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Bible Study Series: Exposition on the Book of Acts Chapter 20:1-12...Paul's 3rd Missionary Journey Continues: Ministering In Greece and Troas: "Miracle on Communion Sunday"

6/9/2016

Acts 20:1-13: Ministering in Greece

After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia — also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Ministering at Troas
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. (NKJV)

Bible Study Outline: Exposition on the Book of Acts Chapter 20:1-12
(part one)
Paul’s Exit from Ephesus on route to Greece

Introduction:
Now that the uproar that occurred in Ephesus has been brought to rest and the crowd has begun to disperse, Paul is preparing to leave Ephesus and exhort many of the cities he evangelized beforehand. He gathers the disciples together to encourage them to keep the faith and continue the work there in Ephesus and now depart from them toward Macedonia.

Paul: Moving On From Ephesus to Greece                       (verses 1-6)
The uproar created by Demetrius may have contributed in Paul’s decision to leave Ephesus sooner than he had originally intended. According to 1 Corinthians 16:8, he had written to the Corinthians that he should leave that place after Pentecost. Nevertheless, Paul now leaves Ephesus and revisits many of the cities he previously evangelized and shared the gospel.
(vs. 1)

He finally reaches Macedonia. (Greece) Concerning Macedonia (Greece) Paul informs us in 2 Corinthians 7:5- 7 that in Macedonia, he had suffered much from both sides: “infidels” and “believers” He describes the dilemma this way: “fighting on the outside” (infidels) and “fear on the inside”. Paul was comforted when Titus arrived from Corinth with a “flattering” report on the growth condition of the Church of Corinth. A short time later, according to 2 Corinthians 8:16-17, Paul while staying in Macedonia sends Titus back to Corinth with the second letter he wrote to the Corinthian church. (2 Corinthians). A little later in keeping a promise he made to them, Paul himself revisits Corinth for the third time and stayed there 3 months. It is also believed that while he was in Corinth, he also wrote the church letter to the Romans (Book of Romans) (vs.2)

After being there 3 months. Paul was to travel to Syria on route towards Jerusalem, but got word the Judaizers were looking to possibly ambush him when he boarded the ship and execute him, so he chose to travel by land, the same way he had traveled to Greece. (vs.3)

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. (vs. 4)

Footnote: At some point Paul would send Tychicus to Colosse with the letter he wrote to the church of the Colossians.
All 7 men mentioned in verse 4 taried with Paul at Troas. Scholars say Tychicus and Tromphimus went ahead of the others to Troas. After celebrating Passover and in keeping with the laws governing Passover, they ate unleavened bread for 7 days, then in five days, they again arrived in Troas where this time, they stayed there for 7 days. (vs. 5-6)

Sunday Morning: Paul Preaches and Revives a young man: Eutychus (versus 7- 12)
The disciples and Paul came together on that Sunday and both had church and communion. Here it is clear the group had worship on Sunday and not on Saturday. The purpose of putting emphasis on this fact is to show the significance of “Sunday morning” as it relates to the day the church held worship services, compared to when the synagogue (temple) held services on the sabbath (Saturday) and how throughout both old and new testaments. Sunday has always has a significant role in God’s movement. beyond justifying why we worship on Sunday. There are 13 Bible based and back reason why we worship on Sunday:

Here are thirteen reasons why Christians keep Sunday as our “primary” worship day (Acts 20:7)

a. We worship on Sunday to commemorate the resurrection and the finished work of Christ in His victory over death, hell, and the grave (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:9; John 20:1). The whole basis of the Christian faith is based on what happened early Sunday morning: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We serve a “risen” savior one who is alive and has all power!

b. The Lord's manifestations to His disciples were on Sunday (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:9; John 20:1, 19, 26).

c. Christ ignored completely the old Jewish sabbath. The first day is the prominent day after the resurrection (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:9; John 20:1,19, 26).

