What happened in Ephesus, who is Artemis? (Acts 19:21-41)

A silversmith named Demetrius incited a riot in Acts 19:23-41. He stirred up other tradesmen claiming that their livelihoods were in danger and that the goddess Artemis was also in danger. The problem was that they found their livelihoods in the production and sales of idols. Artemis represented one of these idols as the Greek goddess of wild animals, the hunt, vegetation, chastity, and childbirth.

There is little doubt that the same craftsmen that Demetrius riled up found a great deal of work in the temple of Artemis as well as in shrines and other idols. Paul’s teaching of the Gospel threatened these men’s wealth and nothing more. Driven by greed, they rioted against him.

Summarize the sufferings of Paul in 19:20-28:31.

• Acts 20:3 – No harm comes to Paul, but a plot is made against him.
• Acts 21:30-32 – Paul is seized and beaten outside the temple.
• Acts 21:33 – Paul is arrested and bound in chains.
• Acts 22:2 – Paul is struck on the mouth before the council.
• Acts 23:12-15 – The Jews plot to kill Paul.
• Acts 27:41 – Paul is shipwrecked.
• Acts 28:3 – A snake bites Paul.

Paul persevered through it all. Looking at his sufferings in this week’s reading, as well as last week’s reading, everywhere he went, he was shunned and driven out of town, plotted against, beaten, stoned, arrested, shipwrecked, and bitten by a snake. Yet through it all, he pressed on.

What burned your heart looking at the life of Paul through Acts?

“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24)

And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29)

These two verses stood out to me the most when reading through Paul’s journeys the past couple weeks. They perfectly summarize his attitude and focus throughout his mission. It didn’t matter how long it took, or what sort of suffering may result. All that mattered was the mission that Christ laid before him. This attitude should encourage and inspire us all as we also consider the missions that Christ has laid before us.

Paul had a singular focus. Paul was Gospel-focused.

Are we???

Last modified on: June 18, 2020 - Original date of publication: June 18, 2020