In The Word
Read Acts 19:21-41
21 Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23 About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; 25 these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business. 26 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. 27 Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence.”
28 When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31 Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. 32 So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35 After quieting the crowd, the town clerk *said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36 So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40 For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 After saying this he dismissed the assembly.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Paul was making quite an impact in Ephesus because Christianity was having an impact, not only in people’s lives, but also on the economy when it came to idol worship. Ephesus was the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the temple of Artemis. Silversmiths, whose main income was derived from the creation of statues of the local deity, were losing money because Paul had said, “Gods made with hands are no gods at all” (Acts 19:26). It didn’t take long for one of them, Demetrius, to organize a group and begin to riot. The fear of losing their livelihood to this believer drove them to uncontrollable anger! It is interesting to note that local officials were able to calm the masses and did not consider the local church a threat; they thought that any disagreements should be handled appropriately.
When Jesus comes into the picture, lives and circumstances begin to change. Many times, when new believers are born again, they begin to question their life, their job, their living arrangements, and, many times, they are convicted by that lifestyle. Just like Demetrius, they become fearful of the future: what will I do? I know I must change, but what will happen to me and my family? They seek counseling, looking for some answer to their life crisis. It is important that you seek counsel from many! Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without consultation plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” Ultimately, the decision comes down to you and your Heavenly Father. Trust that He will guide you to do what’s best!