A SERIOUS RIOT AT EPHESUS In The last chapter, we saw the apostle Paul starting his third preaching journey, as reported very concisely by St. Luke. Yet, in this chapter, he tells about the work of God with the apostle Paul, doing unusual miracles by his hands (Acts 19.11), as though He was supporting and encouraging him, to bear what would happen to him because of the riot of the Ephesians against him and those who were with him. The devil could not bear to see his children whom he forced for himself, casting the books of magic in the fire, to return with repentance to the heavenly father. It was a serious battle between the Lord Christ and the forces of darkness. 1- St. Paul in Ephesus 1 2- Baptism of a group in the name of the Lord Jesus 2 -- 5 3- The dwelling of the Holy Spirit upon them 6 4- Paul’s ministry in the synagogue 7 -- 8 5- Paul’s ministry in the school of Tyrannus 9 -- 10 6- Unusual miracles by the hands of Paul 11 -- 12 7- The seven exorcist sons of Sceva 13 -- 18 8- Burning the books of magic 19 -- 20 9- A commotion in Ephesus 21 – 41 1- ST. PAUL IN EPHESUS “And it happened, while Apollos was in Corinth, that Paul having passed through the upper regions came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples” (Acts 19: 1). Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor, built by Androclis of Athens. In its appearance, it was a Greek city, yet the nature and customs of its inhabitants were oriental to a certain extent, and it was the center where several peoples and cultures met. It was a commercial city of rich natural resources with fertile land, several rivers, and a port. Ephesus was full of magnificent buildings that Athens boasted of, the greater of which was the temple or Artemis, known as Diana, one of the seven world wonders. Once it was completely erected, it was burnt down by bigots, on the same day Alexander the Great was born, then rebuilt with more magnificence. When Alexander the Great visited it, and sought to have his name inscribed on it, the Ephesians haughtily refused. It remained as such until the days of St. Polycarp, then was destroyed, and wiped out of existence by the Gotists who came from beyond the Danube. Therefore, its location is unknown nowadays. Its pillars, adorned by precious stones, were used in building the church of Agia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul nowadays), and other cathedrals in Italy. That temple was 425 feet long, and 220 feet wide; each of its 127 pillars, presented by a king, was 60 feet high. The statue of Diana inside the temple represented the goddess of hunting, with protrusions representing breasts, as a symbol of fertility; hence, it was called by St. Jerome: ‘multimammeam’ or (the breasts worshippers). Its worshippers believed that it came down from heaven. Silversmiths competed in making mini statutes and mini shrines in silver to sell to worshippers and tourists, that brought no small profit to the craftsmen (Acts 19: 24-25). Coins were found in this location, with the image of the temple of Artemis on one side, 747 and that of Emperor Nero on the other. If the apostle Paul, by his preaching destroyed Artemis, the devil set Nero to destroy its destroyer. When the apostle Paul came to Ephesus, Apollos was in Corinth (Acts 19: 1), he who has been in Ephesus before Paul (Acts 19: 1). St. Paul entered into Ephesus in the year 54 or 55 AD, and there he stayed either three years, according to the words: “For three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20: 31), or two years as it came in (Acts 19: 10). As God allowed it for the apostle Paul to find in Corinth the blessed Justus to open his house before him, He also motivated a Greek by the name of Tyrannus, the owner of a school, most probably teaching philosophy and literature, to receive Paul and those who were with him like an angel from God. He was baptized by the apostle (Acts 19.9). As to the fruits of that ministry, St. Luke says: “All who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19: 10). Apollos came to water what Paul planted. St. Paul rejoiced to see others water his plants, being sure that it is God who grows them. The apostle Paul passed the upper regions, the elevated regions in Asia Minor, referring especially to Phrygia and Galatia (Acts 18: 23). They were so called, whereas Ephesus was less elevated than the sea, and hence was called the law city. To it Paul came to fulfill his promise to them (Acts 18: 21). 