d. The outpouring of the Holy Ghost came on Sunday in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost. Pentecost was the first day after seven Jewish sabbaths (Acts 2:1; Leviticus 23:15-21). Thus, both Christ and the Holy Spirit manifested themselves to the church on this day, completely ignoring the Jewish sabbath.

e. Neither Christ nor any apostle commanded to keep the old Jewish sabbath, or any other day, but did command all people not to be bound by any particular day (Romans 14:5-6; Galatians 5:9-11; Colossians 2:14-17). In regards to sin, sin is sin whenever committed. It is transgression of the law that constitutes sin (1 John 3:4), not the day in which it is done. Anything sinful Saturday or Sunday is sinful on every other day. If it is not sinful on Monday, Tuesday, etc., it is not sinful on Sunday. It’s important to know why we worship on the 1 day of the week. (public corporate worship) but it also equally important to know that you can worship God each and every day and if fact, you should.

f. In the new covenant, no set day is commanded to be the sabbath as in the old covenant which was abolished. They did keep Sunday as their day of worship (Matt 28:1; Mark 16:9; John 20:1,19,26; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10).

g. Typology of the old covenant made Sunday a day of worship:

h. The Jewish sabbath was a changeable sabbath, changing at Pentecost every year to one day later until each day of the week was observed every seven years. Pentecost was the first day after the seventh sabbath (see notes, Levicus 23:15-21 and point 4, above).

I. The feast of first fruits came on Sunday, typifying the resurrection (Leviticus 23:9-14; Matthew 28:1; John 20:1).

j. The feasts of unleavened bread and tabernacles also were observed at least one Sunday and perhaps two, being seven and eight days long (Leviticus 23:6-36).

k. God honored Sunday by giving the law on that day (cp. Exodus 19:1,3,11 with Leviticus 23:3-6; Exodus 12:2-18).

l. God again honored Sunday when giving the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:10).

m. Constantine and the Pope did not change the sabbath, 321 A.D. and 364 A.D. Sunday was the Christian Sabbath long before Constantine became emporer.. As a result, it is clear that many religious services were held on Sundays as well as on Saturday and other days

Questions....Questions....Questions....
Question:   Why did Paul preach so long?
Paul was about to leave them on the next day, probably to see them no more, was the principal reason why his discourse was so long. Obviously, Paul poured out his heart to them and knew on some level it was a strong possibility he would never see them again. We don’t know if Paul preached non-stop except when the young man Eutychus fell out of the window, Paul temporarily stopped preaching.

Useful example: The situation proves that from time to time worship services may run longer for legitimate reasons. Depending on the move of the Holy Spirit some services might run a little longer and the minister sharing the WORD may become what we called a little “long-winded.” It simply shouldn’t be all the time.
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. (vs. 8)

Question:    What’s the significance of mentioning the many lights in the upper chamber?

There was a slanderous rumor going around that the reason the Christians always extinguished all lighting in their assemblies was because they were doing things in the dark that was not “kosher” but acts of abominations.
Scholars deduce that the mentioning of the number of lights on in the upper chamber intimated that that upper chamber where they was a place of public worship /and or devotion, because both the Jews, and the Gentiles were accustomed to have many lights burning in such places. This act quelled such rumors.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. (vs. 9)

Question: Why was the “3rd story” window open and why would you allow a child to sit in a window that was not on the ground floor?

The window was left open, probably to avoid the malice and lying accusation of their enemies, who might be compelled with accusing them with holding their assemblies in darkness again for purposes of iniquity. The window was probably a mere opening in the wall to let in light, as glass was not common at that time. As the shutters of the window were not closed, there was nothing to prevent Eutychus from falling down. 3 stories to his death.

Rumor: Some have supposed that he was merely stunned with the fall, and that he was still alive. But the term “taken up dead meant he died from the fall. And what Paul did in response was miraculous. He was actually killed by the fall, and was miraculously restored to life.

Concerning sleeping in worship services:

This example in the Bible is an instance of sleeping in public worship that has some legitimate excuse. Here are the factors: The lateness of hour of the night, and the length of the services, were the excuse.
But….WHAT ABOUT NOWADAYS, outside a person having a sleep disorder or suffering from legitimate fatigue from a long grueling work day, or even battling demonic affliction throughout the course of a night that prevents them from getting little or no rest?

