Paul remained in Ephesus for a season…
teaching and preaching…
the word of God.
Around that time…
strong opposition arose against Paul…
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
Moreover ye see and hear…
that not alone at Ephesus…
but almost throughout all Asia…
this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people,
saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
Acts 19:24-27
So potent was Paul’s preaching…
it threatened to annihilate the market for idols.
For this, they were very upset…
And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Acts 19:28
Agitation. Chaos. Pandemonium.
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. Acts 19:29
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Acts 19:32
Chaos and confusion reigned…
for nearly 2 hours…
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Acts 19:33-34
Until the voice of reason…
subdued the riot…
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. Acts 19:35-36
And cleared up the trouble…
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. Acts 19:37-41
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. Acts 20:1
For more than 2 years Paul had a profound effect on the city of Ephesus…
It would never be the same.
Exceptional preaching.
Bountiful conversions.
Intense opposition.
Impassioned upheaval.
They would not soon forget all that God accomplished in their streets…
How about the streets of YOUR city?
Are you in the game…or sitting on the bench?