2- BAPTISM OF A GROUP IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS “He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit’” (Acts 19: 2). There, he met a group of disciples with an incomplete knowledge of the Lord Christ. Like Apollos. They received the teaching of St. John the Baptist, that the Messiah was to appear soon; they did not know that He has already appeared, or heard anything about the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Those were twelve believers (Acts 19: 7), who have not yet been acquainted with Aquila and Priscilla, who were left behind in Ephesus by the apostle Paul, and whom he found again there. Some believe that those twelve, although they believed that the Messiah has come, yet they did not have knowledge nor heard about the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Their hearts were ready to receive the Holy Spirit, to enjoy the second birth, and the renewal of the human nature, yet they found no one to preach it to them. They were in need to receive the seal of the Holy Spirit, granted to the church, to let them have the light of the truth, to become steadfast in the teachings of Christ, and to grant them the fruits of the Spirit, namely, the fellowship in the divine nature, to enjoy love, joy, peace, chastity, and goodness, to let them walk by the Spirit, and under His guidance. Lightfoot says that, according to the tradition of their nation, the Israelites believed that, after the death of Ezra, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel, and ascended to heaven; And although they anticipated His return, yet they did not hear that He did, and was already present in the midst of the believers. 748 St. John the Baptist had no authority to grant the Holy Spirit, as testified by those whom he baptized, who said: “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit” (Acts 19: 2) 1. St. John Chrysostom "The first baptism was that of the flood for the eradication of sin. The second was through the sea and the cloud: for the cloud is the symbol of the Spirit and the sea of the water. The third baptism was that of the Law (especially for the Levites): for every impure person washed himself with water, and even washed his garments, and so entered into the camp. The fourth was that of John, being preliminary and leading those who were baptized to repentance that they might believe in Christ"2. John of Damascus “And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism’” (Acts 19: 3). The apostle Paul told them to get baptized, as they did not have any knowledge about the Holy Spirit. For who is baptized is learnt first by the Holy Spirit himself. As theirs was the baptism of John, with no knowledge of the Holy Spirit, they did not get the Spirit, or enjoyed the new birth. This does not imply that they were baptized by John the Baptist himself, but probably by one of his disciples in his name, as we saw in our study of the gospel, according to St. John the Evangelist: there were those who used to exaggeratingly revere him, to consider him greater than the Lord Jesus Christ, and were even jealous because of the spread of the name of Jesus, who was Himself baptized by John. They complained to John about that (John 3: 26). “Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Jesus Christ” (Acts 19: 4). St. Paul clarified to them the significance of John’s baptism, as a preparation for the belief in the Lord Christ, that man should not stop at it, but should proceed to gain what is more perfect. St. Paul did not speak against the baptism of John. Since it had been a baptism of repentance, that makes people admit their need for a Savior, who could forgive their sins, they should then receive Him, to whom John’s baptism referred. St. John the Baptist, although he was a great man, yet he was the friend of the Groom; whereas Jesus Christ was the heavenly Groom, who has the Bride. "And so "the baptism of repentance" was dealt with as if it were a candidate for the remission and sanctification shortly about to follow in Christ: for in that John used to preach "baptism for the remission of sins," the declaration was made with reference to future remission; if it be true, (as it is,) that repentance is antecedent, remission subsequent; and this is "preparing the way." But he who "prepares" does not himself "perfect," but procures for another to perfect" 3. The scholar Tertullian “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19: 5). 1Homilies on St. John . Hom. 17.2. 2Orthodox Faith, 4.9. 3 on Baptism, 10. 749 Having known the perfect truth, they did not argue with the apostle, but readily received baptism in the name of Jesus Christ on the spot. "Those who have received only John's baptism and have no knowledge of the Holy Spirit are baptized again, lest any should suppose that water unsanctified thereby could suffice for the salvation of either Jew or Gentile" 1. St. Jerome 3- The Holy Spirit coming upon them “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19: 6). After the baptism, the apostle laid his hands on them, most probably in the form of a cross, to grant them the secret of confirmation, through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit upon them. Then they got certain gifts, namely, speaking with tongues and prophesying. God probably allowed them to have those gifts, to confirm the distinction between John’s baptism, and that in the name of Jesus