Outside of those reasons mentioned……There is no excuse! The truth is, most of the time many sleepers in worship services stayed out all night long partying, clubbing or involved in illicit situations that went on throughout the night and lapsed over into early Sunday morning. The 3 examples I cited earlier of legitimate reasons doesn't happen that often.

Even though sleeping in the worship service happens a lot these days, oftentimes somebody within the congregation is always ready to furnish the sleeper in a church with an invalid excuse for it. Here are some of the most common excuses: The sermon was too long. The preacher didn't hoop or holler. the choir singing was not anointed and my favorite lead singer didn't sing today. There was no life in the whole service because so body would say amen to anything the preacher had to say..

Message: No practice is more shameful, disrespectful, and abominable than that so common of sleeping in the house of God.

Eutychus raised from the dead
And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.    (vs. 10)
Probably stretching himself on him the same way Elisha did on the Shunammite's son in 2 Kings 4:33-35. It was an act of tenderness and compassion, showing that Paul had a strong desire to restore him to life.

Paul’s response to the people: Trouble not yourselves. They would doubtless be thrown into a great commotion and highly upset by such an event. Paul wanted to help to compose their minds by the assurance that he would live.
For his life is in him] He is restored to life. This has all the appearance of having been a miracle. Life was restored to him as Paul spoke.
When he therefore was come up again, (talking about Paul to the upper room) and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. That is Paul came up and got something to eat. (vs. 11)
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. (vs. 12)

The people were overjoyed by the fact that he was alive; perhaps also strengthened by the evidence that a miracle had been performed.

Dr. William Edward Boddie

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Bible Study Series: Exposition on the Book of Acts Chapter 19:23-41: Paul's 3rd Missionary Journey: Ephesus...."An Uproar in Ephesus (Part 3)

6/2/2016

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Acts 19:21-41
The End of Paul's 3rd Missionary Journey
"A Riot at 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." So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 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. 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."

Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" 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. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 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. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. 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!"

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? Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 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." And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. (NKJV)

Bible Study Outline: Exposition on the Book of Acts Chapter 19:23- 41
(Part 3) Paul’s 3rd Missionary Journey: Ephesus…. “An Uproar In Ephesus”

Introduction:
As we prepare to close out this powerful 19th chapter of Acts, let’s do a quick review of what the Holy Spirit did in Ephesus through God’s called Apostle Paul.

1.     First, 12 men, disciples who followed the teachings of John the Baptist were converted and after hearing the gospel message and realizing that the Messiah that they were waiting to come had already come in the person of Jesus Christ began to prophesy (proclaim) the Word of God.

2.     Then Paul, (doing what he normally did when he went into a new city) went into the Jewish temple to reason with the Jews who worshipped there continued to be met with fierce opposition concerning the gospel message of Jesus Christ from both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. However, there were some Jews and many Gentiles in Ephesus’ synagogue who did accept the gospel and were converted.

3.     Paul responding to the fierce opposition did something he had not done previously at other temples. This time Paul gathered all of the new converts and removed them from the synagogue and separates the new church from the synagogue. Holding services in the School of Tyrannus, he continued to teach and reason with other Jews and Gentile who traveled to Ephesus, He did this for 2 years.

4.     God blessed Ephesus with special miracles by using handkerchiefs and aprons Paul used for personal reasons and healed many of the sick and removed evil spirits from those whom had evil spirits.

From the 13th verse, certain vagabond Jews, 7 of them who were sons of a Jewish chief priest name Screva pretended to be exorcists, unsuccessfully attempted to cast out a demon in a man possessed while in his house.

They were met with the discovery that the demon not only knew who they were, but knew that they didn’t possess the Holy Spirit not the gift of casting out demons. Enraged and filled with violence, the demon possessed man beat them up, so badly, he tore off their clothes and they, all 7 of them ran from his house naked and wounded.

