The Book of Ephesians Pt. 3 Intense Riot, Apostolic Warnings and Exhortations.

 

So far, we read about Paul's tireless drive to preach the gospel, and the Lord’s willingness to confirm his ministry with unique displays of His power. The words "God wrought" remind us that He alone receives glory for the bountiful harvest of souls at Ephesus. 

A fear of God fell upon many people living in a pagan culture. They were stunned by events that unfolded before their very eyes. People were cured of diseases, demons were exorcised and lives dramatically changed by the power of the gospel.

Many people became painfully aware of their own sinfulness. They knew through Paul’s preaching that they stood condemned in their sins before a holy and just God. They also perceived the mercy of God in His gracious offer of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Stadium at Ephesus where riot occurred. 

Resistance to the Word of God arose. 

Acts 19:23  And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 

The word "stir" means that there was riotous, tumultuous behavior by the citizens of Ephesus. Worship of Dianna was prominent throughout Asia and large numbers of people made annual pilgrimages to Ephesus to visit the Temple of Dianna, sometimes called Artemis. 

Idolaters at Ephesus worshipped lifeless, powerless idols made by men.  Idolatry was sensual in nature and always included sexual immorality. Often, drinking wine to the point of drunkenness was incorporated in the rituals. The priests and silversmiths became very wealthy from money collected from idolaters. 

Greedy craftsmen incited a riot. 

Acts 19:24-28  For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25) Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 

Act 19:26  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: 27) 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. 28) And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 

The real excitement in Ephesus began when the Apostle Paul confronted idolatrous pagans. People throughout Asia were shocked to hear Paul boldly exclaim, "gods made by hands are no gods at all"  and “an idol is nothing in the world” (See also 1 Corinthians 8:4). 

As the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed, it clearly set a stage for intense conflict between pagans and the church.

Thousands were converted as the truth was proclaimed and the church at Ephesus experienced rapid growth. The aggressive expansion of the gospel into traditionally pagan territory created animosity between the Christians and the pagans. 

Priests of Dianna and the silversmiths were concerned about their future because new converts destroyed costly books of magic. They became livid with anger when people began renouncing idols and turning to Christ.

But, their anger reached a boiling point when their revenues rapidly shrank from declining attendance. The silversmiths incited a riot against the Christians and seized two of Paul’s companions, dragging them by force into the theater.

Howling mobs chanted “Great is Dianna of the Ephesians” for nearly two hours, as they looked for scapegoats to punish (Acts 19:34). The word "wrath" means they had an intense, hot anger boiling up and billowing out like lava from a volcanic eruption. 

The words "cried out" refers to a loud horrid grating sound like a great swarm of crows all cawing at once.  The Greek word translated "cried out" can be seen in the word "crazed" which means insane or wildly out of control.

Civil disorder was not because of religious concerns. The silversmiths gave voice to the real reason behind their uprising, by citing declining incomes as their primary grievance against the Christians. 

Ephesus was filled with chaos and confusion.

Acts 19:29-31  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. 30) And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31) And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. 

Ephesus was filled with rioters and confusion. The angry mob dragged two of Paul's traveling companions into the theater. Paul was ready to enter in to make his defense and share the gospel but his friends strongly protested against him doing so. 

Finally, the town magistrate appointed by Rome spoke to the unruly mob and warned them of repercussions because the assembly was illegal. Roman soldiers might come to impose marshal  law and take away their status. 

Finally, calm after the storm was over. 

Acts 20:1  And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. 

Things finally calmed down and Paul called the new Ephesian converts to Christ to meet with him. He prepared to return to Jerusalem by way of Macedonia and Achaia. 

Paul's final words to the Elders of Ephesus 

Acts 20:16,  For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. 17) And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 

Paul finally began his journey to revisit the churches he helped establish. This time he sailed past Ephesus because of his desire to arrive in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. However, he had a layover at nearby Miletus and he sent for the elders of the church at Ephesus. 

