Ruins of Ancient Ephesus

BIBLE STUDY

3rd Missionary Journey

Acts 19:1- 41

IntroductionIntroduction

• Paul sets out on his third missionary journey. This will be the last journey

recorded in the Book of Acts unless one counts his trip to Rome as prisoner of the Romans as a missionary journey. If so,

that would be his fourth.• In the episode recorded in Acts 19, Paul

goes to Ephesus and works there preaching and teaching for two years and

three months.

• Paul sets out on his third missionary journey. This will be the last journey

recorded in the Book of Acts unless one counts his trip to Rome as prisoner of the Romans as a missionary journey. If so,

that would be his fourth.• In the episode recorded in Acts 19, Paul

goes to Ephesus and works there preaching and teaching for two years and

three months.

• Acts 19:1-3• 19:1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took

the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and

asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

• They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

• 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?"

• "John's baptism," they replied.

• Acts 19:1-3• 19:1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took

the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and

asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

• They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

• 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?"

• "John's baptism," they replied.

The Famous Theater in Ephesus is in Background

• The Holy Spirit (Ghost) is mentioned over 200 times in

the New Testament and baptism about 80 times.

• Why do we talk so much about baptism but not as much about

the Holy Spirit today?

• Apollos had been preaching in the neighborhood of Ephesus before he went to Corinth. He knew only the baptism of John until Priscilla and Aquila took

him aside and taught him the way of the Lord more adequately.

• An inference we might make is that before Apollos had been adequately taught, he might have

converted these 12 disciples.• Paul is going to explain the difference between the

baptism of John and the baptism of Christ or Christian baptism.• Let’s read on.

• Apollos had been preaching in the neighborhood of Ephesus before he went to Corinth. He knew only the baptism of John until Priscilla and Aquila took

him aside and taught him the way of the Lord more adequately.

• An inference we might make is that before Apollos had been adequately taught, he might have

converted these 12 disciples.• Paul is going to explain the difference between the

baptism of John and the baptism of Christ or Christian baptism.• Let’s read on.

Ephesus – another view

• Acts 19:4-7

• 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they

spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

• Acts 19:4-7

• 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they

spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

Crowds at Ephesus Site

19:1-7 Paul Found 12 Disciples Baptised with John’s Baptism

HOW did Paul connect the fact that these men hadn’t heard of the Holy Spirit with the fact that they hadn’t

received Christian baptism?

1)Because Christian baptism is into the name of the Father, Son, and HOLY SPIRIT and these men should have been taught that before they were baptised into Christ (cf. Mt. 28:19).

2) And because Christian baptism results in one receiving the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT (the normal indwelling), and

these men would have been taught that BEFORE they were baptised into Christ

(2:38)!

• “All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had

been baptized by John.” Luke 7:29-30 (NIV)

Why were these men who only knew of the baptism of John rebaptized but a rebaptism of Apollos was not

told of in Acts 18?

•Isn’t Christian baptism a baptism of repentance too?

•We need to understand what is meant by “repentance” in this context. Repentance means a necessary change of mind. The Jews needed a

change in their thinking in order to accept their Messiah.

•John’s baptism was a part of that necessary change. It also meant giving up sinful ways.

•Those who were baptized by John were told that his baptism was for the forgiveness of sins valid

only if they believed on Him Who came after John.

•Isn’t Christian baptism a baptism of repentance too?

•We need to understand what is meant by “repentance” in this context. Repentance means a necessary change of mind. The Jews needed a

change in their thinking in order to accept their Messiah.

•John’s baptism was a part of that necessary change. It also meant giving up sinful ways.

•Those who were baptized by John were told that his baptism was for the forgiveness of sins valid

only if they believed on Him Who came after John.

• John’s baptism was BEFORE the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

• It was not a reenactment of those facts in a form that could be obeyed as Christian baptism is. John’s baptism depended for its validity on

the person’s FUTURE BELIEF in JESUS. • It looked FORWARD to when as the LAMB of God He would, in His later DEATH BURIAL and

RESURRECTION become the sacrifice and pay the PRICE for mans sin .