5.   When the word of their fate reach the public, causing much fear, miraculously it started a great evangelistic harvest, for it did 5 things as the result of the fear the news concerning the 7 sons of Screva caused.

A.   God’s name was greatly glorified in Ephesus.
B.    Many of the people who were practitioners of witchcraft and other “curious” demonic arts got converted after confession of their gross sinning.
C.   They completely turned away from their evil practices brought all of the books and charms used in their evil craft and burned all of it as not to pass them on to someone who may have wanted to remain in the craft.
D.   They also publicly revealed how they did the things to bewitch the public. Someone took it upon themselves to find out how much money was spent in buying all the books and charms they used and priced all the burned material at 50,000 pieces of silver, which for that time frame in history was a great amount of money.
E.    The WORD of God (the Gospel Message) grew and prevailed in Ephesus. After such a great conversion experience taking place in Ephesus, Paul purposed in his spirit to go back to Jerusalem before he was to ultimately go to Rome.

Paul’s Preaching and Miracles worked by God:         “The Aftermath”
(verses 23-27)

a.     A “Great Commotion” Meeting of the Silversmiths    (vs. 24-27)
Demetrius, a silversmith and one who made shrines (idols for a specific god or goddess) apparently called this meeting to voice his disdain for what the Gospel and the conversion of the people was doing to their money making profession. Here’s what he pointed out to the crowd: (vs. 25-28)
1.     We all made our money by this craft (selling idols) This is our occupation. This is a lucrative business and we depend on people buying these idols.
2.     Not only here but everywhere else THIS PAUL and THIS GOSPEL PREACHING is putting us out of business everywhere it’s been preached. Paul is telling everybody there are no gods made by hands.
3.     Not only is our craft in danger of destruction, but the temple of our great goddess Diana should be despised and her magnificence is broken to whom all of Asia and the world (as they knew it) worships.

Important: When the WORD of God is preached and when it Prevails.......Four Major effects of Pure Religion (Christianity) will have in “Communities and on “Commerce” (Economics
a.      When the WORD of God prevail, it destroys (puts out of business) many kinds of businesses people now patronize. It would put an end to all businesses that caters to the pride, vanity, luxury, vices, and selfish ambition of people.
b.     When God’s WORD prevails, wars cease, and peace breaks out in “war-torn” lands. God’s WORD makes all the preparations for war which drafts so many hearts and hands into mortal combat useless.. It makes war mongers lay down their weapons of mass destruction and turn their spears into plow sheds.
c.     When God’s WORD prevail liquor stores are closed down and crack houses are boarded up….meekness and temperance prevails in a once violent society…the only things that would be distilled is water and vinegar.

d.     When God’s word prevails: licentiousness would cease…No more "Gentlemen’s" clubs…No more Astoreth (dancing poles). pimps and prostitutes will be gone..

Here’s a Literal truth:
The effect of pure religion (Christianity) often exposes and brings certain immoral and unmoral jobs that people are employed in into shame and contempt. The WORD of God pours shame on those who are engaged in ministering to the vices and luxuries of the world. Pure and undefiled religion reveals the evil of such a course of life, and those vices are banished by the mere prevalence of better principles. Yet, the talents and money that these industries lose is not really lost….It is transformed to other business and other jobs. God’s WORD does not make you idle. HIS Word causes people to devote their talents to useful employments, and opens fields in which all apply their talents and labor to become useful to themselves and to their fellow-men.
In other words: the once useless in the eyes of God has now become useful through redemption by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The Crowd reaction: Wrath in fullest                               (vs. 28-31)

Being full of wrath cried out: “Great is Diana of the Ephesians”   (vs. 28)
The purpose of the outcry of this clamor was doubtless to produce a persecution against Paul, and secure protection for the Ephesian silversmiths to stay in business

1st Point: Often, when people have no arguments after they have been exposed for the wrong they have done, rather than repent and stop what they were doing… they raised hell and start a ruckus.
When the silversmiths business was in danger of being ruined when their employments are in danger of being ruin and the people began to stop buying silver replicas of Diana, They flew into a fit, being filled with rage.

