Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

In today’s passage, we see Paul’s preaching making waves in the town of Ephesus. Your copy of God’s Word likely calls this section “The Riot in Ephesus” and after reading it, you’ll see why. A man named Demetrius stirs up an angry mob when he stands in the marketplace and tells the tradesmen profiting off of the Ephesians’ idol worship that this new group of Christ-followers (The Way) and their leader Paul have the potential to cut their profits and defame their goddess. The mob grows in number and in anger as they move the group to the amphitheater. Paul’s friends tell him not to involve himself in the situation, likely out of concern for his safety. Scripture says that most people had no idea why the mob had formed, while others shouted praises to their goddess. A Jewish man named Alexander was put in front of the mob to give a defense, but no one would even listen to him. They were eventually quieted by a city official who reminded them that, as rioters, they were breaking the law with the disorder they’d brought about in the city. The Christians were innocent of any wrongdoing.

It’s important to note that the amphitheater these people rushed into was the largest public building in Ephesus, holding around 20,000 people. One commentator wrote that this likely turned into an emergency town meeting. This wasn’t just a small group of men; this was a city in an uproar.

The message of hope in Christ was radiating through the city of Ephesus. While some were finding joy and peace for the first time, others who opposed this message were angered beyond belief and blinded by greed and idolatry. Interestingly, the tradesmen of Ephesus had lived alongside the religious Jews of the day with a somewhat peaceful coexistence for years, but as Christianity grows in popularity and lives are changed by the Gospel, they respond with fighting as their profits are threatened. Despite the uproar, this move of God in Ephesus would not be stopped. The passage ends with the mob being dismissed.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• I hope you find encouragement from this passage in seeing the power of the Gospel prevail. Sure, the truth of Scripture brings some to anger, and we’ve seen throughout history how humankind may try to silence Christ-followers and the message they bring, but God. He reigns above all and He says His bride, the Church, will stand.
• Take time to thank God for the assurance of victory we have in Him.