Acts 19:23-41When Dead Leaves Fall
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23 During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! 27 So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world adore.”
28 When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. 30 Though Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples did not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to take a chance by going into the amphitheater. 32 Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Then some of the crowd gave Alexander advice when the Jews pushed him to the front. So motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a united cry went up from all of them for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 However, when the city clerk had calmed the crowd down, he said, “Men of Ephesus! What man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple guardian of the great Artemis, and of the image that fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are not temple robbers or blasphemers of our goddess. 38 So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you want something else, it must be decided in a legal assembly. 40 In fact, we run a risk of being charged with rioting for what happened today, since there is no justification that we can give as a reason for this disorderly gathering.” 41 After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.
Context:
Context:
The Disciples of John (19:1–7). When Paul first arrived in Ephesus he encountered twelve men who had been disciples of John the Baptist. They had been baptized by John and knew John’s message of the coming Messiah but did not know that Jesus was the Messiah. Neither did they know of the gift of the Spirit. Paul convinced them that Jesus was the fulfillment of John’s preaching. They were thereupon baptized. With the laying on of Paul’s hands, they received an outward demonstration of the gift of the Spirit which confirmed that God had accepted them.
The Disciples of John (19:1–7). When Paul first arrived in Ephesus he encountered twelve men who had been disciples of John the Baptist. They had been baptized by John and knew John’s message of the coming Messiah but did not know that Jesus was the Messiah. Neither did they know of the gift of the Spirit. Paul convinced them that Jesus was the fulfillment of John’s preaching. They were thereupon baptized. With the laying on of Paul’s hands, they received an outward demonstration of the gift of the Spirit which confirmed that God had accepted them.
The Disciples of John (19:1–7). When Paul first arrived in Ephesus he encountered twelve men who had been disciples of John the Baptist. They had been baptized by John and knew John’s message of the coming Messiah but did not know that Jesus was the Messiah. Neither did they know of the gift of the Spirit. Paul convinced them that Jesus was the fulfillment of John’s preaching. They were thereupon baptized. With the laying on of Paul’s hands, they received an outward demonstration of the gift of the Spirit which confirmed that God had accepted them.
Preaching in Ephesus (19:8–12). As always, Paul began his witness in the synagogue. He witnessed there for three months until opposition forced him to move to a secular lecture hall. For two years he continued testifying there to both Jews and Greeks. He worked many miracles, so much so that people would bring items of cloth for him to touch in the hope that they could heal their sick with them.
Preaching in Ephesus (19:8–12). As always, Paul began his witness in the synagogue. He witnessed there for three months until opposition forced him to move to a secular lecture hall. For two years he continued testifying there to both Jews and Greeks. He worked many miracles, so much so that people would bring items of cloth for him to touch in the hope that they could heal their sick with them.
False Religion in Ephesus (19:13–20). Paul encountered two types of false religion in the city. The first was embodied in seven self-styled Jewish exorcists who claimed to be sons of a high priest. (There never was a high priest name Sceva.) They observed Paul’s exorcisms in Jesus’ name and decided to exorcise a demoniac in Jesus’ name. The demon would not acknowledge their power, fell upon them, and sent them away naked and humiliated. They learned that there is no magic in the name of Jesus as such. Jesus works only through those who are committed to Him. A second sort of false religion was the magical scrolls for which Ephesus was famous. These contained all sorts of strange words and spells. Paul convinced the Ephesian Christians of the worthlessness of such things. They brought their magic books and had a massive public burning.
False Religion in Ephesus (19:13–20). Paul encountered two types of false religion in the city. The first was embodied in seven self-styled Jewish exorcists who claimed to be sons of a high priest. (There never was a high priest name Sceva.) They observed Paul’s exorcisms in Jesus’ name and decided to exorcise a demoniac in Jesus’ name. The demon would not acknowledge their power, fell upon them, and sent them away naked and humiliated. They learned that there is no magic in the name of Jesus as such. Jesus works only through those who are committed to Him. A second sort of false religion was the magical scrolls for which Ephesus was famous. These contained all sorts of strange words and spells. Paul convinced the Ephesian Christians of the worthlessness of such things. They brought their magic books and had a massive public burning.
Determination (19:21–22). We know from Paul’s letters that he planned to take a collection from his Gentile churches to the Christians in Jerusalem. After that he intended to go to Rome ().