2nd point: When people's pecuniary interests are affected, they often show great for zeal for religion, and expect both support and protection of their idolatry by raising a ruckus clamor in behalf of some man- made doctrine to maintain their own person interest and vices to protect their own financial or influential gains from wicked devices and means.

3rd point: People will always find a way to pen a religious cloak on what they do as unmoral and immoral it may be and then in opposition of the real church question the ethics of the Christian religion, because Christianity breeds change in the one who embraces it and condemns the acts of idolatry and the lifestyles of the unmoral and immoral.: and sounds God’s warning to those who refuse to turn from their wicked ways… Remember the following Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 5:17: If any man be in Christ, he (or she) is a new creature (creation) Old things are passed away….Behold (Look and observe) All things are become new….

Romans 12: 1-2: And be not conformed to this world (SIN-Lust, Pride, Greed, Idolatry, Immorality) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove that good, acceptable, perfect will of God

The City's Reaction: Confusion:
2 of Paul’s companions: Gaius and Aristarchus were caught and rushed into judgment into a theater. (vs. 29- 31)

A “disorganized” crowd of Ephesians: They grabbed hold of Gaius (a Corinthian who entertained Paul at his house and showed great hospitality toward him there) and Aristarchus ( a man who would accompany and watch over Paul when he traveled to Rome and would also be incarcerated with him there) arrested them and brought them into the marketplace to stand trial.

Paul ‘s passion and concern: Paul wanted to go and talk to the people, even defend both his friends and his own ministry, but the disciples would allow him to. (vs. 30)

Certain of the chief people of Asia (the Asiarchs) who were Paul’s friends sent word to him expressing their concern and sought to dissuade him from going too. (vs. 31)

Who are the Asiaics?
The Asiarchs were those to who were responsible for the care and regulation of the public games. They were a sort of high priests, and were always persons of considerable riches and influence. Were they Christian? No

They could not have been Christians; but they were Paul’s friends; and having foresight that Paul would be exposed to great danger if he went into the theatre in the midst of such turmoil, they sent a message to him, pleading with him not to go into danger so apparent.

Taking a closer look at the actions of the mob crowd…..Just to show just how confused they were:
“Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

Here’s a prime example of the danger of what could happen whenever a crowd is filled and gathered together with uncontrolled passion over a civil matter and not know what that matter is in reality.:

Some therefore cried one thing……. Most of them didn’t even know what was going on. Only a few did…but for those who didn’t….. Their passion for drama and noise drew them in a frenzy and they became part of the mob. You can’t follow the thundering herd! Every crowd isn’t your crowd!

Another “literal truth”
In most cases where a riot or a mob scene breaks out suddenly, the majority of the people who show up don’t even know what’s going on…Noise and excitement has a way of making us stop what we are doing and go join the noise and excitement. Wherever you hear noise, eventually a crowd will gather to first find out what caused the noise and then become part of that noise!

Here’s a PowerPoint:
If the church could only be drawn by divine noise and the holy excitement of God’s love in the atmosphere and praise enters in and breaks out in the building. What building? YOUR building….YOUR temple... your body is the temple of the HOLY Ghost….,Dare to let joy enter in your building, Dare to let deliverance enter in the building, let healing enter in the building. Let the Holy Spirit put you in a holy frenzy…..When all of God’s children get together….WHAT a TIME!