Christ that it is not a repetition of the day of the Pentecost, but an extension of that day, the activity of which is forever. God has established a doctrine that they could not at that time deny, that the Holy Spirit dwells in believers. This gift was proclaimed by God, when He granted the apostles and disciples to speak with tongues, together with the ability to interpret, so that no one could dare to deny the dwelling of the Holy Spirit upon them2.Ambrosiaster 4- His ministry in the synagogue “Now the men were about twelve in all.And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the Kingdom of God” (Acts 19: 7-8). As he used to do, he began his ministry in the Jewish synagogue, offering the gospel to them, with the hope of gathering the lost sheep of Israel, scattered on the mountains. In such doing, he followed the example of the Lord Christ, partaking of their worship like one of them. Hoping to persuade and gain any of them, He partook of their worship on the Sabbath days, until the church of the New Testament was set, and the believers could be transferred to worshipping on the day of the Lord. For the duration of three months, he debated them boldly and without despair, concentrating on the “Kingdom of God” that He sets in the hearts of men, to grant them the blessed life, and to make out of their depths an icon of heaven. He was correcting their concepts of the Kingdom of the Messiah, for whom they were waiting, that it is not a temporal earthly kingdom, but a heavenly spiritual one. He reasoned, namely, debated with them, presenting proofs from the Holy Book, responding to their objections, posing questions and receiving their answers. He did not seek their belief without thinking, but tried to convince them by logical reasons. The apostle tried to convince them that God’s Kingdom, He sets inside their hearts, is the enjoyment of His dwelling in them, As the Kingdom, in its essence, is an enjoyment of the Person of the Lord Jesus. 1 Letter 69 to Oceanus, 6. 2 Epis. To Galatians, 3.3.3. 750 The Holy Book says: “The word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Deut 30: 14). This is what the Savior gently referred to, that they should not seek something outside them, “Nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’, For indeed the Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17: 21) 1. The Kingdom of God, according to the word of our Lord and Savior, does not come through watching. It is clear that whoever prays for the coming of the Kingdom of God, is indeed praying for the Kingdom to be set and consummated inside him, to let him bear fruition2. The scholar Origen 5- His ministry in the school of Tyrannus “But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus” (Acts 19: 9). When some of them hardened their hearts and opposed the word of truth, despite his persistent effort along three months, he departed from the Jewish synagogue, and withdrew the disciple who believed, not out of despair, but lest those who have accepted the faith would be affected by the opponents. He intended to embrace them, to make them abide in faith, grow in spiritual knowledge, and so as not to stumble because of the persistent insults and attacks of the unbelievers. The word “reasoned” is accurately translated as “debated” through teaching and discussions. Some believe that the school of Tyrannus was a Jewish Theological institute, which they had beside the synagogues, especially in major cities, they used to call ‘Beth Marash’, namely, ‘a school’ or ‘house of research and seeking of knowledge through listening to lectures and discourses, that the Jews use to attend on the Sabbaths beside worshipping in the synagogues. We know nothing about the identity of Tyrannus, but he probably was a Jew who, not being an enemy to the Christian faith, allowed Paul to use a space in his school to teach his disciples. At that time, there were no churches; and the Christians used to assemble in any suitable location to worship and be taught. Some believe that it was a school of Philosophy owned by Tyrannus, who was probably an Elite person, or even the ruler of the city. Paul’s withdrawal from the synagogue was not only to protect his disciples from offenses, but to give himself the chance to encounter with them on a daily basis, and not once a week, on the Sabbath. It also opened the door of faith before many. In the Jewish synagogue, it was possible for only the Jews and the proselytes to attend; whereas in the school, it was open before both the Jews and the Gentiles, as the doors of evangelic wisdom was open before all mankind. “And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19: 10). The apostle Paul kept on preaching and debating for two years in that school, that many Jews and Greeks from different countries in Asia heard about it, and came to listen to the apostle. During that period, churches in Colossea, Laudicea, and Hierapolis were 1 Comm. on John, 19.77. 