• John’s baptism was BEFORE the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

• It was not a reenactment of those facts in a form that could be obeyed as Christian baptism is. John’s baptism depended for its validity on

the person’s FUTURE BELIEF in JESUS. • It looked FORWARD to when as the LAMB of God He would, in His later DEATH BURIAL and

RESURRECTION become the sacrifice and pay the PRICE for mans sin .

and receive indwelling Holy Spirit

• Christian baptism is a reenactment of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

• It is based on faith in Jesus that He DID die on the cross for our sins, was buried and raised from the

dead for our justification.• John’s baptism looked forward to One Who would

come. Our baptism looks back on One Who has come.

• The same promise of forgiveness of sins belonged to both baptisms but the promise of the Holy Spirit

indwelling everyone who is baptized was made only to those who are baptized into Christ (Acts 2:37-39), that

is, after John’s baptism was no longer valid.

• Christian baptism is a reenactment of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

• It is based on faith in Jesus that He DID die on the cross for our sins, was buried and raised from the

dead for our justification.• John’s baptism looked forward to One Who would

come. Our baptism looks back on One Who has come.

• The same promise of forgiveness of sins belonged to both baptisms but the promise of the Holy Spirit

indwelling everyone who is baptized was made only to those who are baptized into Christ (Acts 2:37-39), that

is, after John’s baptism was no longer valid.

• Were these men baptized in the Holy Spirit?

• What is the apparent difference between being baptized in the Spirit and receiving the Spirit through the

laying on of hands?

• “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money” -Acts

8:18 (NIV)

• After Paul laid his hands on these twelve men who had just been baptized into Christ they were given

miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit.• These miraculous gifts could only be given through an

Apostle of Christ laying his hands on baptized believers as we saw in Acts 8.

• The only exception to this rule was the Household of Cornelius.

• In that case it was DONE BY GOD DIRECTLY, before baptism, as a sign to the Jews to prove to them that

God was ready to ACCEPT the Gentiles into His kingdom on an EQUAL FOOTING with Jews.

• After Paul laid his hands on these twelve men who had just been baptized into Christ they were given

miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit.• These miraculous gifts could only be given through an

Apostle of Christ laying his hands on baptized believers as we saw in Acts 8.

• The only exception to this rule was the Household of Cornelius.

• In that case it was DONE BY GOD DIRECTLY, before baptism, as a sign to the Jews to prove to them that

God was ready to ACCEPT the Gentiles into His kingdom on an EQUAL FOOTING with Jews.

St. Paul’s Cave at Ephesus

Comparing with Modern Pentecostal Interpretation

Comparing with Modern Pentecostal Interpretation

Pentecostal claim:Pentecostal claim:This passage shows This passage shows

that people often that people often become Christiansbecome Christians

at one time, but at one time, but receive the “second receive the “second

work of grace” work of grace” laterlater

What text says:What text says:These men were These men were never Christians, never Christians, but disciples of but disciples of

John the Baptist John the Baptist (Old Testament-(Old Testament-style believersstyle believers))

None of the twelve had ever had the Spirit before this day

• Acts 19:8-10• 8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly

there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and

publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions

daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard

the word of the Lord.

• Acts 19:8-10• 8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly

there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and

publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions

daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard

the word of the Lord.

Ephesus - Remains of the Hall of Tyrannus(?)

• As was his custom, Paul went first to the Jews first, teaching in the synagogue.

When the Jewish leaders created problems for him and the disciples,

• Paul separated with the disciples from the synagogue and found a lecture hall. There he taught the gospel daily to all who would

come and listen.• This hall must have been almost like a preacher school that trained and sent out preachers to the whole province so that everyone in the province came to know

about the gospel.

• As was his custom, Paul went first to the Jews first, teaching in the synagogue.

When the Jewish leaders created problems for him and the disciples,

• Paul separated with the disciples from the synagogue and found a lecture hall. There he taught the gospel daily to all who would

come and listen.• This hall must have been almost like a preacher school that trained and sent out preachers to the whole province so that everyone in the province came to know

about the gospel.

SCRIPTURE:“This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” ACTS

19:10 (NIV)

Note that ALL the Jews and Greeks heard about the Lord.

We should strive to spread the gospel to everyone in our area also.

If they could do this in two years without modern communication then certainly we

ought to be able to do this also.

