#BibleStudy. Expressions of Faith. Acts Ch 19. “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

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.” ²⁸ When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

Acts 19:27-28

Money is a primary motivator.

• Demetrius made his money by creating silver images and shrines for the Ephesian version of the goddess Artemis.
• The Ephesian version was a combination of the Roman Diana and Cybele, an Asian mother goddess. 
• Her statue fell from heaven fully formed.
• Her temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• She was a big deal.

People are converting to Christianity through Paul's ministry.

• Demetrius's income is shrinking.

Demetrius attacks Paul’s ministry by stirring up 

• members of the silversmith guild.
• the general citizenry of Ephesus.

Soon the whole city was in an uproar.  

The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. Verse 29.

Paul wants to defend his message, but the disciples won’t let me do that because

• The assembly was in confusion: 

Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. Verse 30

The saddest part of this story is not the opposition to the Gospel.

Possibly thousands, most of whom “did not know why they were there,” spend hours shouting a single phrase.

Mussolini, the Italian dictator before and into WWII, was known as Il Duce.

• There were many times people in the center of Rome awaiting Mussolini to address them began shouting “Du-Ce, Du-Ce.”
• As more people arrived, those on the far side from the speaker’s podium began chanting “Ce-Du, Ce-Du” because that’s what they heard.

This happens too often today.

• Maybe not in a public square.
• But, what about social media?

Next time you’re tempted to join a group for whatever reason, make sure you know what that group believes and why they do what they do before you commit.

As a Christian, you need to, as Timothy wrote in his first letter

…know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. Verse 12b

Why are you doing what you’re doing today?

• If you don’t know why find a place to pray and ask God for guidance.

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