2 on Prayer, 25.1. 751 established (Col 2: 1, 4.13), and probably other churches in Asia Minor mentioned in the book of Revelation (Rev 2: 3). Many people who used to come to Ephesus, having been the capital of Asia, for worship, trade, education, or justice, hearing about the apostle Paul, got interested to hear him. So the people sitting in the darkness saw the light of the sun of righteousness, our Lord Jesus, who shines on them. 6- Unusual miracles “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul” (Acts 19: 11). God confirmed the preaching and teachings of the apostle Paul, by working signs and miracles. We did not hear of any signs done by the apostle Paul, since that of casting out the evil spirit from the diviner in Philippi, No mention of any done in Theealonica, Perea or Athens. Has he done any sign, not recorded by the evangelist St. Luke? In most cases, wherever the word of the gospel prevailed, there was no need for working signs; whereas when there is strong opposition, God supports the work by signs. When, in Ephesus, there were strong opposition and insults from the Jews and the Gentiles, “God allowed for unusual miracles by the hands of Paul”. We should also not disregard that St. Paul was not preoccupied with recording all the signs and miracles, According to him, “Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds” (2 Cor 12: 12). Yet the evangelist St. Luke did not mention any miracles done by the apostle Paul there. Because of the circumstances that prevailed in Ephesus, God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, not done by other apostles. “So that even hand kerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them” (Acts 19: 12). When the devil strongly worked through the might of Artamis, God supported His church by working unusual miracles by the hands of the apostle Paul, that “the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified” (Acts 19: 17). “And many of those who had practiced magic, brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver (Acts 19: 19-20). And the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly magnified. As much as the forces of darkness prevailed on Ephesus, God worked strongly to draw even the magicians themselves to faith. It was not the apostle Paul who was doing those unusual miracles, but he was the holy tool used by God, And according to him: “Who is Paul? And who is Apollos?” God, not only sanctified his body, but even the handkerchiefs and aprons brought from his weak body did miracles to the sick and those with evil spirits. In that manner, the Lord realized His promise to His disciples, that they would do greater miracles than those He did (but in His name), and that “He gave them power over the unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease” (Matt 10: 1). The Word became a body, to change our body into Spirit and to sanctify the whole body with Him, as in Him the firstfruits were sanctified1. St. Gregory of Nyssa 1 Contra Eunomius, 4 PG 45.637AB. 752 7- The exorcist sons of Sceva “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches” (Acts 19: 13). Here the evangelist St. Luke mentions an example of the impact of the ministry of St. Paul in Ephesus. Some of the exorcists, who used to go around in Ephesus claiming their ability to cast out demons, thought that they could practice their work by the power of the name of Jesus preached by St. Paul. Those Jews, who saw the unusual powers granted to Paul, instead of believing, intended to use the power of that name in doing their magic. The Greek word translated as ‘itinerant’ refers to some evil jobless and homeless person who goes around, performing magic, and claiming the ability to cast out evil spirits, by adjuring him by the name of God. “There were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so” (Acts 19: 14). "See the villainy of the men! They still continued to be Jews, while wishing to make a gain of that Name. All that they did was for glory and profit" 1. St. John Chrysostom The word ‘Sceva’ is Greek, and no priest was ever known by that name. And even if he was a chief priest, what was he doing in Ephesus? That is why some believe that he proclaimed himself, or was proclaimed by some Jews as chief priest, Whereas some others believe that he probably descended from the priestly family of Aaron, or was a member of the Sanhedrim, and departed from Jerusalem to dwell in Ephesus, or was wondering together with his sons from town to town as servants of the devil, claiming the ability to cast out demons, and to perform magic. This fiction, according to the Historian Josephus, spread among the Jews, after king Solomon wrote down certain words to be used to heal sicknesses and cast out demons2. The Lord Christ was probably referring to those people in (Matt 12: 27). It is indeed grievous to see that the tribe, sanctified by God for His service, and the house of Aaron, He dedicated as