• Acts 19:11-12• 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,

12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and

their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

• Evidently Paul himself did not get out into the hinterland but spent all his working hours at the

lecture hall. So God brought His miraculous powers out to others by means of cloth objects

that Paul had touched.

• Acts 19:11-12• 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,

12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and

their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

• Evidently Paul himself did not get out into the hinterland but spent all his working hours at the

lecture hall. So God brought His miraculous powers out to others by means of cloth objects

that Paul had touched.

• Acts 19:13-14• 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil

spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed.

• They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." 14

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

• If these Jews had been baptized into Jesus and had Paul’s hands laid on them, could they not

then have cast out demons? I believe they could have.

• Acts 19:13-14• 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil

spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed.

• They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." 14

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

• If these Jews had been baptized into Jesus and had Paul’s hands laid on them, could they not

then have cast out demons? I believe they could have.

“Sons of Sceva”

• Acts 19:15-16• 15[One day] the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran

out of the house naked and bleeding.• I believe that had these seven men been

baptized into Christ and had Paul’s hands laid on them the evil spirit would have known them and been subject to them in the name of Jesus.

• Acts 19:15-16• 15[One day] the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran

out of the house naked and bleeding.• I believe that had these seven men been

baptized into Christ and had Paul’s hands laid on them the evil spirit would have known them and been subject to them in the name of Jesus.

• Acts 19:17-18• 17 When this became known to the Jews and

Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was

held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their

evil deeds.• It seems that up until this event, many of the

disciples at Ephesus still practiced sorceries and witchcraft. Now they were afraid to continue these evil practices and publicly swore off them.

• Acts 19:17-18• 17 When this became known to the Jews and

Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was

held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their

evil deeds.• It seems that up until this event, many of the

disciples at Ephesus still practiced sorceries and witchcraft. Now they were afraid to continue these evil practices and publicly swore off them.

Acts 19:19-20• 19 A number who had practiced sorcery

brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the

scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord

spread widely and grew in power. • The gospel not only SAVES, it OUGHT to

change lives for the better, shining light to dispel the darkness of ignorance and

superstition. • It OUGHT to make life better for everyone in the

society.

Acts 19:19-20• 19 A number who had practiced sorcery

brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the

scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord

spread widely and grew in power. • The gospel not only SAVES, it OUGHT to

change lives for the better, shining light to dispel the darkness of ignorance and

superstition. • It OUGHT to make life better for everyone in the

society.

Laodicea

Acts 19:19 And many of those who practiced

magic brought their books together and

began burning them in the sight of all; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty

thousand pieces of silver.

• One might wish these books had been spared to be studied by modern scholars for the information they might contain about the superstitions and cultures of

the nations from which they were derived.• The philology or information about the languages and

the anecdotal information contained in these books could have been invaluable to historians and linguists.

• For an online description of ancient books destroyed in fires, follow this link.

• One might wish these books had been spared to be studied by modern scholars for the information they might contain about the superstitions and cultures of

the nations from which they were derived.• The philology or information about the languages and

the anecdotal information contained in these books could have been invaluable to historians and linguists.

• For an online description of ancient books destroyed in fires, follow this link.

Remains of the Great Library of Celsus in Ephesus

Remains of the Great Library of Celsus in Ephesus

• I have often found myself destroying books that were in excellent condition. Some of these books I could have sold for a good

price. But I did it because I did not want the false teachings in the books to fall into the

hands of the uninformed.

• Giving up these books was a great financial sacrifice for these Ephesians.

• Books were much more valuable in the days before printing was invented.

• I have often found myself destroying books that were in excellent condition. Some of these books I could have sold for a good

price. But I did it because I did not want the false teachings in the books to fall into the

hands of the uninformed.

• Giving up these books was a great financial sacrifice for these Ephesians.

• Books were much more valuable in the days before printing was invented.

• The NIV Bible footnote says that a drachma was about a day’s wage.

• Thus we see the value as being 50 thousand days wages.

• In modern times we work at least 260 days a year.

• Thus this could be considered the yearly wages of 192 men.

DISCUSSION QUESTION:• Why was sorcery such a big deal in New Testament

times?

