Paul’s lengthy and fruitful ministry in Ephesus and the surrounding province of Asia resulted in many turning from evil practices and idolatry to disciples of the Lord Jesus. As it says in Acts 19:20 – “So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.” As a result, a group of tradesmen whose businesses were connected with the very popular temple of the goddess Artemis felt that their livelihoods were being threatened by the turning away of many to the Christian faith. They were able to rouse many against Paul and his movement and proceeded to plunge the city of Ephesus into confusion – even rioting for the cause of Artemis, and abducted some of Paul’s companions. Thankfully the city administrator was able to calm and eventually disperse the rioting.
Two things come to mind as I consider this scene. One is that a similar scene has and is occurring in various places around the world where the gospel has made notable inroads into areas where other religious and/or idolatrous practices had long held sway. Often the result has been rioting, violence against Christians, and confusion where large numbers of people gather against the believers and even begin shouting for a cause, although as described in verse 32: “the assembly was in confusion, and the majority did not know for what cause they had come together.” The rioting and lawlessness in U.S. cities that has emerged over the past 8 years has had many of the same characteristics, although too often the city administrators have encouraged the unrest rather than oppose it. Some of it is a war against the truth and righteousness, as for example, demonstrators threatening Supreme Court justices and others who take a stand against abortion or against corruption. And that’s the second thing that comes to mind. If people are going to rail and riot against truth and righteousness, would that it be because there is a notable advance of the gospel in our land where large numbers turn from evil practices and idolatry to become disciples of the Lord Jesus. We can live and pray in the Spirit and proclaim His Word to that end, and trust in our sovereign, all-powerful God for the result.