Determination (19:21–22). We know from Paul’s letters that he planned to take a collection from his Gentile churches to the Christians in Jerusalem. After that he intended to go to Rome ().
Craftsmen of Ephesus (19:23–41). The temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus was one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. People came from all over the world to worship Artemis. The goddess and her temple were the source of much pride and profit for the Ephesians. Paul’s preaching against idolatry and superstition brought him into conflict with the economic interests who profited from the worship of Artemis.
Craftsmen of Ephesus (19:23–41). The temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus was one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. People came from all over the world to worship Artemis. The goddess and her temple were the source of much pride and profit for the Ephesians. Paul’s preaching against idolatry and superstition brought him into conflict with the economic interests who profited from the worship of Artemis.
A riot broke out - Riot: (Webster’s) “a wild or violent disorder, confusion, a violent public disturbance.” According to Wikipedia in 2011 there were 105 riots worldwide. In places like Uganda, Nigeria, Peru, India, Mexico, Indonesia, Somalia, Turkey, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq riots broke out and people were hurt, injured, wounded and even killed. According to the reports 2,542 people were killed in riots in 2011. 3,428 people were injured and wounded in riots during 2011.
A riot broke out - Riot: (Webster’s) “a wild or violent disorder, confusion, a violent public disturbance.” According to Wikipedia in 2011 there were 105 riots worldwide. In places like Uganda, Nigeria, Peru, India, Mexico, Indonesia, Somalia, Turkey, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq riots broke out and people were hurt, injured, wounded and even killed. According to the reports 2,542 people were killed in riots in 2011. 3,428 people were injured and wounded in riots during 2011.
Half way through 2012, according to Wikipedia there were 28 riots worldwide thus far. Those riots resulted in the death of 420 people and 1,166 people were been reported injured!
Half way through 2012, according to Wikipedia there were 28 riots worldwide thus far. Those riots resulted in the death of 420 people and 1,166 people were been reported injured!
I.
I.
2013 – Flatbush Riots, March 11, Riots in Brooklyn, New York after the death of Kimani Gray who was shot and killed by NYPD
2013 – Flatbush Riots, March 11, Riots in Brooklyn, New York after the death of Kimani Gray who was shot and killed by NYPD
2014 – Ferguson unrest, Ferguson and St. Louis, Missouri, August 10 and November 24. Following the shooting death of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer, protests erupt in the streets. 2014 – St. Louis, Missouri - October 8. Police vehicle windows broken as rage at the killing of Vonderrit Myers Jr. Protests continued for days afterward, during the nearby and ongoing Ferguson Unrest. 2014 – New York, New York, and Berkeley, California – After prosecutors and a grand jury refused to indict a police officer in the death of Eric Garner, protests erupted in New York City and other cities.2014 Oakland riots, Nov. - Dec., A series of riots and civil disturbances that took place in Oakland and the surrounding area, in reaction to the events involving the Shooting of Michael Brown and later, the death of Eric Garner, Oakland, California2014 - Berkeley, Missouri, December 23-24. Antonio Martin is shot to death by police in a St. Louis suburb nearby to Ferguson, leading to violent conflict with police, and looting. 2015 – 2015 Baltimore protests, April 25–28. Days of protests break out following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. 2015 – St. Louis, Missouri, August 19. Conflict with police following fatal shooting by St. Louis police officers of black teenager
2014 – Ferguson unrest, Ferguson and St. Louis, Missouri, August 10 and November 24. Following the shooting death of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer, protests erupt in the streets. 2014 – St. Louis, Missouri - October 8. Police vehicle windows broken as rage at the killing of Vonderrit Myers Jr. Protests continued for days afterward, during the nearby and ongoing Ferguson Unrest. 2014 – New York, New York, and Berkeley, California – After prosecutors and a grand jury refused to indict a police officer in the death of Eric Garner, protests erupted in New York City and other cities.2014 Oakland riots, Nov. - Dec., A series of riots and civil disturbances that took place in Oakland and the surrounding area, in reaction to the events involving the Shooting of Michael Brown and later, the death of Eric Garner, Oakland, California2014 - Berkeley, Missouri, December 23-24. Antonio Martin is shot to death by police in a St. Louis suburb nearby to Ferguson, leading to violent conflict with police, and looting. 2015 – 2015 Baltimore protests, April 25–28. Days of protests break out following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. 2015 – St. Louis, Missouri, August 19. Conflict with police following fatal shooting by St. Louis police officers of black teenager
People riot when they have been wronged, when supposedly injustice has taken place, when they feel that they have had enough! People will riot against government tyranny, a unpopular ruling, a protest, a strike against a company, etc... People will riot for almost anything! Riots are dangerous and can and do result in the loss of life, health, property, and freedoms! People that riot are out of control and are subject to any and all actions! Luke declared the situation before the riot and the source that brought on the riot. Christians making an impact in the world will often receive persecution in the world.
