" 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. 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.
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.
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. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. 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.
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. 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 enquire 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.
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. " Acts 19:23-41, Acts 20:1-4
The fact that the Spirit of the LORD is present in some measure in all peoples, is not a fact remarked upon by many preachers. Genesis clearly says, that it is the Spirit of the LORD that was breathed into the clay of man, wherewith which man became a living soul. Furthermore, the capacity to discern between Good & Evil, Charity & True Religion, Lawfulness and Lawlessness, is not confined to the church or Bible-believing persons alone. Time and time again in the Word, we are shown people exercising Faith, Judgment, and Wisdom, that far supersedes the practice of Jewish/Christian theology or believers.
Pilate rightly found no fault in Jesus. The Roman Centurion that would have Jesus just speak a word to heal his servant, knew more about his authority than the chief Priest. The Syro-phoenician women persisted in her petitions even after being REBUFFED by Jesus. Cornelius charity to the poor, moved God to show Peter and the early church that His Spirit would fall upon unbelievers as well!
So it is with a humble townclerk in Ephesus, who is not even named, who renders a judgment worthy of Solomon at the uproar caused by one person (Demetrius) , who rightly perceived Christianity as being a threat to the pagan worship of Diana! The manner in which he acted upon this threat however, was to incite a riot, which ran contrary to the Law, and the civic regulations of the Town of Ephesus! He looked at the record of Paul and the church, and rightly held that they were not guilty of any CRIMINAL activity, neither were they the defendants in any CIVIL lawsuits against them! He rightly admonishes the crowd to bring up their grievances via legal channels, which has the effect of throwing cold water on the whole riot!!!
In this, this town clerk, is the honorable company of Gallio, the deputy of Corinth, who we have seen in a previous similar situation, say exactly the same thing.... address your issues via legal means, riots are NOT the answer! What a wonderful message and application for us today!
Paul reaffirms this principle in his letter to Titus...
"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. " - Titus 3:1-2,8
The Christian witness is to be a Law abiding citizen -- to the Law of God, and the Laws of the country or province where they reside! If there are issues of the latter, as pertaining to the former, those should be addressed via legal means and petitions, not by disobedience or rioting!
Paul departs from Ephesus, going to Macedonia, and after spending some time there, he goes to Greece ( probably Berea &Thessalonica judging from the named travel companions above ), staying there for three months, before the familiar opposition from his own community forces him to return back via Macedonia.
We will see his adventures continue in our next episode!
