Week 38: Paul in Ephesus (Part 2)
Verses Covered: Acts 19:23-41
The Riot in Ephesus
- A silversmith named Demetrius, who made idols of the goddess Artemis, stirred up a riot against Paul because the spread of Christianity was affecting his business.
- The crowd dragged two of Paul’s companions into the theater, and confusion and chaos broke out in the city as people shouted in support of Artemis.
The City Clerk’s Intervention
- The city clerk calmed the crowd, pointing out that legal matters should be handled in court, and reminded them that their actions could bring Roman punishment for rioting. The crowd dispersed, and Paul was able to continue his ministry.
Life Applications:
- The spread of the Gospel will sometimes challenge deeply ingrained cultural or economic practices, as it did with Demetrius.
- We should strive to resolve conflicts with wisdom and a calm spirit, like the city clerk.
- Stay committed to God’s mission, even when opposition arises, as Paul continued to do in Ephesus.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Paul’s message about Jesus affect the people’s livelihood in Ephesus?
- What can we learn from the city clerk’s approach to calming the riot?
- How can we maintain our focus on God’s mission when facing opposition?