Is sorcery a big business today?

• Acts 19:21-22• 21 After all this had happened, Paul

decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit

Rome also." 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while

he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

• Paul was planning to visit the churches he had founded in Macedonia and Achaia, as

well as new ones that might have come into being while he had been away.

• Acts 19:21-22• 21 After all this had happened, Paul

decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit

Rome also." 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while

he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

• Paul was planning to visit the churches he had founded in Macedonia and Achaia, as

well as new ones that might have come into being while he had been away.

• Then he planned to go to Rome. • He did go to Rome but I do not think it was in the way he had planned. He would go there as a prisoner of the Romans to appeal to the reigning

Caesar for justice in his case. He had been accused by his Jewish enemies of leading a

rebellion against Rome.• At this point in our story, Paul sends his

helpers on ahead to Macedonia while he remains in the province of Asia for a while

longer. But as we will see, he will soon be in danger from his greedy enemies in Ephesus.

• Then he planned to go to Rome. • He did go to Rome but I do not think it was in the way he had planned. He would go there as a prisoner of the Romans to appeal to the reigning

Caesar for justice in his case. He had been accused by his Jewish enemies of leading a

rebellion against Rome.• At this point in our story, Paul sends his

helpers on ahead to Macedonia while he remains in the province of Asia for a while

longer. But as we will see, he will soon be in danger from his greedy enemies in Ephesus.

Acts 19:23-26• 23 About that time there arose a great

disturbance about the Way. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the

craftsmen. • 25 He called them together, along with the

workmen in related trades, and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from this

business. • 26 And you see and hear how this fellow

Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in

practically the whole province of Asia.

Acts 19:23-26• 23 About that time there arose a great

disturbance about the Way. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the

craftsmen. • 25 He called them together, along with the

workmen in related trades, and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from this

business. • 26 And you see and hear how this fellow

Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in

practically the whole province of Asia.

Demetrius’ Three Points:

1)Paul had turned many people away by telling them that those things made by

men’s hands are not gods!

2)As a result, their trade of making such idols was in danger of being

destroyed.

3)The temple of Diana was going to be despised.

• Demetrius’ words are testimony to the effectiveness of Paul’s teaching. There was no longer a market in

the province of Asia for idolatrous objects.• Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen were in danger

of losing their livelihood. It is understandable that they would be afraid and upset.

• The gospel has a way of wrecking the lives of many who will not accept its terms. At least , that is their

perception.• These craftsmen were quickly losing their lucrative

incomes.

• Demetrius’ words are testimony to the effectiveness of Paul’s teaching. There was no longer a market in

the province of Asia for idolatrous objects.• Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen were in danger

of losing their livelihood. It is understandable that they would be afraid and upset.

• The gospel has a way of wrecking the lives of many who will not accept its terms. At least , that is their

perception.• These craftsmen were quickly losing their lucrative

incomes.

Ephesian Artemis

• Acts 19:26-27• “He says that man-made gods are no gods at

all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple

of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is

worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."

• The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was world-famous in the Greco-Roman world. Idol

worshipers came there from all over.

• Acts 19:26-27• “He says that man-made gods are no gods at

all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple

of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is

worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."

• The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was world-famous in the Greco-Roman world. Idol

worshipers came there from all over.

TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS•The temple of Artemis was one of the ancient wonders of the world.

•A marble temple with over 100 marble columns about 5 FT in diameter and over 50

FT tall.

•The statue of Artemis was over 40 feet tall. It was destroyed in about 260 AD.

•The idol was said to have fallen from heaven.

•Some say that perhaps a portion of it was made from a meteorite.

•The temple of Artemis was one of the ancient wonders of the world.

•A marble temple with over 100 marble columns about 5 FT in diameter and over 50

FT tall.

•The statue of Artemis was over 40 feet tall. It was destroyed in about 260 AD.

•The idol was said to have fallen from heaven.

•Some say that perhaps a portion of it was made from a meteorite.

• Artemis (Latin: Diana) was the Great Huntress

• Artemis was worshiped in most Greek cities but only as a secondary deity. However, to

the Greeks in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) she was a prominent deity.