People riot when they have been wronged, when supposedly injustice has taken place, when they feel that they have had enough! People will riot against government tyranny, a unpopular ruling, a protest, a strike against a company, etc... People will riot for almost anything! Riots are dangerous and can and do result in the loss of life, health, property, and freedoms! People that riot are out of control and are subject to any and all actions! Luke declared the situation before the riot and the source that brought on the riot. Christians making an impact in the world will often receive persecution in the world.
23 During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! 27 So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world adore.”
23 During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! 27 So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world adore.”
I. The Time of the Riot. (23a)
I. The Time of the Riot. (23a)
I. The Time of the Riot. (23a)
“And about that time there arose a great commotion” Luke tells us that when things were going well—when there was a great spiritual victory in Ephesus—there was about to be a great spiritual battle in Ephesus! You can mark it down anytime that God is working in power through His people in a place the devil will counter that work with opposition and persecution. The devil didn’t just stir up a little commotion—he didn’t just barely rock the boat! Luke tells us that there arose a great commotion. A great commotion (KJV: no small stir) Small: oligos ol-ee'-gos puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverb) somewhat, almost, brief [-ly], few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while. Stir: tarachos tar'-akh-os a disturbance, i.e. (popular) tumult-stir. Luke reports about the great commotion that took place at Ephesus! If the devil get cause a great commotion than he can do his most effective work.
“And about that time there arose a great commotion” Luke tells us that when things were going well—when there was a great spiritual victory in Ephesus—there was about to be a great spiritual battle in Ephesus! You can mark it down anytime that God is working in power through His people in a place the devil will counter that work with opposition and persecution. The devil didn’t just stir up a little commotion—he didn’t just barely rock the boat! Luke tells us that there arose a great commotion. A great commotion (KJV: no small stir) Small: oligos ol-ee'-gos puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverb) somewhat, almost, brief [-ly], few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while. Stir: tarachos tar'-akh-os a disturbance, i.e. (popular) tumult-stir. Luke reports about the great commotion that took place at Ephesus! If the devil get cause a great commotion than he can do his most effective work.
II. The Truth of the Riot
“....About The Way”
II. The Truth of the Riot
“....About The Way”
A silversmith named Demetrius profited greatly from replicas of the temple he made. Realizing that Paul’s preaching against idolatry would hurt his business, he called together his fellow smiths.
A silversmith named Demetrius profited greatly from replicas of the temple he made. Realizing that Paul’s preaching against idolatry would hurt his business, he called together his fellow smiths.
23 During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! 27 So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world adore.”
Prior to the fresh growth of the church, the local artisans had a good thing going—big business! The epicenter of Artemis worship was a black meteorite that either resembled or had been fashioned into a grotesque image of a woman. The lower part was wrapped like a mummy, and the image was covered with round objects that Sir William Ramsay said were the ova of bees. The idol was covered with breasts, symbolizing fertility.
Prior to the fresh growth of the church, the local artisans had a good thing going—big business! The epicenter of Artemis worship was a black meteorite that either resembled or had been fashioned into a grotesque image of a woman. The lower part was wrapped like a mummy, and the image was covered with round objects that Sir William Ramsay said were the ova of bees. The idol was covered with breasts, symbolizing fertility.
The economy of Ephesus was dependent upon the industry of idolatry. Enter Demetrius, president of Silversmith Local 666, and, thanks to him, persecution! Demetrius was a clever antagonist. In his speech he mentioned the economic implications, but he was careful to couch his attack in pious terms about how poor Artemis would be defamed. It was the old “god, mother, country” routine.
The economy of Ephesus was dependent upon the industry of idolatry. Enter Demetrius, president of Silversmith Local 666, and, thanks to him, persecution! Demetrius was a clever antagonist. In his speech he mentioned the economic implications, but he was careful to couch his attack in pious terms about how poor Artemis would be defamed. It was the old “god, mother, country” routine.
