Acts Chapter 19 verses 21 to 41
Now after these things had ended, Paul determined in the spirit, when
he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying,
"After I have been there, I must also see Rome."
Having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy
and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. About that time there arose
no small stir concerning the Way.
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver
shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen, whom he
gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs,
you know that by this business we have our wealth.
You see and hear, that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all
Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are
no gods, that are made with hands.
Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but
also that the temple of the great will be counted as nothing, and her majesty
destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships."
When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out,
saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one
accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia,
Paul's companions in travel.
When Paul wanted to enter in to the people, the disciples didn't allow
him.
Certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and
begged him not to venture into the theater.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was
in confusion. Most of them didn't know why they had come together.
They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him
forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the
people.
But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a
time of about two hours cried out, "Great is Artemis of the
Ephesians!"
When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, "You men
of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn't know that the city of the Ephesians
is temple-keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down
from Zeus?
Seeing then that these things can't be denied, you ought to be quiet,
and to do nothing rash.
For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of
temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a
matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them
press charges against one another.
But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in
the regular assembly.
For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning this day's
riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn't be able to give an
account of this commotion."
When he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
Those were verses 21 to 41 from Acts Chapter 19
Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was challenged by Demetrius and others who
worshiped the goddess Artemis. Demetrius was a silver-smith who made idols of
Artemis and many others like him were losing business because Paul preached
against worshiping idols. In frustration, they seized Gaius and Aristarchus,
Paul’s travel companions and shouted praises to their goddess. There was
commotion all around. The town clerk had quieted the multitude and told the
protesters to take the matter to court.
When you face challenges to your Christian faith, how do you respond?
Do you pray for divine wisdom to answer your detractors?
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