• In Ephesus a great temple was built in her honor, which became one of the "Seven

Wonders of the Ancient World". But here she was worshiped mainly as a fertility goddess, and was identified with Cybele the mother

goddess of eastern lands.

• Artemis (Latin: Diana) was the Great Huntress

• Artemis was worshiped in most Greek cities but only as a secondary deity. However, to

the Greeks in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) she was a prominent deity.

• In Ephesus a great temple was built in her honor, which became one of the "Seven

Wonders of the Ancient World". But here she was worshiped mainly as a fertility goddess, and was identified with Cybele the mother

goddess of eastern lands.

• The cult statues of the Ephesian Artemis differ greatly from those of mainland Greece, where she is

depicted as a huntress with her bow and arrows. Those found at Ephesus show her in the eastern style, standing erect with numerous nodes on her

chest. • There have been many theories as to what they represent. Some say they are breasts, others that they are bulls’ testes which were sacrificed to her. Which is the true interpretation remains uncertain, but both represent fertility (Encyclopedia Mythica).

• The cult statues of the Ephesian Artemis differ greatly from those of mainland Greece, where she is

depicted as a huntress with her bow and arrows. Those found at Ephesus show her in the eastern style, standing erect with numerous nodes on her

chest. • There have been many theories as to what they represent. Some say they are breasts, others that they are bulls’ testes which were sacrificed to her. Which is the true interpretation remains uncertain, but both represent fertility (Encyclopedia Mythica).

• Acts 19:28-29• 28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29 Soon the whole city was in an

uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from

Macedonia, and rushed as one man into the theater.

• This theater that seated about 25,000 people is still in usable condition in the excavated old city. We can imagine this great theater full of

shouting people.

• Acts 19:28-29• 28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29 Soon the whole city was in an

uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from

Macedonia, and rushed as one man into the theater.

• This theater that seated about 25,000 people is still in usable condition in the excavated old city. We can imagine this great theater full of

shouting people.

• The officials of the province who begged Paul not to venture into the theater were some of the

ruling officials of the province of Asia. • The term in the original language (Asiarch) was

a title specific to this province. It is thought these were chiefs or pontiffs of the Roman

province of Asia, who had the superintendence of the public games and religious rites.

• The word has been found in historical records of the time naming some of these officials. One

was Tiberius Claudius Menander who served in 80 AD.

• The officials of the province who begged Paul not to venture into the theater were some of the

ruling officials of the province of Asia. • The term in the original language (Asiarch) was

a title specific to this province. It is thought these were chiefs or pontiffs of the Roman

province of Asia, who had the superintendence of the public games and religious rites.

• The word has been found in historical records of the time naming some of these officials. One

was Tiberius Claudius Menander who served in 80 AD.

• Paul seems to have always had friends in high places, like Erastus, director of public works in Corinth (Romans 16:23; See also

Philippians 4:22).• The mob had seized Gaius and Aristarchus,

Paul’s fellow workers from Macedonia, and brought them into the theater. But Paul was

the one they were really after.• Paul could see that his personal presence at

Ephesus would lead to more trouble for the disciples so he decides to leave for

Macedonia earlier than he had planned.

• Paul seems to have always had friends in high places, like Erastus, director of public works in Corinth (Romans 16:23; See also

Philippians 4:22).• The mob had seized Gaius and Aristarchus,

Paul’s fellow workers from Macedonia, and brought them into the theater. But Paul was

the one they were really after.• Paul could see that his personal presence at

Ephesus would lead to more trouble for the disciples so he decides to leave for

Macedonia earlier than he had planned.

SCRIPTURE:

• “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put

some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten

days. Be faithful, even to the point of death , and I will give you the crown of

life. “ Revelation 2:10 (NIV)

v31 When should Christians put their lives on the line and when

should they not?

• Acts 19:32-34• 32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were

shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews pushed Alexander to the front, and some of the crowd shouted instructions to him.

He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they

realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of

the Ephesians!"

• Acts 19:32-34• 32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were

shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews pushed Alexander to the front, and some of the crowd shouted instructions to him.

He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they

realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of

the Ephesians!"

• “The assembly.” This word in the Greek (ekklesia) is the word most often translated “church” in the

New Testament.• Here it has its common meaning of “assembly.”