His priests, turned out to provide ministers for the devil, practicing magic and divination in the name of God Himself, yet not as reverence to Him, or as faith in His might, but for the sake of this satanic deed. That is why the apostle cries out, “What fellowship is there between God and Bileal?” We should not marvel to see the devil and his hosts, showing at times a sort of zeal for the name of God, Yet what they intend in all circumstances is to destroy the salvation of men. That is why the Lord Christ and His apostles did not accept their testimony, even when they looked genuine. If we oppose the devil by the Spirit of truth and the living faith, through our covenant with God, we shall certainly destroy him. But if we count that we destroy him by apparently saying the name of God, he will overcome us, and inflict serious wounds on our souls, and will reveal our inner nakedness of God’s grace. The secret of our conquest over the devil lies, not in uttering the name of Jesus, without living with Him by His grace. That is why Father Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus 1Hom. On Acts. Hom. 41. 2 Josephus. Antiq. 8.45-46. 753 says that after proclaiming the enemy, Paul referred to the Savior (Rom 6: 20). Those who gain the grace of God would never be defeated1. May God grant you conquest, not outwardly, over your enemy, but inwardly, over yourselves. Do not ever fear the enemy who comes from outside, for if you conquer yourself, you would be a conqueror of the whole world. St. Augustine The devil is called mighty, yet on no account of being so by nature, but in reference to the power he has because of our weakness2. St. John Chrysostom “And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?’” (Acts 19: 15). The evil spirits realized that those people were doing that, not out of faith in Jesus Christ’s power to save and to grant the Kingdom, but as an abuse of this name, for although they adjure by Jesus’ name, they do not carry its power. The evil spirit in saying: “Who are you?” he means, ‘What is your power? Since you do not belong to Jesus, or realize the capabilities of Paul who preaches His name, you have no right to do signs in His name’. It is obvious that the unclean spirits would never find their ways in the bodies of those they possess, unless they first reign over their minds and thoughts, to deprive them of the fear of God, remembering and contemplating in Him. They would then, dare to approach them as someone with no divine protection, to shackle them, and find a convenient abode in them, as though they are have a legitimate right over them3. Abbot Serenus “Then the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded” (Acts 19: 16). "The power of the demons is shown to be a great one, when it is against unbelievers. For why did he not say, "Who is Jesus?" He was afraid, lest he also should suffer punishment; but, that it might be permitted him to take revenge upon those who mocked him, he did this; "Jesus," says he, "I know," etc. He was in dread of Paul. For why did not those wretched men say to him, we believe?" 4. St. John Chrysostom “This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus, and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified” (Acts 19: 17). The evil spirit did not intend to glorify God, but found a chance to harm the seven sons; yet the good Lord turned that incident for the edification of the church, as the fear of God fell on all the Jews and Gentiles who dwelt in Ephesus, and His name was greatly magnified before many. The true fear of God is born of true faith, 1 Interpretation of Rom. 16.20. 2 In Matt. Hom 41. 3 John Cassian's councils with the illustrious desert fathers. 4Hom. On Acts. Hom. 41. 754 As he, who truly believes, would fear Him in whom he believes. Faith is born out of natural simplicity, And is kept and abides as well by this simplicity. Simplicity keeps faith sound. And the fear of God keeps the commands of God1. Let us speak of the fear of God through a mind that fears Him. He does not intend to approach this subject, in order to parade philosophical thoughts, or to partake of dry mental debate, But, guided by the fear of God, he enters, as though, into sanctities, to deal with the relationship between God and men, as a life lived by the fathers, and handed over to his generation. It is as though he says: ‘Do you wish to recognize the fear of God? Seek that fear from the Lord, to enter with your holy thought into the depth of your soul, to discover the amazing work of God in me and in you’. He does not wish for the fear of debates and words, but for that of the experience of the living Spirit. The human mind is a gift from God to man, Yet it needs to enter into the circle of the fear of God, to guide him like a little kid in the care of his father and mother, to walk with it, in order to recognize the secrets of life, to practice, grow, and mature2. St. Felixone, bishop of Mpeg “And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds” (Acts 19: 18). Many of those who believed and were baptized might have probably hid some of their sins, and did not present serious penitence, and were terrified by that incident. It is not enough to abide to the name of the Lord Jesus, but they should respond by the work of His holy Spirit, and walk according to the new covenant to which they became committed. Those came in the fear of God, confessing everything in their depths. Thus, that incident turned into a repentance of many, and their confession to the apostles and the disciples; it drew as well, many unbelievers to the living faith. “Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver” (Acts 19: 19). 