Faith Under Fire

I know most of you are familiar with the store, Hobby Lobby. What some of you may not be familiar with is, a Christian family owns the chain. A few years ago, the owners of Hobby Lobby challenged the Affordable Care Act's mandate requiring employers to provide insurance coverage for certain contraceptives (Plan B) that the owners equated with abortion.

The owners could not, with a clear conscience, condone such a provision. And for that, they faced a backlash. But the owners stood firm, believing that their values were worth more than any financial gain.

This scenario might sound familiar because it's not the only story like this. Standing up for what you believe in, especially when it aligns with your faith, often brings challenges. But here's the thing: this kind of opposition is nothing new.

In the Bible, we find countless examples of people who faced resistance for their faith. We find one such story in the New Testament book of Acts, where the Apostle Paul encounters a riot in the city of Ephesus.

This wasn't just any riot; it was fueled by greed, religious fervor, and fear of change. Paul was disrupting the status quo, and not everyone was happy about it.

So, what can we learn from Paul's experience? How do we stand firm in our faith when the world seems to push back?

Today, we're going to look at this story and see how God uses these moments of opposition to refine us and glorify His name.

Let's open our Bibles and see how we can apply these lessons to our own lives, standing strong in the mission God has called us to, even when the road gets tough.

Now, as we jump in, we're going to see that the Apostle Paul's focus on his mission, despite the challenges, sets the stage for understanding how we, too, can stay committed to our calling in the face of adversity.

Acts 19:21–22 NKJV

21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed 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.” 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.

The text tells us, "Paul purposed in the Spirit..." This phrase is more than just a casual decision; I believe it was a deliberate, Spirit-led determination.

The original Greek word used here, etheto, suggests a deep, intentional resolve. Paul wasn't just making plans on a whim; he was aligning his actions with God's calling for his life.

He knew that his mission was to spread the Gospel, and he was determined to head to Rome, even though he knew it wouldn't be easy. This, by the way, is the first mention of Paul's intention to go to Rome.

Now, think about that. Paul knew his future wouldn't be easy, but he stayed focused on his mission. He didn't let fear or uncertainty dictate his path. Instead, he trusted the Spirit's guidance, keeping his eyes on the bigger picture of God's kingdom.

This is a powerful reminder for us today. We often face decisions that require us to choose between what is easy and what is right. The question is, what drives our decisions—faith or fear?

Paul stayed focused on the mission.

As we move on, we're going to see Paul's commitment to spreading the good news of Jesus is going to eventually lead to opposition. I think this just highlights how faith can disrupt the status quo and challenge the world's norms.

Now, let's look at Acts 19:23-28

Acts 19:23–28 NKJV

23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.” 28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

Here, we see the ripple effect of Paul's mission as it begins to challenge the very fabric of Ephesus.

These verses tell us, "There arose a great commotion about the Way."

Here, "the Way" refers to Christianity. Following Jesus was very different and often at odds with the cultural norms of the time.

The Gospel was not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that disrupted the status quo.

We see this disruption in how Demetrius, a silversmith whose business thrived on making idols of the goddess Diana, reacted.

His anger wasn't about theology or religious differences; it was about economics. The spread of Christianity threatened his profit-driven idol-making business, and he wasn't happy about it.

The silversmiths were more concerned with their jobs and their income than with Diana and her temple. 

The more people who came to know Jesus through Paul's preaching, the fewer orders they would get for personal idols. The silversmith's livelihood was in jeopardy.

So they incited a riot—a mob. Benjamin Franklin said that a mob was "a monster with heads enough, but no brains."

Their uproar wasn't really about religion but about economics. Having started on an economic note, Demetrius now had the crowd stirred up at a religious level.

We can expect opposition when the gospel disrupts the status quo.

The gospel will change people.

This reminds me of the Welsh Revival of 1904 and 1905. A great spiritual awakening swept across Wales that led to days-long prayer meetings, Spirit-led worship, and widespread repentance.

It impacted entire communities, transforming lives, and even disrupting certain businesses.

Many saloons and taverns closed down because they lost so much business.

Theatres and gambling establishments lost business because people chose to attend church meetings instead.

The Coal Mines Experienced a Unique Issue. The coal mining industry itself wasn’t sinful, but the miners’ culture had been rough, with heavy drinking and foul language. When so many miners trusted Jesus, they stopped swearing—causing an unexpected problem. The pit ponies, which hauled coal in the mines, were so used to being directed with harsh, foul-mouthed commands that they became confused when the miners stopped cursing!

Crime Plummeted, Leaving Courts and Police with Little to Do. As people repented of their sins, crime rates fell drastically. Judges reportedly sat in empty courtrooms with no cases to try. Even the police found themselves with little to do, so in some areas, they formed choirs to sing at revival meetings!

