Pagan Opposition

Acts 19:23-41

In city after city, the Jews had stirred up opposition and made personal attacks on Paul. Frequently, they even traveled to other cities to attack, but the pagan religions had caused little disturbance. In Ephesus, however, things changed, with the Pagan religion attacking. However, the underlying reason has not changed as we see.

“And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.” (Acts 19:23-25)

After Sceva’s sons were routed trying to exorcise the evil spirit, it was apparent that God was far more powerful and many forsook their old religious beliefs, destroying over fifty thousand pieces of silver’s worth, or about two hundred thousand dollars worth. Religious artifacts were the primary source of cash income for the city, and so many people stopping buying their wares had a serious economic impact. Rather than rolling with the punches and converting to other products, Demetrius incited a riot, blaming the Christians for their economic troubles.

Though they tried to make it appear that the conflict was over what they believed, the real reason for the Jews attacks on Christ and Christianity was fear they would loose prestige and ultimately their financial base. I Timothy 6:10 tells us, “For the love of money is the root of all evil:…” It was the real motivation behind the riot in Ephesus, and is the motivation behind most religious conflicts today, but people don’t see money as a good excuse if they are not directly affected, so some emotional appeal is necessary to get the people to support you, and it was easy to find one.

“Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.” (Acts 19:26-27)

They were making less money, Demetrius stressed that people were turning away from their traditional religion. Almost every rebellion or riot is orchestrated by single person who plays on the emotions of the crowd. Just as the Jewish leaders had played on Jewish religious tradition to stir up peoples emotions, Demetrius played on the Ephesians’ tradition, with the same effect.

“And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.” (Acts 19:28-29)

Skilled speakers can whip a crowd into an emotional frenzy using mob psychology, and get them to do things they’d never do of their own accord. Satan used Demetrius’ desire for money to try to stop the church, seizing two of Paul’s mission staff and bringing them in for a hearing in the theatre. Sadly, in some circles these same techniques are used and the resulting frenzy is blasphemously claimed to be the Holy Spirit’s working.

“And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.” (Acts 19:30-31)

The mob leader stirs up anger or other strong emotional feelings whi Satan is then able to use to gain control of the people. For that time the people are literally possessed. Had Paul entered the theatre, it would have provided a focus for the anger of the mob. Both the Christians and the city leaders recognized the Danger and advised Paul to stay out.

“Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.” (Acts 19:32)

As with any mob, the majority really didn’t know what it was all about, just feeding on the emotions of those around them, but even those who thought they knew were unfocused and illogical.

“And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” (Acts 19:33-34)

Though the accusations were not against the Jews, they were drawn in and Alexander was designated to declare their position. Unfortunately, under the control of their emotions, people don’t respond to logic, and this mob just began chanting “Great is Diana of the Ephesians” for about two hours, until finally the emotions wore off and people began to reassert their self control.

“And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.” (Acts 19:35-37)

When the people regained their self control, the town clerk was able to make them realize how illogical their behavior had been. Any legitimate problem should be handled in a logical and orderly fashion, and such uncontrolled and illogical behavior was subject to serious scrutiny.

“Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.” (Acts 19:38-41)

Just as in Corinth, the Holy Spirit resolved the problem in his own way with no effort by the Christians. As we look back through the book of Acts, we see that time after time, the Holy Spirit simply had Paul, and some times Silas or Barnabas, leave town so others could carry on the work. Confrontation is not always the Holy Spirit’s approach. Sometimes he uses laws or secular leaders like Gallio or the town clerk to accomplish God’s plan.