8- Burning the books of magic Many of those who practiced magic realized the weakness of the devil and all his hosts before the name of the Lord Jesus, when it comes from a heart with fellowship with Him, and from a soul sanctified to Him. In complete seriousness, many of those brought together their books of magic, and burned them in the sight of all, totally disregarding their costs. Having practiced their magic publicly, they burned their books of magic the same way, proclaiming their repentance and confessing their sins. They offered their whole treasures – their costly books of magic, to confirm their firm resolution not to resume their evil practices. What they counted as the source of their living and riches became in their sight valueless, and even into something like a disease they wished to get rid of. That open burning of the books of magic was probably an expression of joy for the conquest over the devil, and for the salvation by the Lord Christ. 1 Sermon 6.162. 2 Sermon 6.159. 755 “So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (Acts 19: 20). While the works of the devil, demonstrated in the works of magic, were being destroyed, the word of God mightily grew and prevailed, as the believers realized new depths of the word, and new believers were drawn to enjoy it. 9- A commotion in Ephesus “When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome’” (Acts 19: 21). It was the desire of Paul’s heart as the apostle to the Gentiles, to testify to his Christ in Rome, the capital of the Gentile world at that time. God put it in his heart. He planned to visit the churches in Macedonia, Achaia, and in particular those in Philippi and Corinth, the main cities in those two states. He intended to visit the churches he planted to see how much God worked in their lives. He planned as well to go to Jerusalem, to bring the joy to the brethren there about the work of God among the Gentiles, and also to present the gifts of the churches to the poor of Jerusalem. And from there, he planned to go to Rome, on his way to Spain (Rom 15: 24-28). “So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time” (Acts 19: 22). Timothy was the suitable man to send to Macedonia, having been there together with the apostle Paul, when he established its church (Acts 16: 3, 17: 14). Erastus, the treasurer of the city (Rom 16: 23), was the suitable man to send with Timothy, for the mission of fund collecting for the poor of Jerusalem. “He stayed in Asia for a time”, to prepare for the collection for the poor, in St. Luke's company. “And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way” (Acts 19: 23). Paul took a quick decision to depart from Ephesus, where a great commotion took place about the Christian faith and teachings he preached. Ephesus was the center of the worship of the great goddess Artamis (called ‘Diana’ in Latin), counted as the mother goddess of Asia Minor, known also as ‘Cybele’. The temple of Diana was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. “For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen” (Acts 19: 24). Those small shrines, with statues of wood or precious stones, were hanged around the necks of believers, for protection, with a side door that keeps the goddess inside1. As that industry, which has been very profitable, was threatened by destruction because of the success of the apostle Paul's ministry, a certain silversmith called Demetrius called for a meeting for the craftsmen of that industry, to draw their attention to the danger facing them. That custom of hanging little statues of gods and goddesses, placed in boxes of wood, iron, or silver, well known among the heathens including the Romans, and was referred to in (Gen 31: 19), when Rachel stole the statues of her father Laban; In (Judg 17: 5), about Micah, who had a shrine and household idols; And in (1 Sam 19: 13; Hos 3: 4). 1 James N. Freeman. Manners and Customs of the Bible. N.J, p. 448. 