Causing A Ruckus

Luke was a physician and a travel companion of the apostle Paul. He wrote the book of Acts. The earliest possible date of Acts is immediately after the events that Luke recorded in, which would have been c. A.D. 62. Acts is addressed to “Theophilus,” about whom nothing more is known. Luke’s broader audience consisted primarily of Gentile Christians like Theophilus who had already “been taught” about Jesus.

Biblical Text -

Acts 19:21–41 NKJV

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.” So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 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. 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.” Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 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. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 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. 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. 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!” 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? Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 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. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 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.” And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

-[Prayer]-

Life Principle - Cause A Ruckus For Christ, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Consequences & Always Trust God To Accomplish His Will.

Life Point- Cause A Ruckus For Christ

Exegetical -

Acts 19:21–27 NLT

Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. “And after that,” he said, “I must go on to Rome!” He sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia while he stayed awhile longer in the province of Asia. About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: “Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”

Homiletical -

So Paul sends some of his traveling companions on ahead of him to Macedonia and decides to stay in Asia a little while longer, specifically Ephesus.

So about this time, there are so many people being converted to Christianity that one of the largest producers of silver idols probably starts to notice a hit to his business.

He calls all the other guys in similar trades together and is like, this guy needs to be dealt with. He is telling people our idols are worthless and our wealth comes from these idols!

Then he talks about not only money but the prestige of the pagan God they worship. Dianna who is also known as Artemis.

Now what was this guy’s main concern?

Money. Why money?

Because he was making a lot of it through this idol worship.

Today we look back and think, “How could these people be so dumb as to worship idols made with hands?”

You see the belief was is that the spirit of the idol, so in this case Artemis, would come and inhabit the idol and then you could ask for what you wanted of the so-called god.

But Paul tells them this is not the case, that these statues are exactly that. Just dumb statues.

Also take not that we have idols today too. An idol is anything you put before God in your heart, in your deepest inner man.

For a lot of people that is money.

For some it is their toys, like boats and motorcycles and such.

For others it is their spouse or kids.

Yes I said you can put another person before God in your heart and life.

We need to have our priorities straight. 1) God 2) Spouse 3) Children 4) Job

This is the God-given order.

Someone always asks, “Pastor why is spouse before kids?” Because if your marriage is weak, then what you teach your kids will be weak too. Secondly you are supposed to raise kids to leave the nest, eventually, and when they do leave who are you left with? You are left with your spouse. So work on your marriage relationship.

Men did you know that if you are in turmoil with your wife then your prayers will be hindered before God?

1 Peter 3:7 NLT

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

Notice that Paul cause a ruckus. How? Because he was faithful to witness about Jesus. We need to be so faithful that sinful establishments start to close down. That the bars start closing down, that the drug shops close down, that liquor stores go out of business.

How powerful a witness that would be!

Illustration -

In the 1800s, a group of men and women known as 'revivalists' traveled through towns causing ruckuses for Christ. With fervent prayer and vibrant musical gatherings, they attracted crowds that might not have come to church otherwise. They showed people that faith isn’t just about being solemn; it can be loud, enthusiastic, and full of life! Today, we need to engage our neighborhoods with the love of Jesus. Let’s consider how to add joy and excitement to our outreach efforts—whose heart could resist when the love of Christ is celebrated so freely?

Life Point - Don’t Be Afraid

Exegetical -

Acts 19:28–34 NLT

At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater. Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there. The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak. But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

Homiletical -

The crowd is so worked up by this idol maker and his allies that they drag two of Paul’s companions into the amphitheater.

This is the definition of a mob if there ever was one.

Paul wanted to go into the place but people who were believers and friends of Paul begged him not to go in, for his own safety.

It was so chaotic that most people in the crowd didn’t know why they were there. They were just apart of the crowd that was angry and wanted a pound of flesh.

So the Jews put up another man named Alexander to explain, but because he was a Jew, they ignored him

They just kept on shouting how great Artemis is. This went on for two hours.

We need to be prepared for the fallout that can happen when we preach Jesus and Him crucified. We must not be afraid though because however it turns out, it will be ultimately God’s will.

Matthew 10:19 NKJV

But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

Let us never forget that we serve a supernatural God. He will give you the words to speak even in terrifying situations.

Illustration -

Imagine if the Israelites had listened to the spies who feared the giants in the land of Canaan. They would have missed out on God’s promise! Just like them, we can let fear of criticism or rejection keep us from moving forward. When we trust in God and not on others’ opinions, nothing can stop us. So, be bold and don’t be afraid of people!

Life Point - God Makes A Way, When There Seems To Be No Way

Exegetical -

Acts 19:35–41 NLT

At last the mayor was able to quiet them down enough to speak. “Citizens of Ephesus,” he said. “Everyone knows that Ephesus is the official guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, whose image fell down to us from heaven. Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash. You have brought these men here, but they have stolen nothing from the temple and have not spoken against our goddess. “If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges. And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly. I am afraid we are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Roman government, since there is no cause for all this commotion. And if Rome demands an explanation, we won’t know what to say.” Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed.

Homiletical -

Do you think the two disciples that were being held captive by this riotous crowd were afraid? I think they might have been, but I think they were trusting God and were probably amazed at how all of this was resolved without harm to anyone.

What is the one thing that all provinces of Rome feared? It was the Roman Government.

The officials and the army of Rome didn’t play around. If the city was charged with rioting then the whole city would pay for that mistake.

So this was, basically, their last chance to calm down and let these men go, because they had done no wrong to anyone.

They didn’t even harm the temple of Artemis. As Christians that wasn’t their goal. Their goal was to preach the Gospel and to let people know about Jesus.

That is our purpose too.

This was God’s way of handling this issue. No finger from any Roman Soldier or officer had to be lifted in order to get this crowd dispersed. It was all God’s doing. He made people to disperse without human intervention.

You can say this had nothing to do with God, but I am telling you it does. He orchestrates events sometimes to accomplish His will. Our job is to find where He is orchestrating things and jump in it with Him.

Daniel 2:20–22 NLT

He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.

Did you catch that? It is God who sets up kings and takes them down. He changes the times and seasons.

Colossians 1:17 NLT

He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

It is God who holds even all of the universe together. Between atoms their is bond that holds them together. Ultimately this is the power of God that holds everything we know together.

Illustration -

In 1940, when the German army was poised to invade Britain, a small flotilla of civilian boats was called upon to rescue stranded British soldiers from Dunkirk. Against all odds, these boats made way through perilous waters to bring thousands home. Just as those boats appeared when hope seemed lost, God often sends unexpected help in our darkest hours, showing us that there is always a way when we trust in Him.

Life Principle– Cause A Ruckus For Christ, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Consequences & Always Trust God To Accomplish His Will.

Call to Action – altar call….

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