At the Marketplace:           Case Dismissed                      (verses 33-34)

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense unto the people. (vs. 33)

And they (the Jews in opposition of Paul) drafted Alexander out of the crowd to speak in their behalf. His role was to basically tell the magistrates the Jews had nothing to do with the uproar. Who this Alexander was is not known. According to many Biblical scholars, Grotius Alexander (his full name) was one who was known to be a Jew, and who wished to defend the Jews from being regarded as responsible for starting this riot. Up to this point in modern history, the pagans believed that the Christians were a sect of the Jews. (Judaism) The Jews who were believers of Judaism wanted him to speak in their behalf to show Christianity was not a part of Judaism nor were they in allegiance to Paul and the preaching of the gospel but the uproar was caused by the actions of Paul and his group, the newly formed church and the ministers who assisted him in spreading the gospel

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.(vs. 34)

The mob’s response to Alexander: When they determined and figured out that Alexander was a Jew, they literally shouted him down and drowned his ability to be heard by the crowd. For 2 hours they shouted the following: “GREAT IS DIANA OF THE EPHESIANS”

Reason: There was a general disdain and prejudice against the Jews, the and the belief that Christianity was just a sect of Judaism, they (the confused mob) was fully disposed to blame the entire cause of this uproar on Jews. Thus, they didn’t want to hear anything the Jews had to say to any defense.

A “note” concerning the outcry from the mob: the outcry served 2 purposes:
They first did it to silence Alexander.

They shouted, continuously in order to make it emphatic in public that they were completely “souled” out to the worship and upkeep of the monument erected in honor of Diana (Artemis) The more they shouted, the more in a frenzy they became.

Power Point of Emphasis:
As a Christian, the attitude they had toward Artemis should be the same attitude we ought to have toward the Lord. The more we call His name the better we should feel, and the louder we ought to praise HIM… the more the Holy Spirit should cause us be so aware of the presence of God…the power of God …and the protection of God that that praise that’s on the inside that’s trying to get out even now has no excuse not to get out….When you think of the goodness of Jesus and all that He’s done for you….You ought to let that praise out...That fire that’s on the inside that’s shut up in our bones ought to make you want to holler….to celebrate in a Holy frenzy. They had that attitude toward a statue….the GOD we serve is real

Concerning the Town Clerk (Chancellor, scribe, the secretary, public notary
(verses 35-40)

And when the town clerk 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?

Whatever his official title, this officer had a seat in their deliberation assemblies, and apparently, it was his responsibility to keep the peace in Ephesus.

When he had appeased the people (the loud confused mob crowd) that is, restrained, got them quiet, then taking over the assembly, he delivered the following address: (in confidence, arrogance, indignation and reproof against any naysayers)

"You men of Ephesus, What man in this crowd or elsewhere, that does not know that it is well known (and openly admitted) this whole city of the Ephesians worships the great goddess Diana and the image (actual statue) which fell down from Jupiter. In fact the whole wide world comes here worshipping her and making business transactions".

The Implication: What he thought and his personal position on the matter:
He implied that the worship of Diana was so well established that there was no danger that it could be destroyed by a few Jews, and he therefore reproved them (the mob crown) for what he deemed was their unreasonable fears.

What he didn’t know or couldn’t imagine:
Because he knew very little to nothing about the power of “that” religion (Christian religion the Holy Spirit and the gospel (the WORD of GOD) of salvation).

He didn’t know that the proclamation of God’s WORD cause everything that happened in Ephesus then. Not only did God’s WORD bring a cataclysmic spiritual change in Ephesus then, the same WORD would do the same in the future.

In the future, history will record the final demise of the entire Roman Empire, (Babylon) idolatry, immorality and every vile act of sin imaginable in general, including the worship of Diana of Ephesus and all.

From Revelation Chapter 18 to Revelation Chapter 20:15, God revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos that in the near future (according to God's timetable) Satan's destruction will be complete, including the total destruction of Babylon (Revived Roman Empire) and his ultimate demise in Chapter 20:15 in the Lake of fire.

“The Fall of Babylon the Great”              (vs. 1-3)
“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily* with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."

God's decree to HIS People: “Come out of Babylon”                                      (vs. 4-8)

And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached* to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you,* and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.'  Therefore her plagues will come in one day: death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges* her".

The World’s Reaction to her destruction: The World Mourns Babylon's Fall   (vs. 9-19)

The Kings Reaction to Babylon's destruction:    Lamentation and weeping                                                               (vs. 9-10)

The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'

The Merchant’s Reaction:     (The Movers and Shakers)              (vs. 11-19)

"And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you,* and you shall find them no more at all.

