The Acts of the Apostles #48: Trouble in Ephesus Acts 19:21-41.
At the end of two years based in the city of Ephesus, Paul is considering moving on, v21. It is entirely possible that the reference to the spirit here is a reference to the guidance of the Holy Ghost. The Lord places a desire/interest in his mind about the future direction of his ministry.
His thoughts lead him to dispatch two of his helpers to Macedonia to prepare for a final visit, v21, 20:1 while he remains a little longer in Ephesus. It is just at this point that there is an outbreak of opposition to his ministry. It is ever the devil’s way to attack progress in the work and to do what he can to stymie the advance desired by the Spirit.
I OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
Cp v24-25.
- Concern for personal prosperity. How often men are more interested in their temporal welfare than their spiritual wellbeing! Financial security is placed ahead of gospel blessing. Cp Mark 10:22, 8:36, 1Tim 6:9-10.
- This concern was a unifying feature, v25. Many rallied around the concerns raised by Demetrius. Others were of his opinion. There is a widespread sympathy with this philosophy in the world.
- Public action against Paul followed. This preference for wealth over the gospel led to public action. Inevitably it shows itself in visible/public hostility to the servants of Christ.
II BEHIND THIS OPPOSITION LAY AN IDOLATROUS SUPERSTITION.
- False religion often involves lucrative business enterprises! In contrast to the gospel, false religion is often about buying and spending in an effort to gain spiritual advance. The truth is never to be an exercise in marketing! Cp Jn 2:15-16.
- It was Paul’s crusade against idolatry that aroused their ire, v26. This is the basis of their concern. Paul’s message threatened their business. While concerned about their wealth there is an underlying desire to protect the integrity of their superstition, v27. These men became very defensive about their religion. Inevitably these two things are closely connected! To pursue wealth ahead of the gospel is to be by definition an idolater. Cp Marr 6:24, Col 3:5.
- More than one kind of false religion, v33-34. It is interesting to see the Jews become involved in this matter. There was no love lost—as becomes clear—between these Gentile idolaters and the Jews. However, it is also clear that there was unity in terms of their desire to see Paul silenced. They could cooperate with the worshippers of Diana though nominally worshippers of the true God, in order to silence the witness to Christ. The reason for this is that Christless religion is itself idolatry.
III PAUL AND HIS COMPANIONS SPARED FROM HARM.
- Serious threat, v29. These are ominous developments that seemed destined to end badly. Yet they come to no harm.
- Paul is saved by advice from friends, v30-31. Paul was not lacking in bravery or in confidence in God. Yet he was ready to take the counsel of the disciples. There are times when it is wise not to stir things up further!
- The situation is defused in an interesting way. Two factors are at work here:
The obvious prejudice of the assembly for the Jews. Though apparently on the same side in terms of opposition to Paul, there is a falling out!
The call for due legal process. The laws of the society prevented action being taken against Paul at this time. The Christian ought to be able to expect protection from the laws of the land. Sadly, often it is not so. Rather, often the law is used against the Christian.
And so ends Paul’s time in Ephesus