21 Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; 25these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business. 26“You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. 27“Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence.”
28When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. 32So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together. 33Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. 34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35After quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36“So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash. 37“For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38“So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. 39“But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40“For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41After saying this he dismissed the assembly.
It was the same then as it is now.
The love of money is the root of all evil!
32So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.
Sounds like the protesters you see on television! Doesn't it?
No different back then as it is today, man is the same.
And what about you? Do you cause a disturbance concerning the Way? (Christians were called the Way in Pauls day). Do you cause a disturbance when you try evangelizing to family or friends? We all have a family member that says;
I don't want to hear it! But your heart grieves for them because you know the fate that awaits them.
Romans 3:10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;
Matthew 13:50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
You know the bible is clear. This is what happens because we have all sinned against God. But God gave us a path of redemption through His Son.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
So don't start a riot concerning the Way, pray for them instead!
Dear Heavenly Father I pray for those who are grieving over the family member or friend that won't accept Jesus Christ. I pray that you open their heart, remove Satan' stronghold on them. Send someone into their life that will have an accepting message of salvation through Jesus Christ at the right time and moment. Help us be strong and continue in prayer for them. Help us be Your shining example.
In Jesus name I pray.
Blessings David
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