While Paul was still ministering in Ephesus, he purposed (led by the Spirit) to go to Jerusalem through Macedonia and Achaia and then ultimately to Rome. Timothy and Erastus went ahead of him, but Paul remained in Ephesus longer; and it was during this time that a great tumult arose over the influence of Christianity (the Way) in Ephesian society.
Men of the silversmith guild, led by Demetrius, became enraged at the loss of financial profit, at the fear of disrepute to their occupation as idol makers, and at the loss of prestige for their goddess Artemis. They became so angry that they cried out over and over, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!“
This led to great confusion and calamity in the city, and many Ephesians joined these enraged tradesmen in rushing into the 25,000-seat amphitheater, dragging Paul’s companions Gaius and Aristarchus with them. Disciples and aristocrats both intervened, preventing Paul from entering this deadly melee.
As the crowd was in chaos, many unaware of what caused the mob, Alexander (a Jew) attempted to address the crowd to defend Judaism, distinguishing the Jews from people of the Way. But the crowd also shouted him down, crying out with once voice for 2 hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!“
After some time, the town clerk was finally able to restore order. He rebuked the crowd for their rash behavior, imploring them to use the available legal systems in place. After expressing fear of being charged by Rome with rioting, he dispersed the now-calmer crowd.
Why did these tradesmen respond with such vitriolic anger? Why did Paul try to enter the theater, knowing the grave danger, and why did his friends hold him back? Why was the crowd equally angry with Alexander, the Jewish orator? How did God preserve Paul through such an ordeal, and what was God doing for the community of Ephesian believers, despite such monstrous resistance? You can listen to this teaching on Acts 19:21-41 by clicking on the following link: To The Ends Of The Earth: The Long Road To Rome