• Most of those assembled didn’t know why they were there.

• Alexander was a Jew but he was a silversmith (2 Timothy 4:14) and one of the ringleaders in the

protest. • However, the mob was not happy having a Jew as

their spokesman to argue for their idolatrous cause.

• “The assembly.” This word in the Greek (ekklesia) is the word most often translated “church” in the

New Testament.• Here it has its common meaning of “assembly.”

• Most of those assembled didn’t know why they were there.

• Alexander was a Jew but he was a silversmith (2 Timothy 4:14) and one of the ringleaders in the

protest. • However, the mob was not happy having a Jew as

their spokesman to argue for their idolatrous cause.

Place of the Ancient Athenian Assembly

• Acts 19:35-38• 35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said:

"Men of Ephesus, doesn't all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have

neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess.

• Acts 19:35-38• 35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said:

"Men of Ephesus, doesn't all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have

neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess.

V35,36 No one could deny that Ephesus was the guardian of Diana’s temple. Therefore they ought to

be quiet and do nothing rashly.

V37 Paul and the others weren’t temple robbers or blasphemers of their Goddess.

V38 If there were legitimate charges, Demetrius ought to bring them to the authorised courts.

V39 If they had other enquiries to make, they should bring it to a LAWFUL assembly

V40 They were in danger from the Roman government by their DISORDERLY gathering.

City Clerk’s Five Major Points:

• The statement by this wise city clerk gives a clue as to why the temple of Artemis at Ephesus was so

special to the goddess.• The stone that fell from heaven that supposedly

bore the image of the goddess was evidently a meteorite that one could look at and imagine to see in it the form of the female figure. Someone might even have altered it slightly, sculpting it to

look more humanoid in form.• This reminds us of the black meteorite in the Kaaba

in Mecca worshipped by Muslims.

• The statement by this wise city clerk gives a clue as to why the temple of Artemis at Ephesus was so

special to the goddess.• The stone that fell from heaven that supposedly

bore the image of the goddess was evidently a meteorite that one could look at and imagine to see in it the form of the female figure. Someone might even have altered it slightly, sculpting it to

look more humanoid in form.• This reminds us of the black meteorite in the Kaaba

in Mecca worshipped by Muslims.

The Black Stone in the Kaaba at Mecca

• In case anyone doubts that the sacred black stone in the Kaaba is truly worshiped by Muslims, Here is

a quote from one of their writers, • “The eyes perceive in it a wonderful beauty, similar

to that of a young bride; in kissing it one feels a pleasure that delights the mouth, and whoever

kisses it wishes he might never cease to do so; for this is an inherent quality in it and a divine grace in its favor. Let us only recite the words of the Prophet in this connection: "Certainly it is the right hand of God on earth" (Ibn Batoutah or Battuta). Another

link.

• In case anyone doubts that the sacred black stone in the Kaaba is truly worshiped by Muslims, Here is

a quote from one of their writers, • “The eyes perceive in it a wonderful beauty, similar

to that of a young bride; in kissing it one feels a pleasure that delights the mouth, and whoever

kisses it wishes he might never cease to do so; for this is an inherent quality in it and a divine grace in its favor. Let us only recite the words of the Prophet in this connection: "Certainly it is the right hand of God on earth" (Ibn Batoutah or Battuta). Another

link.

Black Meteorite

This is not the one in Mecca.

• Paul had preached the gospel and let God’s word do the talking. He had made no personal attacks in his own words on Artemis or anyone or anything

connected with her directly. He let God do the talking.

• If we will do that in our teaching and people get angry, their anger is provoked by God not by our

personal attacks. • They might take their anger out on us but it is

misdirected just as Cain’s was. He killed his brother, not because of anything his brother did to him but

because Cain was angry with God.

• Paul had preached the gospel and let God’s word do the talking. He had made no personal attacks in his own words on Artemis or anyone or anything

connected with her directly. He let God do the talking.

• If we will do that in our teaching and people get angry, their anger is provoked by God not by our

personal attacks. • They might take their anger out on us but it is

misdirected just as Cain’s was. He killed his brother, not because of anything his brother did to him but

because Cain was angry with God.