The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.

The “Ship master’s Reaction”:

Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'
"They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.'
Heaven and the “Righteous on earth’s reaction:
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles* and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!"

The Finality of Babylon's Fall (Roman Empire)          (vs. 21- 24

Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth."
Heaven Exalts over Babylon: “Babylon is Destroyed!”
(Revelation 19:1-11)

“After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord* our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!" And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!" Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both* small and great!"

And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the* Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'" And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God." And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Conclusion of Chapter 19.........

Now concerning any accusations pertaining to our goddess:
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. (vs. 36)

Since no one can call in question the zeal of the Ephesians on this subject, or doubt the sincerity of their beliefs, and since there can be no danger that this well-established worship is to be destroyed by the efforts of a few evil-disposed Jews, there is no reason for this uproar. Quiet down!

Do nothing in a heated, inconsiderate manner. There is no occasion for tumult and riot. The whole difficulty can be settled in perfect consistency with the maintenance of order For ye (Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths) have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.(vs. 37)

Demetrius and his friends. The blame was to be traced to them. You brought these men here who haven’t committed sacrilege, nor have they blasphemed your goddess; The meaning here is that Paul and his companions had not been guilty of robbing the temple of Diana, or any other temple. The charge of sacrilege could not be brought against them. Though they had preached against idols and idol worship, yet they had offered no violence to the temples of idolaters, nor had they attempted to strip them of the sacred utensils employed in their service. What they had done, they had done peaceably.

They had not used harsh or reproachful language of Diana. This had not been charged on them, nor is there the least evidence that they had done it. They had opposed idolatry; had reasoned against it; and had endeavored to turn the people from it. But there is not the least evidence that they had ever done it in harsh or reproachful manner.

This reveals a powerful lesson we all can learn from Paul's method of evangelism:
:
This shows that people should employ reason, and not harsh or reproachful language against a pervading evil; and that the way to remove it is to enlighten the minds of people, and to convince them of the error of their ways.
Speak the truth in love and share the gospel in a way that causes the people hearing it to strongly consider their ways as they are under conviction by the Holy Spirit. People gain nothing by bitter and reviling words; and it is much to obtain the testimony of even the enemies of religion as Paul did of the chancellor of Ephesus-that no such words had been used in describing their crimes and follies.

Now, Concerning Demetrius and the Craftsmen                                    (verses 38-41)

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.

If Demetrius and the Craftsmen have a complaint of injury; if injustice has been done them by anyone.
There are court-days; days which are open, or appointed for judicial trials, where such matters can be determined in a proper manner. Perhaps the courts were then held, and the matter might be immediately determined.And there are deputies Roman proconsuls that their cases might be brought before them with the certainty that it would be heard and decided. Let them accuse each other in the court. The laws are equal, and impartial justice will be done.

But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
If you seek to determine any other matters than that pertaining to the alleged wrong which Demetrius has suffered in his business. Anything respecting public affairs; anything pertaining to the government and the worship of Diana in an assembly convened, not by tumult and riot, but in conformity to law.
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.
Right now, we are in danger to be called in question by the government; by the Roman authority. If this uproar, continues for so long a time, it would be likely to attract the attention of the magistrates, and expose them to their displeasure
The Roman government hated public commotions and such an assembly as this, convened without any good cause, would not escape their notice. There was a Roman law which made it capital for anyone to be engaged in promoting a riot. Sui "He who raises a mob, let him be punished with death."

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
MEETING’S OVER!

Dr. William Edward Boddie

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Bible Study Series: Exposition on the Book of Acts Chapter 20:1-12...Paul's 3rd Missionary Journey Continues: Ministering In Greece and Troas: "Miracle on Communion Sunday"

Bible Study Series: Exposition on the Book of Acts Chapter 19:23-41: Paul's 3rd Missionary Journey: Ephesus...."An Uproar in Ephesus (Part 3)

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