756 Artamis Was one of twelve most famous gods, called in heaven, ‘Luna’ or ‘Meui’, meaning (Moon), On earth called ‘Artamis’ or ‘Diana’, and in hell, called ‘Hecate’. She used to have a crescent on her hand, to wear hunting attire, to be portrayed with three faces, and to hold tools of torture. Considered to be the goddess of hunting, she was worshipped through several names, like ‘Proserpine’, ‘Triavia’, etc. She was often portrayed with multiple breasts, as a reference to being the source of blessings that she grants to everyone according to his needs, and was worshipped in Egypt, Athens, Celicia, and several other nations, with the main center in Ephesus. “He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: ‘Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade’” (Acts 19: 25). Demetrius did not resort to rulers or judges, but to the craftsmen, who were only preoccupied with material profits. An easy way to profit and even to wealth has always been to abuse religion. “Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands” (Acts 19: 26). It was said that there were 33 centers of worship to the goddess Artamis. That was a testimony by the heathens themselves about the success of Paul’s ministry all over Asia Minor. “So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship” (Acts 19: 27). Here, Demetrius explains the extent of damage that would come to them, as the spread of faith would certainly end up in closing their shops, and abolishing their industry, beside the great insult of accusing them of worshipping vain gods. And in order to provoke their religious prestige, he proclaims to them that those preachers despise the gods worshipped in all Asia and the world. The preaching of the apostle Paul was causing them the following serious losses: (1) Loss of their source of income, making them prone to poverty and need. (2) Loss of their prestige, as workers to the account of vain gods, which is far worse than the material loss. (3) Slandering the image of the great goddess Artamis, worshipped by the whole world, something unbearable. “And when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, ‘Great is Diana of the Ephesians’” (Acts 19: 28). Finding no real cause to accuse and kill the apostle Paul and his companions, they arose a great public riot and commotion. “So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions” (Acts 19: 29). The mob seized Gaius, of Derbe (Acts 20: 4), and Aristarchus, referred to in Acts 20: 4; Col 4: 10, with a single charge, being Paul’s travel companions. They probably had the intention of offering them to the wild beasts in the theater, the site of public assemblies, and trials, and where the convicted are offered to the wild beasts. “And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him” (Acts 19: 30). 757 Paul’s first reaction to that public riot was to flee, But when he saw that they seized his companions, he wanted to surrender himself to the mob, to save their life out of his love for them; but his disciples seized him and kept him from doing that, as though they said to him what king David’s servants did, that he was worth ten thousands of them (2 Sam 18: 3). The apostle Paul probably intended by going in to the mob, to talk to them defending himself and his companions, or to use the chance to testify to the gospel. “Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater” (Acts 19: 31). Those officials of Asia ‘Asiarchae’ were leaders responsible for supervising religious services and public festivals held on the honor of the gods and the Roman Emperor, on public occasions. Their role was ‘para-religious’. They were sometimes called ‘priests’ with priestly duties. Each year, ten of the elite personalities in the great cities were chosen for those positions, after the approval of Rome, and could be reelected for a second term. They used to hold an assembly in the main cities of the state, like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Sardes, etc. to discuss their affairs. They were usually very rich persons, as those festivals were very expensive to run, and they were committed to bear the expenses. They used to wear purple attire, and crowns over their heads. Whether they worked together, or one of them was the head, helped by the others, is not clear1. During that time of riot, the assembly was in session, they must have heard the sermons of the apostle Paul, loved him, and became his friends, although not necessarily converted to Christianity. To defend him, they had to absorb the wrath of the mob, to save the apostle and his companions. Some believe that that assembly was formed of an acting chief beside former chiefs, meeting together to consult them and benefit from their past experience. The disciples of the apostle and those officials saw that surrendering to the mob would certainly incite the situation the more, and he might be treated with extreme violence, and probably killed. They saw that he should wait until they can calm down the riot, and have the chance to hold a legal court of justice. “Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together” (Acts 19: 32). Some of them cried out seeking to have all the Jews killed; and others, to have