Paul gave a true testimony of his conduct at Ephesus. 

Acts 20:18-21  And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19) Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20) And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, 21) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Paul often reminded the people he ministered to about his life pattern, his conduct among them and how he lived out his faith in Christ as a model for others to emulate. Those believers observed Paul and knew his strong Christian character, his love of God and man, his desire to preach the gospel and to live by it. No one could accuse Paul of being a lukewarm believer or of being a poor example of Christian living. 

All things Paul shared with the elders of Ephesus were known by them to be true and accurate. Paul taught publicly and privately always urging his hearers to repent of their sins and by faith turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.  

Paul was ready to live or die for Jesus Christ. 

Accts 20:22-24  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23) Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 

Paul wanted the Ephesian elders to know what the future might hold for him, so that they would be courageous in Paul's absence and that they would pray for the apostle. Paul's heart and spirit were determined to go to Jerusalem, even though the Holy Ghost had witnesses in every city warning him of a negative outcome for his visit. 

Yet, Paul was not afraid. He knew that dying was gain and that being absent from his body through death meant he would be with his Lord and Savior. Thus, he did not count his own life dear, but surrendered himself to serve the Lord Jesus faithfully for as long as he lived. 

Paul reminded them what he taught. 

25) And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26) Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 

Paul's next words may have shocked the elders from Ephesus for he told them that he knew he would never see them face to face again. Paul declared that he preached the full breadth of the Word of God to them and held nothing back. 

Paul warned about false teachers seeking to ruin the church. 

Acts 20:28-31  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31)  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 

All believers who have been taught apostolic doctrine must take heed to themselves and to the members of their church. The words "take heed" means hold your mind on yourselves and on the flock. 

Why? Because the Holy Ghost chose these men to be overseers charged with feeding the sheep of the church. Their solemn duty was to study the word of God and accurately teach truth and the application of truth in the church of God. 

They needed to examine their own hearts and desires to make sure they were aligned with the scriptures. Then, they needed to accurately evaluate the state of the church to make sure that people understood doctrine (truth) and duty (responsibility). 

Just as Paul warned the Corinthians that they were bought with a price and their bodies now belonged to God, so he reminded the Ephesians that the church family was bought by Christ's blood. 

Paul told them what the future would hold. After Paul departed, false teachers like hungry wolves will attack the sheep of God and do great damage. The word "grievous" means violent or cruel. 

Even worse, Paul warned that heretics would spring up from their own midst speaking "perverse things." Perverse things are words that corrupt or distort the scriptures to lead believers astray from the paths of righteousness.

Paul had a great love for the Ephesian church and for three years he warned them around the clock and shed tears for their spiritual well safety. 

Paul's last encouragement to the Ephesian church. 

Acts 20:32-35   And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35)  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Paul placed their future and fate into the hands of the Living God and urged them to stay studying and anchored to the scriptures because it will build up their faith. Paul wanted them to remember how he lived among them so that they would follow his example.

 

How did Paul live at Ephesus? He did not serve Christ by seeking money from them. His own hands made tents to supply his physical needs of food, clothing and shelter. He showed them that they must work if they were able bodied so that they could minister to those who could not work. Most important, Paul wanted them to remember the words of Jesus Christ and obey them. 

Prayer, tears and sorrowful hearts. 

Acts 20:36-38  And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 37)  And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, 38) Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. 

Paul kneeled down and prayed with all the Ephesian elders. They broke down and wept and clung to Paul as they hugged in Christian love. The elders were sorrowful because they knew Paul would never be with them again, this side of heaven. In a final act of love, they escorted Paul to his ship to bid him farewell. 

The context from the formation of the church at Ephesus will help us better understand the letter Paul later wrote to them, while he was in prison. 

May the Word of God go out with the same powerful impact today that it had in the early church. May God anoint His word with His power and His Spirit and do the great work in our hearts today. 

Bob