This is a powerful reminder that when our faith challenges societal norms or personal idols—whether they be money, success, or power—we can expect resistance.

The Gospel calls us to live differently, and that can make people uncomfortable, especially when it threatens their way of life or their financial interests.

As followers of Jesus, we need to be prepared for this kind of pushback. Bold faith will often challenge the world's idols, and we must decide whether we will stand firm or compromise.

Jesus Himself warned us in John 15:18-19 that if the world hates us, it's because it hated Him first.

Next, we see the situation in Ephesus escalates into chaos, with a mob forming in confusion and anger.

Acts 19:29–34 NKJV

29 So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. 30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. 31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

We see here that "most of them did not know why they had come together."

This just goes to show how easily people can be swept up in a frenzy without understanding the true cause.

The Greek word used in verse 32 for "assembly" is ekklesia, which is typically used to describe the church. But, in this context, it describes a mob. What a contrast between a community gathered in faith and one driven by confusion and manipulation.

Since the mob couldn't find Paul, they seized two of his helpers, Gaius (not the Gaius of Acts 20:4; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14) and Aristarchus (Acts 20:4).

Paul wanted to enter the theater—what an opportunity for preaching the Gospel!—but the believers and some of the city leaders wisely counseled him to stay away (Acts 19:30–31).

You know, not every fight is ours to fight. It's easy to react impulsively when faced with opposition, but wisdom often calls for a more measured response.

Before long, racial prejudice entered the picture when a Jew named Alexander tried to address the crowd (Acts 19:33–34).

No doubt, he wanted to explain to them that the Jews living in Ephesus didn't endorse Paul’s message or ministry and, so, shouldn't be made scapegoats just to satisfy the crowd.

But his just being there only aroused the mob even more, and they shouted for two more hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” The crowd knew that the Jews did not approve of idols and would not honor Diana. The only thing that protected the Jews was the Roman law that gave them freedom of religion.

As the chaos in Ephesus reaches its peak, we see how God's sovereignty often shows up in unexpected ways.

Let's look at Acts 19:35-41

Acts 19:35–41 NKJV

35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Here, we see a surprising turn of events as the city clerk, a high-ranking official, steps in to calm the chaotic scene.

This official, who most likely had no allegiance to the Christian faith, uses logic and an appeal to the crowd's fear of Roman repercussions to restore order.

He reminds them that they are in danger of being called into question for the uproar, essentially saying, "Let's not get ourselves into trouble over this."

I find it interesting to see how God uses a pagan official to protect Paul and the early church, showing us His sovereignty in the middle of chaos.

I think this teaches us that we need to trust God's sovereignty in resolving conflict. Do what we need and leave the rest to God.

The crowd was dismissed, and I'm sure the people went home congratulating themselves that they had succeeded in defending their great city and their famous goddess.

I doubt that many of them questioned the truthfulness of their religion or decided to investigate what Paul had been preaching for three years. It is much easier to believe a lie and follow the crowd.

But Ephesus is gone, and so is the worldwide worship of Diana of the Ephesians. The city and the temple are gone, and the silversmiths’ guild is gone.

Ephesus is a place visited primarily by archeologists and people on Holy Land tours. Yet the Gospel of God’s grace and the church of Jesus Christ are still here!

Think about a time when you faced a seemingly insurmountable problem, only to see it resolved in a way you never anticipated.

Romans 8:28 assures us that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him.

Remember Hobby Lobby? 

In the 2014 Supreme Court case Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, the Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby, recognizing that closely held for-profit corporations could be exempt from regulations that violate their religious beliefs.

This doesn't mean that every situation will turn out exactly as we hope, but it does mean that we can trust God is in control, even when we can't see the outcome.

As we navigate the challenges of life, let's rest in the assurance that God is sovereign, working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect plan, just as He did in Ephesus.

As we wrap up this morning, standing firm in our faith isn't always easy, and it often brings challenges and opposition.`

Just like Paul, we're called to stay focused on our mission, even when we can't see the way ahead.

 We need to expect that our faith will disrupt the status quo and challenge the world's idols. And when opposition comes, we should respond with wisdom and humility, trusting that God is in control.

So, what does this mean for us today? It means living missionally, grounded in our calling, even when it disrupts the norm. It means anticipating resistance and being ready to stand firm in our beliefs. It means seeking God's wisdom in every situation and resting in His sovereignty, knowing that He is working all things for our good.

As you go about your week, I encourage you to think about the personal or cultural idols that the Gospel might be challenging in your life.

Commit to standing firm in your faith, trusting that God is with you in every trial.

Remember, the name of Demetrius faded with history, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to transform lives.

How will you be part of this ongoing mission? Let's pray for the courage to live out our faith boldly, trusting that God is using us to make a difference in the world.