• Acts 19:38-41 (The city clerk continues . . .)• 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen

have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can

press charges. • 39 If there is anything further you want to bring

up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. • 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged

with rioting because of today's events. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.“

• 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

• Acts 19:38-41 (The city clerk continues . . .)• 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen

have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can

press charges. • 39 If there is anything further you want to bring

up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. • 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged

with rioting because of today's events. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.“

• 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

v40 Why was the threat of being charged with rioting such an effective way to

disperse the crowd?

• This wise clerk quickly defused the situation by declaring the assembly an illegal one

bordering on riot.

• The Roman law had harsh penalties for this kind of disturbance of the public tranquility.

• There were proper avenues of recourse for anyone who had a criminal or civil complaint against anyone just as there is in our system.

• The difference is that in the Roman system, the laws were strictly enforced.

• This wise clerk quickly defused the situation by declaring the assembly an illegal one

bordering on riot.

• The Roman law had harsh penalties for this kind of disturbance of the public tranquility.

• There were proper avenues of recourse for anyone who had a criminal or civil complaint against anyone just as there is in our system.

• The difference is that in the Roman system, the laws were strictly enforced.

Lex Romana (Roman Law)

ConclusionConclusion

• Paul had survived another close call. But his usefulness at Ephesus for the time being was at an

end.• The church there would continue long after he was

off the scene. He would write a letter to the church. He would write two letters to Timothy whom he had

decided to leave there to organize and edify the church (1 Timothy 1:3).

• John the Apostle would work there, taking Mary, Mother of Jesus with him.

• Paul had survived another close call. But his usefulness at Ephesus for the time being was at an

end.• The church there would continue long after he was

off the scene. He would write a letter to the church. He would write two letters to Timothy whom he had

decided to leave there to organize and edify the church (1 Timothy 1:3).

• John the Apostle would work there, taking Mary, Mother of Jesus with him.

John’s Tomb

• From Ephesus John would be exiled to Patmos, a small island just offshore from Ephesus.

• Jesus would write one of His seven letters to the churches of Asia to the church at Ephesus.

• John would later return to Ephesus and serve out his remaining years, die and be buried there.

• Some early traditions say that after John died, Mary returned to Palestine to live out the

remainder of her years and that she was buried near Jerusalem.

• From Ephesus John would be exiled to Patmos, a small island just offshore from Ephesus.

• Jesus would write one of His seven letters to the churches of Asia to the church at Ephesus.

• John would later return to Ephesus and serve out his remaining years, die and be buried there.

• Some early traditions say that after John died, Mary returned to Palestine to live out the

remainder of her years and that she was buried near Jerusalem.

Mary’s House at Ephesus (Traditional)

God’s ProtectionGod’s Protection

by Ellis Jones

What kind of protection

Has God promised you?

Will he keep you from the harm

That all flesh is subject to?

by Ellis Jones

What kind of protection

Has God promised you?

Will he keep you from the harm

That all flesh is subject to?

Will He keep evil men

From having evil plans?

Or carrying them out

With evil hearts and hands?

Will He keep evil men

From having evil plans?

Or carrying them out

With evil hearts and hands?

No, He has promised you

To love you to the end.

And if you commit to Him,

Your soul He will defend.

No, He has promised you

To love you to the end.

And if you commit to Him,

Your soul He will defend.

He promised He will walk with you

Through Death’s shadowed valley.

He will receive your soul that day,

From gutter, house or alley.

He promised He will walk with you

Through Death’s shadowed valley.

He will receive your soul that day,

From gutter, house or alley.

All in flesh were doomed to die,

When Adam lost that Tree.

The flesh is prison to the soul

Which someday will be free.

All in flesh were doomed to die,

When Adam lost that Tree.

The flesh is prison to the soul

Which someday will be free.

Faith in God is not so hard

If one obeys His Word.

Blaming God for man’s vile deeds

To me is quite absurd.

Faith in God is not so hard

If one obeys His Word.

Blaming God for man’s vile deeds

To me is quite absurd.

Your judgment Day is coming soon,

In this world and in the next;

Justice will be fair and firm,

Where there is no pretext.

Your judgment Day is coming soon,

In this world and in the next;

Justice will be fair and firm,

Where there is no pretext.