Paul and his companions killed; but the great majority of them did not know why they came together. “And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people” (Acts 19: 33). Feeling that they were in great danger, as many among the multitudes could not distinguish between the Jews as a whole and the apostle Paul, the Jews put Alexander forward to try to calm them down. Grotius believes that that Alexander was the coppersmith who did Paul much harm (2 Tim 4: 14); although other scholars do not agree to this. When he confronted the multitude, they realized that he was a Jew, who stood not only to defend himself, but all the Jews. “But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, ‘Great is Diana of the Ephesians” (Acts 19: 34). 1 James N. Freeman. Manners and Customs of the Bible. N.J, p. 450. 758 Considering the Christians as a Jewish sect, the multitude intended to mute Alexander. “And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, ‘Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus” (Acts 19: 35). That city clerk, or the secretary of the city council, had to be of high culture and legal knowledge (2 Sam 8: 17; Ezra 7: 11, 6-12; Matt 5: 20, 12: 38, 13: 52, 15: 1, 23: 34; 1 Cor 1: 20). He talked to them in a way that quieted them down, confirming that the great goddess Diana, who fell down from heaven, could not be destroyed by a tiny group of Jews, rebuking them for their unfitting fear for the greatness of Diana. “Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly” (Acts 19: 36). He confirms to them that, since an evil minority of the Jews could not possibly quench the zeal of the Ephesians to worship Artamis, therefore there is no justification of that riot that actually shows their worship as weak and vulnerable. “For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess” (Acts 19: 37). He says that, although those men are preaching against worshipping idols, yet they did not force anyone to adopt their doctrine by violence, but used peaceful debates. “Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellows have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly” (Acts 19: 38-39). Every party could have its day in court wisely and peacefully, and the Roman proconsuls are ready to listen to all. Author assures them that if there were any other complaints, judiciary willing to listen to a forum, not legitimate uproar and revolution, in order to achieve justice and law enforcement. “For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering” (Acts 19: 40). Here, the clerk clarifies that such uproar does harm to the reputation of the city in Rome, as it is both disorderly and disregards the sound legal procedures. He also drew their attention to the fact that whoever takes part in such riot would fall under the Roman law, and could be executed. “And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly” (Acts 19: 41). As many feared of being arrested and judged for participating in such a riot, they withdrew; and the whole gathering followed. 759 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS 19 THE DEFEAT OF THE DEVIL IN EPHESUS You have granted Your apostle Paul the joyful spirit of hope. He was not shaken by the consistent troubles. He entered into Ephesus as though into a lion’s den. He was aware that tribulations were waiting for him; Yet he also realized that Your grace grants unlimited comforts. He drew many to receive baptism in your name. And laying his hands on them, Your Holy Spirit dwelt on them. Through gaining the seal of the Spirit, they came into Your possession. Through gaining the royal seal, they became kings. Through carrying Your features, no enemy could approach them. The apostle Paul was expelled out of the synagogue; By which he enjoyed your company out of the camp; As though he accompanied You on the way to Calvary, to be crucified together with You. He was expelled out of the Synagogue, where You found no place for Your head. He set forth to minister among the Gentiles, Supported by Your grace, by exalted miracles. The powers of the devil have been destroyed. The sons of Sceva thought that there is magic in Your name. And in Your name, they assumed that they could cast out demons. How could they cast out the devil from others, When he dwelt in them? How could they use Your name, preached by Your apostle, Without enjoying Your grace? The devil was utterly exposed, For the magicians to realize his weakness. They brought their books of magic together and burnt them, To have the fires of the Holy Spirit working in them. They treaded on the forces of darkness, As the light of Your righteousness shined upon them. The enemy provoked his followers: Demetrius the silversmith assumed that he could get rid of Your ambassadors, The love of silver blinded his eyes. He claimed that he was defending his goddess Artamis. But Your mighty arm always supports Your ministers. Glory be to You, O Heavenly Lord!
Welcome