Holman Bible Handbook Overcoming Opposition (18:23–21:16)
A silversmith named Demetrius profited greatly from replicas of the temple he made. Realizing that Paul’s preaching against idolatry had ramifications for his business, he called together his fellow smiths.
The persecution was economically motivated. The greening of the church had touched the most sensitive part of people’s anatomy—their pocketbooks. And this persecution was sure to end in violence.
The persecution was economically motivated. The greening of the church had touched the most sensitive part of people’s anatomy—their pocketbooks. And this persecution was sure to end in violence.
Life App:
Life App:
AGAINST THE FLOW
AGAINST THE FLOW
The gospel was pretty much ignored in Ephesus until it began to affect the cash flow of the pagan merchants (19:23-24). Then things got wild! This is always the case. There is a ripple effect as the message of Christ is preached, hearts are touched, and attitudes are changed. Eventually, the gospel results in lifestyle changes. Followers of Christ no longer find within themselves a desire for worldly things. And if enough people turn to Christ, the repercussions can be felt all across a society. If we are ignored by our culture, it may be because we are not having an impact.
The gospel was pretty much ignored in Ephesus until it began to affect the cash flow of the pagan merchants (19:23-24). Then things got wild! This is always the case. There is a ripple effect as the message of Christ is preached, hearts are touched, and attitudes are changed. Eventually, the gospel results in lifestyle changes. Followers of Christ no longer find within themselves a desire for worldly things. And if enough people turn to Christ, the repercussions can be felt all across a society. If we are ignored by our culture, it may be because we are not having an impact.
III. The Testimony About the Riot
26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods!
III. The Testimony About the Riot
26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods!
These were not Christians bragging on their baptism records or their church membership gains. These facts were given by a pagan, lost, agitated, and aggravated man that opposed the work and the Word of God! Albert Barnes wrote, “We have here the noble testimony of a heathen to the zeal and success of the ministry of Paul. It is an acknowledgment that his labors had been most strikingly successful in turning the people from idolatry.”
These were not Christians bragging on their baptism records or their church membership gains. These facts were given by a pagan, lost, agitated, and aggravated man that opposed the work and the Word of God! Albert Barnes wrote, “We have here the noble testimony of a heathen to the zeal and success of the ministry of Paul. It is an acknowledgment that his labors had been most strikingly successful in turning the people from idolatry.”
sermon:
The way Paul preached and taught in Ephesus was causing an economic downturn among silversmiths in Ephesus. Paul were based on how his preaching and teaching were affecting the silversmiths personally. The silversmiths were not concerned about the salvation of people they knew. They were only concerned about their wealth. We know this because of the use of the word "business" in verse 24 and the word "prosperity" in verse 25. These words speak of the financial success of silversmiths in Ephesus. The word "business" (ergasia) speaks of gain or the result of work. Demetrius was saying that Christianity was making a negative impact on the paydays of silversmiths in Ephesus. They were once doing big business and now they were doing little business. Many of their former and future clients were now turning away from idols to Jesus. The word "prosperity" (euporia) speaks of wealth. This word has reference to being well off or having means. The work of the silversmiths had made them rich. Their profession had been good to them financially. The trade of silversmith was a lucrative trade. However, Christianity had brought about a change. The abundance of their finances were affected by the preaching of the gospel.
These silversmiths were making miniature silver shrines of Artemis, a many-breasted fertility goddess of Ephesus. The word "shrines" denotes small portable temples or edifices made of silver. The temple that was erected in honor of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was visited by a great member of worshipers. This produced a high demand for the miniature shrines that were made by the silversmiths in Ephesus. The shrines would be purchased by worshipers of the goddess and by strangers who wanted to have a representation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Listen to what Demetrius says about the effectiveness of Paul in turning the idolaters.
The way Paul preached and taught in Ephesus was causing an economic downturn among silversmiths in Ephesus. Paul were based on how his preaching and teaching were affecting the silversmiths personally. The silversmiths were not concerned about the salvation of people they knew. They were only concerned about their wealth. We know this because of the use of the word "business" in verse 24 and the word "prosperity" in verse 25. These words speak of the financial success of silversmiths in Ephesus. The word "business" (ergasia) speaks of gain or the result of work. Demetrius was saying that Christianity was making a negative impact on the paydays of silversmiths in Ephesus. They were once doing big business and now they were doing little business. Many of their former and future clients were now turning away from idols to Jesus. The word "prosperity" (euporia) speaks of wealth. This word has reference to being well off or having means. The work of the silversmiths had made them rich. Their profession had been good to them financially. The trade of silversmith was a lucrative trade. However, Christianity had brought about a change. The abundance of their finances were affected by the preaching of the gospel.
