they recognized that as more
people put their faith in Jesus, fewer people would buy idols, putting these
craftsmen out of work (v. 27). They would have been hesitant to find a new use
for their skills, as trade in idols was financially lucrative (v. 24). Second,
we see that they were blinded to the truth of Paul’s message by their worship
of the false god Artemis (v. 27). These men were furious. Their displays
eventually worked the entire city into an uproar (v. 28-29). This was a classic
case of mob mentality, as some of the people didn’t even know why they were
gathering and chanting (v. 32). Paul and another man, a Jew named Alexander,
both wanted to intervene, but were prevented from doing so (v. 30-31, 33-34).
God is sovereign. Even without the work of Paul and Alexander, the crowd was
quieted. The city clerk stepped up and reasoned with the crowd, eventually
sending everyone away (v. 35-41).
Journaling and Prayer
1. Idol worship was embedded in the culture of Ephesus.
The introduction of a new faith that claimed to be the only way to God thus
challenged the culture itself. Some people chose to abandon the aspects of
their culture that would prevent them from following Jesus. Others chose to
cling to what they knew and reject Jesus. Ask God if there is any part of our
culture that is keeping you from greater intimacy with Him.
2. Many of the participants in the riot at Ephesus
didn’t know why they were there. Far from making an informed decision to stand
for their convictions, they were merely swept up by the crowd. Ask God to show
you any areas where you are too easily swayed by the words, actions, or opinions
of others. Ask Him to show you how to lean on His strength to stand for truth.
3. Pray for the children and youth in our church
(birth-high school). Pray that God would protect them from the lies thrown
their way by our culture. Pray that God would help them form an identity based
on their faith in Jesus. Pray that leaders (KidzLand, Middle School and
Forefront) would be empowered to help our young people grow in submission,
integrity and faith. Pray that the children and youth in our church today would
grow up to influence many for Jesus Christ.
