Let Them Have No Claim Against You

Introduction

Today we get to read about a riot, a noisy, violent public disorder caused by a group or crowd of persons. I have never been in a large riot. I have never been in a riot that was for a cause. I do remember this time in junior high. Annoying little punks we were. A riot started in a hall way in protest of nothing accept the desire for anarchy. Now me being the good student I was I was just caught in it on my way to class but. Still it was a dangerous place. People were hurt. Property was damaged. Fires were set. Mob mentality took over. Which means people are not thinking they are just going along. And that wasn’t even a “real” riot. I can’t imagine being in a large one like the riots that we see on the news or even the one we are talking about today.

On to the Riot in Ephesus

Acts 19:23-40

Acts 19:23–40 CSB

About that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 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. You 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. 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 worship.” When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 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. Although Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples did not let him. Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to venture into the amphitheater. 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. Some Jews in the crowd gave instructions to Alexander after they pushed him to the front. Motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people. But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” When the city clerk had calmed the crowd down, he said, “People of Ephesus! What person 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? Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. For you have brought these men here who are not temple robbers or blasphemers of our goddess. 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. But if you seek anything further, it must be decided in a legal assembly. 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 disturbance.” After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.

Pray

Now Luke here gives us a very mild reading of what happens. In 1 Corinthians 15:32 Paul said that he “fought wild beast in Ephesus”. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Paul said that had despaired even of life in the face of a deadly peril in Asia. Romans 16:4 states that Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for him which very well might have been the case here.

Artemis of Ephesus

Artemis of Ephesus was not the fair and chaste huntress of Greek mythology for those of you who follow Greek Myth. The Near Eastern, grotesque, multi-breast, Mother-goddess. Her image is believed to have been fashioned in heaven and have fallen from the sky. In all probability the Ephesian Artemis was originally a meteorite that resembled a multi-breasted woman and became the object of worship. Because we like to raise objects to the place of worship. Other meteorites have been worshiped as well: Troy, Pessinus, Enna, Emesa

And there in Ephesus there was the main temple of Artemis though it was only one of the 33 temples to her. But it held the holy stone.

And then we come to the real reason there is a problem. The Temple of Artemis became the primary basis for Ephesus’s wealth and continued prosperity. It was and still is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists came to it from far and near. And all around it swarmed all sorts of tradesmen and con-artist who made their living by supplying visitors with food, lodging, dedicatory offerings, and souvenirs.

The temple was also a major treasury and bank of the ancient world. Where merchants, kings and even cities made deposits and money could be kept safe under the protection of the deity.

And Paul’s preaching had turned many away from the idolatry of the Artemis cult. Affecting Prophet, And this is what causes the problem.

Demetrius instigated a disturbance so that the people would turn against he missionaries and stir up greater devotion for the goddess. And greater profits for them.

The blacksmith used religion as an afterthought a lot of people who are “Christians” do this as well –. push a political, traditional, economical etc point and they use religion of Christianity as a tool – one of the reason that people turn from the truth – don’t trust the people who claim the truth – wars, bombings, disrespect anger all in the name of religion, but in fact religion is an after thought.

The mob grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus friends of Paul. And Paul went into the theater despite the begging of others. In order to face the crowd and the charges. But once there before the people there were no claims that could be brought before Paul. And the city clerk dismissed the crowd. Calmed them first.

There is a big Picture here. We here in the United States live in a word where there are many different beliefs

Skeptics

Atheist

Humanist

Buddhist

Hindu

Islam

Wicca

Christians

Christians that don’t act like Christians - Which is the group I have the most problems with

And the list goes on

Like in Ephesus not everyone is going to be happy that we are here. And the danger is to respond in a rash, angry, even violent fashion. Christians bombing Abortion clinics. That’s not right. But instead we are to live Peacefully with those around us so that they can bring no claim against us. Doesn’t mean have to agree with them. Even accept their teaching but live in such a way that they cannot bring claim against you.

Romans 12:18 LEB

If it is possible on your part, be at peace with all people.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

What does that look like?

Does it look like a bunch of rules?

No

Does it look like and anti whatever campaign?

No

What it means is love God and Love your neighbor?

And in that you will follow rules?

You will be honest

You will be free from claims against you

Not that you will never sin, But that you are not a hypocrite, But instead you are a retentive redeemed person.

Don’t let things become an argument. Discuss, Bring your arguments. But don’t let it become that argument in which people are just angry and not listening.

Proverbs 17:14 LEB

Like the release of water is the beginning of strife; before it breaks out, stop the quarrel.

2 Timothy 2:14 LEB

Remind people of these things, solemnly urging them before the Lord not to dispute about words. This is in no way beneficial and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

14Remind them of these things, and(A) charge them before God[a](B) not to quarrel about words,(C) which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

Philippians 2:14–16 LEB

Do all things without grumbling and disputing, in order that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as stars in the world, holding fast to the word of life, for a source of pride to me in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

14Do all things(A) without grumbling or(B) questioning, 15that you may be blameless and innocent,(C) children of God(D) without blemish(E) in the midst of(F) a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine(G) as lights in the world, 16holding fast to(H) the word of life, so that in(I) the day of Christ(J) I may be proud that(K) I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Next Steps

Let Them Have No Claim Against You

Pray