These silversmiths were making miniature silver shrines of Artemis, a many-breasted fertility goddess of Ephesus. The word "shrines" denotes small portable temples or edifices made of silver. The temple that was erected in honor of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was visited by a great member of worshipers. This produced a high demand for the miniature shrines that were made by the silversmiths in Ephesus. The shrines would be purchased by worshipers of the goddess and by strangers who wanted to have a representation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Listen to what Demetrius says about the effectiveness of Paul in turning the idolaters.
These silversmiths were making miniature silver shrines of Artemis, a many-breasted fertility goddess of Ephesus. The word "shrines" denotes small portable temples or edifices made of silver. The temple that was erected in honor of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was visited by a great member of worshipers. This produced a high demand for the miniature shrines that were made by the silversmiths in Ephesus. The shrines would be purchased by worshipers of the goddess and by strangers who wanted to have a representation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Listen to what Demetrius says about the effectiveness of Paul in turning the idolaters.
These silversmiths were making miniature silver shrines of Artemis, a many-breasted fertility goddess of Ephesus. The word "shrines" denotes small portable temples or edifices made of silver. The temple that was erected in honor of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was visited by a great member of worshipers. This produced a high demand for the miniature shrines that were made by the silversmiths in Ephesus. The shrines would be purchased by worshipers of the goddess and by strangers who wanted to have a representation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Listen to what Demetrius says about the effectiveness of Paul in turning the idolaters.
I. He speaks of the places.
I. He speaks of the places.
“at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia” The craftsmen in Ephesus knew firsthand about the extensive spread of Christianity. The “Way” was growing in places, cities, and even whole provinces.
“at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia” The craftsmen in Ephesus knew firsthand about the extensive spread of Christianity. The “Way” was growing in places, cities, and even whole provinces.
II. He speaks of the person.
II. He speaks of the person.
“this Paul” Can you hear the contempt for Paul coming from Demetrius? Paul was not high on Demetrius’ list of favorite people. “This Paul” is filled with scorn and hatred. Paul was to blame for their loss of income. Paul was the one that was attacking their trade and affecting their livelihood. When we serve Jesus and honor Him not everyone is going to like us, receive us, bless us, and encourage us. We will have enemies when we serve Jesus! Are you being accused? You are in good company! Are you being attacked? You are in good company! Are you being persecuted because God is using you? You are in good company! Demetrius reminds them about the places, the person, and we also see:
“this Paul” Can you hear the contempt for Paul coming from Demetrius? Paul was not high on Demetrius’ list of favorite people. “This Paul” is filled with scorn and hatred. Paul was to blame for their loss of income. Paul was the one that was attacking their trade and affecting their livelihood. When we serve Jesus and honor Him not everyone is going to like us, receive us, bless us, and encourage us. We will have enemies when we serve Jesus! Are you being accused? You are in good company! Are you being attacked? You are in good company! Are you being persecuted because God is using you? You are in good company! Demetrius reminds them about the places, the person, and we also see:
III. He speaks of the preaching.
III. He speaks of the preaching.
(26c) “has persuaded and turned away... saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.” God used Paul in mighty ways to convert lost sinners. Demetrius described it as persuaded and turned away. Persuaded: peitho pi'-tho to convince (by argument, true or false); agree, assure, believe, make friend, obey, persuade. God used Paul to persuade lost sinners to repent and turn away from their sins and their idolatry. Turned away: methistemi meth-is'-tav-mee to transfer, i.e. carry away, depose or (figurative) exchange, seduce, put out, remove, translate, turn away. Demetrius saw firsthand how people had turned away from their idol worship. They stopped visiting the temple of Diana and stop buying the little silver shrines! The preaching of the word had a great impact on the people. Demetrius reminded the union workers about the contents of Paul’s preaching. Paul boldly preached that these idols that the people were worshiping were not gods at all. Demetrius was telling the craftsmen that this was an all-out attack on their gods that they worshiped and the gods that they made! The preaching of the word of God would have a direct effect on the finances of those who were making false idols. John MacArthur wrote, “The Ephesian believers did not lobby the city authorities, picket the silversmiths’ shops, or organize demonstrations against Artemis worship. They did not try to be popular. They preached and lived out the message and let the power of their changed lives confront and push out the old ways.” Demetrius speaks of the places, the person, the preaching, and we also note:
(26c) “has persuaded and turned away... saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.” God used Paul in mighty ways to convert lost sinners. Demetrius described it as persuaded and turned away. Persuaded: peitho pi'-tho to convince (by argument, true or false); agree, assure, believe, make friend, obey, persuade. God used Paul to persuade lost sinners to repent and turn away from their sins and their idolatry. Turned away: methistemi meth-is'-tav-mee to transfer, i.e. carry away, depose or (figurative) exchange, seduce, put out, remove, translate, turn away. Demetrius saw firsthand how people had turned away from their idol worship. They stopped visiting the temple of Diana and stop buying the little silver shrines! The preaching of the word had a great impact on the people. Demetrius reminded the union workers about the contents of Paul’s preaching. Paul boldly preached that these idols that the people were worshiping were not gods at all. Demetrius was telling the craftsmen that this was an all-out attack on their gods that they worshiped and the gods that they made! The preaching of the word of God would have a direct effect on the finances of those who were making false idols. John MacArthur wrote, “The Ephesian believers did not lobby the city authorities, picket the silversmiths’ shops, or organize demonstrations against Artemis worship. They did not try to be popular. They preached and lived out the message and let the power of their changed lives confront and push out the old ways.” Demetrius speaks of the places, the person, the preaching, and we also note:
IV.He speaks of the people.
IV.He speaks of the people.
“turned away many people” Demetrius reminds the craftsmen that there were many people that Paul had persuaded and had turned away from idolatry. Paul preached to them the gospel and told them plainly and specifically that they were to leave their idols. Many people believed the gospel of Jesus Christ and were saved to the glory of God! Demetrius tells the union that their finances would be affected.
“turned away many people” Demetrius reminds the craftsmen that there were many people that Paul had persuaded and had turned away from idolatry. Paul preached to them the gospel and told them plainly and specifically that they were to leave their idols. Many people believed the gospel of Jesus Christ and were saved to the glory of God! Demetrius tells the union that their finances would be affected.
close:
The problem with the goddess of Artemis and any other idols is that idols have no eyes to see us through difficult situations. They have no hands to help us. They have no heart to love us. They have no feet to walk into our circumstances. They have no mouth to speak words of encouragement to us in our times of despair. Paul was assuring the people of Ephesus that there is no God but the God he served and preached.
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The problem with the goddess of Artemis and any other idols is that idols have no eyes to see us through difficult situations. They have no hands to help us. They have no heart to love us. They have no feet to walk into our circumstances. They have no mouth to speak words of encouragement to us in our times of despair. Paul was assuring the people of Ephesus that there is no God but the God he served and preached.
Nobody but God could speak a world into existence.
Nobody but God could speak a world into existence.
Nobody but God could make a man from the dust of the ground.
Nobody but God could make a man from the dust of the ground.
Nobody but God could make a woman from the rib of a man.
Nobody but God could make a woman from the rib of a man.
Nobody but God could divide the water of the Red Sea.
Nobody but God could divide the water of the Red Sea.
Nobody but God could shut the mouth of lions.
Nobody but God could shut the mouth of lions.
Nobody but God could sustain three Hebrew young men in a burning fiery furnace.
Nobody but God could sustain three Hebrew young men in a burning fiery furnace.
Nobody but God can create the beauty of the rainbow.
Nobody but God can create the beauty of the rainbow.
Nobody but God can make a fingerprint that is unique.
Nobody but God can make a fingerprint that is unique.
David S. Dockery, ed., Holman Bible Handbook (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992), 659–660.
David S. Dockery, ed., Holman Bible Handbook (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992), 659–660.
The Jack Andrews Expository Studies - The Jack Andrews Expository Studies – Understanding Acts - Volume 5.
The Jack Andrews Expository Studies - The Jack Andrews Expository Studies – Understanding Acts - Volume 5.
Life Application Bible Commentary - Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts.
Life Application Bible Commentary - Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts.
R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996), 263.
R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996), 263.
George Brooks Preaching Commentary - George Brooks Preaching Commentary – Expositions from the Book of Acts: Volume 2.
George Brooks Preaching Commentary - George Brooks Preaching Commentary – Expositions from the Book of Acts: Volume 2.