The Acts of the Apostles

1. Acts 19:1-20 Paul contrasts John’s baptism with that of the Holy Spirit, many are saved, some are hardened, miracles happen and the Word of God grew and prevailed. Acts 19:21-41 – The Uproar at Ephesus v.21 – When these things were accomplished, what things? Everything since Acts 12:25? Preaching at Philippi, Berea, Corinth, Athens, Ephesus or just Ephesus? Paul purposes in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem and ultimately to Rome Opposite directions – reason for going through Macedonia and Achaia. see I Cor 16:1-5 What do you think, is this the human spirit or Holy Spirit? Relates to travel plans - see Acts 16:6,7; 21:3,4 And why Rome? see Rom1:13; 15:23-28 The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 19:1-41`Ministry at Ephesus: Part 2” 1 October 5, 2014 Bob Eckel

2. v.22 - Timothy and Erastus get sent by Paul to Macedonia whereas Paul hangs behind in Asia. Erastus was chamberlain of Corinth – Rom 16:23 And Timothy had been there before - Acts 16:3; 17:14 v.23 - And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 19:1-41`Ministry at Ephesus: Part 2” 2 October 5, 2014 Bob Eckel

3. The beginning of an event that almost took Paul’s life and led to depression - II Cor 1:8-10 v.24-27 – It all begins with Demetrius the silversmith. who made shrines for Diana (Roman) - Artemis (Greek). Originally identified as a multi-breasted woman who came as a meteor. His profits were not small and supported the craftsmen. He reminds his fellow-workers that this is the source of their prosperity. He states that this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. And Demetrius is not only concerned about their own trade but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed whom all Asia and the world worship. But the major issue here is self-interest and the related economics! II Pet 2:3 - By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. vs. 28-34 – the rioting begins. They repeatedly cried out for about 2 hours - “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 19:1-41`Ministry at Ephesus: Part 2” 3 October 5, 2014 Bob Eckel

4. So the whole city was filled with confusion. And they rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. And they seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. Mentioned in Acts 20:4; 27:2; Rom 16:23; 1Cor 1:14; and III John 1:1. Paul wanted to go into the crowd but the disciples and ‘friends’ said ‘No!’ You get the sense that Paul was quite agitated here. And these Asian friends were likely not believers but had respect for Paul. Yet, confusion (tumult, disorder), reigned and most of them did not know why they had come together. A perfect example of crowd posture. Alexander is drawn out of the multitude but when the crowd found out he was Jewish, the proclamations continued. The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 19:1-41`Ministry at Ephesus: Part 2” And we were here on Oct 23, 2013 4 October 5, 2014 Bob Eckel

5. Who is this Alexander? He was Jewish and may have been an instigator on their behalf? Doubtfully the same as in 1Tim 1:20, II Tim 4:14 His presence failed to calm the crowd but energized it the more. vs. 35-41 – the city clerk (Roman) steps forward. A keeper of the public archives, magistrate of great authority and true politician. He first quieted the crowd. He reviews the deity of the goddess Diana. He pleads for quiet and reason. These men are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. A lesson even today to missionaries. The courts are available, proconsuls (deputies, judges) are present, and charges against them can be made if warranted. “For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 19:1-41`Ministry at Ephesus: Part 2” 5 October 5, 2014 Bob Eckel

6. By the Roman emperor And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. Usually used for the body of Christ but here the irregular and tumultuous assemblage which had convened in a riotous manner. In summary, this was a major trial for Paul and he is human but his response in II Cor 1:8-10 is where we need to be always. Keep looking down! The Acts of the Apostles “Acts 19:1-41`Ministry at Ephesus: Part 2” 6 October 5, 2014 Bob Eckel